The 7th Vana'diel Census (06/27/2007)

[Hantz]

The 7th Vana'diel Census (06/27/2007)



Welcome to the 7th edition of the Vana'diel Census!

All the rankings from the previous year are here, such as the most popular main job/support job combinations and auction house goods. This year we have also introduced some new statistical data, including charts that provide an insight into the overall level of progression in the three expansion disc storyline missions.

What fascinating new trends will we witness with the release of the latest expansion disc "Wings of the Goddess"?

Click here to explore the 7th Vana'diel Census.

[Hantz]

Re: The 7th Vana'diel Census (06/27/2007)

Introduction
On May 16, 2007, FINAL FANTASY XI entered its sixth year of service! FINAL FANTASY XI has steadily grown over the months and years into a thriving community of more than 500,000 users. Once again, the development and operations teams have analyzed the paths and choices of Vana’diel’s adventurers and compiled a detailed report.
We hope you enjoy this in-depth look at FINAL FANTASY XI’s constantly evolving community!

Login Distribution
The graphs below represent the login data for a sample week in May, 2007. From the peaks and troughs we can determine that there are three main login times representing users from the regions of Japan, North America, and Europe. During any time zone, a significant percentage of the 500,000+ player base will be logged into the game. As can be expected, the number of logins at any particular time is generally higher over the weekend period.


≪Simultaneous Logins≫* Indicated in JST


Now let’s take a look at the amount of time players spend on a character each day. Last year’s census saw 72% of people logging in for less than 3 hours of play time, while this year that figure has risen to 77.8%. In contrast, average play time for this year has increased slightly to 168 minutes from 164 minutes last year.


≪Login Time Per Character≫




Job Levels
As was the case last year, the highest concentration of job levels was found at 37 and 75. However, this year we have noticed a large amount of players with jobs that fall on factors of 5, such as 5, 10, 15, 20, etc. While this trend can partly be tied to the influx of new players joining Vana’diel every month, it may also be a result of the following reasons:

1. Job traits & abilities
2. Extra jobs

As you may or may not know, when you start a new job in FINAL FANTASY XI, you begin at level one, and only begin learning new abilities by gaining in level. While not set in stone, most job-specific abilities and traits are obtained at levels which are factors of 5. We can assume many players raise certain jobs to levels 5, 10, 15, 20, etc. to obtain these abilities. Also, it is evident that many players have raised at least one job to 15 to compliment the job they raised to 30 in order to obtain the extra jobs.

Other factors such as chocobo licenses, level-capped missions, battlefields, and ENM quests are believed to have contributed to the “factor 5” phenomenon.


≪Main Job Level Distribution (Level 2-75)≫

[Hantz]

Re: The 7th Vana'diel Census (06/27/2007)

Jobs

This section looks at the distribution of jobs, and the most popular combinations for main and support jobs. As has been the trend, the initial six jobs (warrior, monk, white mage, black mage, red mage, and thief) easily account for more than half of the total percentage for main job distribution. The high percentages for white mage (16%), black mage (13%), and red mage (13%) indicate the continued popularity of the magic-wielding jobs.
The consistent higher percentages of the initial jobs versus the extra jobs can be attributed to the influx of new players since the commencement of French and German language service, as well as the release of the “FINAL FANTASY XI Vana'diel Collection 2007” in North America. The release of a FINAL FANTASY XI beginner’s package for Windows in Japan has also contributed to these figures.

Moving on to the combinations of main and support jobs, we see that the top five ranks have held their positions from last year. It is also interesting to note that the combinations of warrior/ninja and black mage/red mage that entered the top ten last year continue to maintain a strong presence in the rankings.
The job to watch this year is red mage. The red mage/white mage and black mage/red mage combinations have risen in rank not only this year, but last year as well. This trend is a clear indication of the amazing utility and flexibility of this popular job.


≪Main Job Distribution≫



[ Main/Support Job Ranking ]

Ranking-- Main Job/ Support Job-- Relative Percentage-- Change from 2006 Census

( ) denotes 2006 ranking

1 White Mage/Black Mage 13.43% →
2 Black Mage/White Mage 10.13% →
3 Red Mage/Black Mage 5.74% →
4 Ninja/Warrior 5.07% →
5 Monk/Warrior 4.35% →
6 Red Mage/White Mage 4.31% ↑（7）
7 Warrior/Monk 3.75% ↑（8）
8 Thief/Ninja 3.75% ↑（9）
9 Paladin/Warrior 3.68% ↓（6）
10 Warrior/Ninja 2.76% →
11 Black Mage/Red Mage 2.28% ↑（14）
12 Bard/White Mage 2.18% ↓（11）
13 Thief/Warrior 2.08% →
14 Beastmaster/White Mage 1.96% ↓（12）
15 Summoner/White Mage 1.78% →
Others 32.75%



Racial Distribution
Next, we’ll be analyzing the percentages for racial distribution, as well as the most popular sizes and genders for each race.
Hume males still top the rankings this year; however Tarutaru males are hot on their heels. If the popularity of the diminutive Windurstians continues to rise, we may see a new race in the number one position this time next year. In an interesting comparison, Tarutaru females continue to come in at a humble sixth.
The only change we see in the rankings this time around is the previously fourth-ranked Elvaan males giving way to Hume females, jumping up from fifth position.
Gender continues to be fairly balanced, with gender distribution coming in at 54.2% for males, and 45.76 for females.



≪Racial Distribution≫

[ Race Ranking ]
Ranking --Race (Gender) --Relative Percentage --Change from 2006 Census
( ) denotes 2006 ranking

1 Hume (♂) 17.34% →
2 Tarutaru (♂) 17.24% →
3 Mithra (♀) 14.97% →
4 Hume (♀) 12.40% ↑(5)
5 Elvaan (♂) 12.19% ↓(4)
6 Tarutaru (♀) 12.10% →
7 Galka (♂) 7.47% →
8 Elvaan (♀) 6.29% →


Face Type Distribution
The actual rankings for each face type have remained constant from the previous census; however, there have been some fluctuations in the distribution percentages which we shall now investigate for each separate race.



As with last year, three quarters of the male Hume face type distribution is occupied by types 1, 2, 3, and 4. The only change to be seen is an increase in the percentage for type 1, and a subsequent decrease in types 2, 3, and 4.



Face types 1, 2, and 3 occupy almost three quarters of the female Hume chart. Type 1 has increased in popularity by 1%, while type 3 has experienced a drop of 2%. Type 2 remains relatively unchanged.



Face types 1, 2, and 7 seem to be the most popular choices for Elvaan males. There is little to no change from last year’s percentages.



Face type 6 remains an extremely popular choice for Elvaan females. Perhaps this character model represents everyone’s idea of the perfect Elvaan...?



Type 6 is the most popular Tarutaru male face, followed closely by type 2 and type 8.



The previous gap of 3% between type 4 and type 1 has almost completely disappeared this year, showing the rising popularity of the type 1 female Tarutaru face.



Here’s another example of three face types occupying almost three quarters of the chart. Type 6 continues to hold the top position for Mithra.



In contrast to the other races, the Galka face types are relatively balanced in popularity. Type 6 remains the most popular choice.





Small character models occupy the majority for five out of eight races--a trend unchanged from last year’s census. One notable change is the size distribution of Elvaan males, with the larger character model overtaking the previously popular medium size. It appears that players still prefer to choose the larger sizes for Elvaan males and Galka.

[Feba]

Re: The 7th Vana'diel Census (06/27/2007)

about time.

[Mhurron]

Re: The 7th Vana'diel Census (06/27/2007)

about time.

Why? It's not like anything has really changed.

[Feba]

Re: The 7th Vana'diel Census (06/27/2007)

Nothing ever changes, it's just nice to see.

[Skoal]

Re: The 7th Vana'diel Census (06/27/2007)

Wow on all of the relics obtained.

[wrongfeifong]

Re: The 7th Vana'diel Census (06/27/2007)

amazing how much whm there is. And all that time calling raises....

[Hantz]

Re: The 7th Vana'diel Census (06/27/2007)

Linkshells

Linkshells have become an essential part of life in Vana’diel--there are many people whose first act upon logging in is to greet their linkshell members. We compiled statistics on the number of active linkshells on every server during a 24-hour period and examined the results.

During those 24 hours, there were 47,278 active linkshells, for an average of 1,477 per world. Largely unchanged from the previous census, 72% of linkshells were populated by up to 10 members, while linkshells populated by up to 20 members accounted for 89% of the total.

On June 29, 2006, the beta version of the FINAL FANTASY XI Linkshell Community was released to provide a new forum of communication and interaction between linkshell members.
Over the year since its inception, 111,545 community accounts and 22,033 linkshell communities have been registered on the site. On average, 688 communities have been established per World.

We will continue to develop additional features and improve the FINAL FANTASY XI Linkshell Community site as we work towards releasing the official version. We encourage players who have yet to explore this service to register on the site and enjoy a new level of communication with their linkshell members.

Linkshell Community： http://fanzone.playonline.com/lscom/index.do


≪Linkshell Usage≫*1 day




Items


This section will cover the most common items put up for auction, as well as the proliferation of relic-level equipment.

First, let’s take a look at the data for the four auction houses. From the results, we can see that the guilds found in a nation have a large impact on the items appearing for auction.

The San d’Orian auction house is the place to find skins and hides. The availability of these goods can be attributed to the existence of the Tanners' Guild, as well as the types of monsters inhabiting Ronfaure, La Theine, and Jugner Forest--areas easily reached from San d’Oria.

This year’s census has seen the previously popular sheepskin drop in rank, while black tiger hides have shot up nine places to third position--a direct result of synthesis recipes introduced in recent version updates. It’s also interesting to note that rabbit hides have made an appearance in the ranking, possibly due to the influx of new players and the relatively wide level range of monsters that drop this item.

The top-ranked items for the Bastok auction house remain unchanged from last year, with zinc ore, iron ore, Quadav backplates, and beehive chips occupying the first four positions. The ranking for these items is easily explained by the abundance of mining locations in and around Bastok, and the existence of the Alchemists’ Guild within the city. The link between the Norg and Bastok auction houses accounts for the continued appearance of rusty leggings and rusty subligaria in this year’s ranking, and also provides another reason for the popularity of zinc ore.

An interesting addition to the San d’Orian and Bastokan auction house rankings this year is the hi-potion. We can attribute the appearance of this item to the newly-introduced Assault missions in the Treasures of Aht Urhgan areas. The hi-potion tank is often received as a reward for these missions, and can be desynthesized into hi-potions.

[ Goods Most Placed On Auction ]
[ San d'Oria ]
Ranking--Item Name--Successful Bids--Change from 2006 Census

1 Moat Carp 85.88%→
2 Ram Skin 85.98%↑(3)
3 Tiger Hide 92.05%↑(9)
4 Zinc Ore 83.12%↑(5)
5 Yagudo Drink 76.83%↑(7)
6 Sheepskin 82.67%↓(2)
7 Dhalmel Hide 84.33%↑(10)
8 Hi-Potion 76.94%↑(Unavailable)
9 Elm Log 84.59%↓(4)
10 Rabbit Hide 80.34%↑(Unavailable)


[ Bastok ]
Ranking--Item Name--Successful Bids--Change from 2006 Census
( ) denotes 2006 ranking

1 Zinc Ore 94.51%→
2 Iron Ore 88.40%→
3 Quadav Backplate 89.42%→
4 Beehive Chip 85.63%→
5 Rusty Leggings 83.10%↑(7)
6 Goblin Mask 95.35%↑(10)
7 Rusty Subligar 86.21%↑(8)
8 Yagudo Drink 76.14%↑(Unavailable)
9 Tarutaru Rice 73.10%↑(Unavailable)
10 Hi-Potion 82.72%↑(Unavailable)

The ranking for the Windurstian auction house is strongly influenced by the existence of the Boneworkers' Guild.

This year, that influence can be seen in the new number one item--giant femurs, obtained from dhalmels that inhabit nearby areas. We can also see a surge in the popularity of other bonecrafting staples such as bone chips and ram horns, in direct contrast to a drop in the ranking of clothcraft materials such as silk thread and spider webs.

[ Windurst ]
Ranking--Item Name--Successful Bids--Change from 2006 Census
( ) denotes 2006 ranking

1 Giant Femur 89.25%↑(2)
2 Yagudo Necklace 85.33%↓(1)
3 Moat Carp 80.27%→
4 Tarutaru Rice 79.54%↑(5)
5 Silk Thread 79.42%↓(4)
6 Bone Chip 86.84%↑(8)
7 Scorpion Claw 82.44%↑(10)
8 Ram Horn 79.91%↑(Unavailable)
9 Spider Web 85.99%↓(6)
10 Crab Shell 77.16%↑(Unavailable)

Next, let’s take a look at the linked auction houses of Jeuno, Tavnazia, and Aht Urhgan.
The items available in these locations generally share the trait of being end products, rather than base materials. Looking at the ranking, we can see that the top ten consists of 3 types of food, 3 types of medicine, and 1 type of ninja tool. Being hubs of adventuring activity, it would seem that items used regularly in missions and leveling parties are popular choices for these auction houses.

It is interesting to note that while silent oil is on the rise, prism powder has failed to make it into the ranking. We can assume that many adventurers are making use of the ninjutsu ability “Tonko” as a substitute for prism powder.

[ Jeuno ]

1 Yagudo Drink 92.01%↑(2)
2 Silent Oil 88.11%↑(3)
3 Spider Web 95.59%↓(1)
4 Sole Sushi 84.28%↑(5)
5 Gigant Squid 91.97%↑(9)
6 Hi-Potion 89.63%↓(4)
7 Squid Sushi 87.33%↓(6)
8 Meat Mithkabob 88.79%↑(Unavailable)
9 Toolbag (Shihei) 79.72%↑(Unavailable)
10 Black Sole 82.04%↑(Unavailable)

Lastly, we have accumulated data concerning relic-level equipment. As with last year’s census, we’ll be focusing on the number of fourth stage and completed relic items that exist in all Worlds.

Despite its relatively late introduction into the game, by far and away the most popular relic is the Aegis, with a record of 144 shields created. This popularity can be attributed to the low cost of crafting the Aegis compared to other relic-level items, and the unique properties of the shield. Mandau, Excalibur, Kikoku, and Gjallarhorn are the most prevalent among the relic weapons, ranging from 90 to 94 items created. This rivalry can be attributed to the popularity of the jobs capable of equipping these weapons. This year’s totals of 353 for fourth stage items and 778 for relic items have far exceeded the previous year’s totals of 176 and 218.

[Hantz]

Re: The 7th Vana'diel Census (06/27/2007)

Crap on it all. I'm tired of trying to fix their little charts that keep coming apart in posts. If you're at work and you can't check the real site, I'm sorry, I did what I could.

[KoukiRyu]

Re: The 7th Vana'diel Census (06/27/2007)

Really quite suprising about the relics, the numbers almost what, more than quadrupled? That's amazing. And to be honest, it's suprising to me to see so few COR's, especially having them be the same as PUP, percentage wise. I've been looking into COR recently, it seems fun, and there's never one around, so it'd be a fun job to level I think.

[Mhurron]

Re: The 7th Vana'diel Census (06/27/2007)

Crap on it all. I'm tired of trying to fix their little charts that keep coming apart in posts. If you're at work and you can't check the real site, I'm sorry, I did what I could.

“If at first you don't succeed, give up.” -Homer Simpson

[Amele]

Re: The 7th Vana'diel Census (06/27/2007)

Really quite suprising about the relics, the numbers almost what, more than quadrupled? That's amazing. And to be honest, it's suprising to me to see so few COR's, especially having them be the same as PUP, percentage wise. I've been looking into COR recently, it seems fun, and there's never one around, so it'd be a fun job to level I think.

I'm not at all surprised about the relics.

there was a large amount of gil in circulation a little over a year ago now, it's about 100 mil to make a relic (which was relatively easy to make over christmas 2005)

it takes approximately 100 runs in dynamis to get the currency to make a relic; which will take most people about 50 weeks, then probably another 10 to secure the attestation and fragments.

so, about a year lag.

[Auron517]

Re: The 7th Vana'diel Census (06/27/2007)

I think it's pretty funny to see that the majority of people aren't even trying to finish the Promathia expansion

[Akashimo]

Re: The 7th Vana'diel Census (06/27/2007)

The relic results blew me away, that and my char faces are like in 3/4th place in popularity to use o.o;