Fanfest 2008 - Dev Interview

[Ganiman]

Attending: (Left to right) Yoji Fujito - Planner, Kouichi Ogawa - Director of Wings of the Goddess & Treasures of Aht Urhgan, Hiromichi Tanaka - Producer, Ganiman - FFXIclopedia, Mizuki Ito - Planner (back), Gahoo - FFXIclopedia (front), Mitsutoshi Gondai - Planner, Akihiko Matsui- Battle Director, and Sage Sundi - Global Online Producer.

Also in attendance were representatives from IGN and Stratics.


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Will we be able to access Tavnazia [S]? FFXIclopedia
Ogawa: There are no current plans to add this zone, but it is possible in the future.

Are there plans to add more avatars for the Summoner job? IGN
Gondai/Matsui/Ito: Not in the December patch. We are in the process of creating 2 new avatars. One will be a "Large big pet".

Are there any plans to introduce any mobile phone interface to the Auction House or other parts of FFXI? Stratics
Tanaka: FFXI was not initially designed for mobile use. It would require a lot of overhaul to FFXI. We are not thinking of adding this to the game.

Fort Karugo-Narugo has a soccor field looking area in the the dat files. What are the plans for this? FFXIclopedia
Ogawa/Ito: Everyone is kicking around the idea of using this area. Nothing specific to mention yet. It's on the drawing the board.

All other mage jobs besides White Mage have some way to gain mp, either through job trait or spell. Are there any plans to introduce a form of White Mage MP recovery? IGN
Gondai: The new White Mage weaponskill from the Nyzul Isle Mythic Weapons gives White Mage a unique way of regaining MP. We are considering tweaks to have White Mages and Red Mages attack more.

What kind of experience can we expect to see from dungeons? Stratics
Fujito: There are lots of different themes to the Moblin Mazes. The mazes may or may not have mobs, so experience points can vary depending on the maze's "theme". No experience will be recieved from mazes without mobs, but there will be other benefits.

Is there going to be another mog bonanza or similar event? If so, when we can expect it? FFXIclopedia
Tanaka: We wanted to make this a regular event, but there are legal issues surrounding it. We are going to introduce a different format to address these kinds of issues in the future - not the next patch. Please look forward to it, it will be coming.

Are there plans to allow for skilling up duing Campaign Battles? IGN
Ito: We cannot allow skill ups in campaign battles due to exploits - think the BRD exploit. "Do besieged for skill ups"
Fujito: Moblin Mazes may be used for skill ups.

Many MMOs have borrowed features from each other. Are you considering to borrow ideas from other MMOs? Or does SE think it is doing a sufficient job on it's own? Stratics
Tanaka: Our philosophy is that players try a lot of MMOs before settling on one. Changes to FFXI are based on player input, so changes to FFXI my indirectly come from other MMOs.
Matsui: The trend in MMOs is for very fast paced battles. XI is different and has been working well for us.

Maruna-Kurina has hinted at the possibility of certain beastmen NPCs (Boodlix, Kaiser Behemoth, Eurytos, Raigegue R d'Oraguille) being influenced by the Allied Forces. Can they be recruited and what is the method? FFXIclopedia
Ito: We intended to make this work. We ran into some problems with the implementation. It is not implemented in the game right now. It will not be in the next patch, but we are trying for the future.

Some gear is not unique, in particular the gear obtained from ZNMs. What is the process for picking gear designs? IGN
Matsui: Scheduling is the key and trying to fit things into the patch calendar. Planners submit a desire for new graphics, and if there is time then we can implement. If not, then we re-assign old graphics.
Gondai/Ito: With respect to the ZNM gear, we will "enter into negotiations" with the design team for new graphics.

PUP is largely seen as useless in parties. Is the job intended to be solo in nature, and if not, are there plans to improve its appeal in parties? Stratics
Matsui: We realize pet jobs need work. We are planning changes for the future.

What is the status of mythic weapon acquisition? When do you expect the first to be completed? Any more adjustments planned for these quests? FFXIclopedia
Ogawa/Ito: We do not have plans to change how mythic weapons are aquired.
Gondai/Ito: Even at the fastest projected rate, in prime conditions - keep in mind that different servers will have different amounts of Alexandrite - it can take 1-2 months, but in a typical environment it will take 6 months or more.

Other MMOs have official forums. Are there plans to give FFXI official forums? IGN
Sundi/Tanaka: We considered this at first, but we were worried that the forums would mostly be Japanese. FFXI is a global game. We decided to leave it to regional sites where the community managers could participate.

Are there plans to drop PS2 support because of it's limitations to allow for better upgrades on other platforms? Stratics
Tanaka: We have a responsibility to continue support to the PS2 players. We cannot just drop it. Unfortunatly this is an inherent flaw in a multi platform MMO.

What use does Dark Ixion's horn have? It is a 100% drop, and has no craftable or questable use. FFXIclopedia
Gondai/Ito: A purpose will be considered.

Pankration is missing some mobs such as Hippogryphs and colors from mobs like Lycopodiums. Are there plans to add these? IGN
Ito: YES! However we cannot release any details about this.

Are you aware of what percentage of players use a controller versus a keyboard? Stratics
Tanaka: There is no real data collected on this, because there are PC users who may use a controller. We have no grasp of these statistics.

When do you plan on having the complete WotG storyline released to the playerbase? Will we be able to access the Walk of Echoes zone outside of
cutscenes, and if so, when? FFXIclopedia
Ogawa: The December patch will expand to the climax of the storyline, but there will not complete the storyline. A few more patches will follow to complete it. The Walk of Echoes zone will become accessable.

Are there plans to add additional furnite to display items that can assist with storage? IGN
Fujito/Ito: Yes, we are trying to work with this idea. Something may be coming soon.

Are there plans to translate the Creator's Voice blog into English - or have another English blog seperate? FFXIclopedia
The Vanafest content in the Creator's Voice blog was translated, but this was a one time feature. If the blog's author learns to speak and write English - maybe.

Mini expansions are a new style of releasing new content. Is this going to be how expansions will be delivered from now on? Will we going back to "bigger versions?" IGN
Tanaka: The reason we did the smaller expansions, is that digital downloads are the current trend. We will monitor this and the results will influence this decision.

Are there plans to revisit the conquest system and add refresh, regen and/or increased food duration? FFXIclopedia
Gondai/Ogawa: Refresh and regen would not normally be available to low level players in these zones. The new Fields of Valor system will be featured in the low level zones and pick up where they leave off, meaning higher level players will be back in these zones. Regen and refresh will be available from items.

There are 20 macro books and 20 jobs. Are there any plans to add more jobs? IGN
Tanaka: They have some ideas for new jobs, but only time will tell If they get added. If they add new jobs they will simply add new macro books.

What are the inspiration for zone design - such as Promyvion zones? Stratics
Ogawa: This is a difficult question. The designers have artistic freedom with few parameters to meet.

Are there any upcoming changes to the campaign system? FFXIclopedia
Ito: There will be changes. More information will be releaved at the development panel tomorrow.

There are FFXI related books in Japan. Any plans to make them available in North America? IGN
Daisuke Yamamoto - There are novels in Japan that they are planning on making available here, but there are legal issues they are dealing with.

Any plans on helping Red Mages get to the front lines? FFXIclopedia
Gondai: - Not in the December patch. The patch afterwards will feature job adjustments, including of Red Mage.

Summoner pets can participate in level 1 and level 2 skillchains. Any plans on allowing them to participate in level 3 skillchains? IGN
Tanaka/Gondai: This is something they originally thought about. Future plans are secret.

[esdain]

When do you plan on having the complete WotG storyline released to the playerbase? Will we be able to access the Walk of Echoes zone outside of
cutscenes, and if so, when? FFXIclopedia
Ogawa: The December patch will expand to the climax of the storyline, but there will not complete the storyline. A few more patches will follow to complete it. The Walk of Echoes zone will become accessable.

Awesome and very telling answer to the question from the FFXIwiki peeps (the admin reps and the members that suggested questions) here. Not just another 'we're looking into that in the future'. It sounds like we'll be rocking some more WotG missions before the update where we get an endgame field to play in. At least Walk of Echoes seems to have a feel like it'll be the endgame field of WotG.

Another thing I noticed. If you took away SquareEnix interview rep's ability to use the word 'future' or George W. Bush's ability to say 'freedom' or 'terror', then they wouldn't have a lot to say. Honestly... if I had the patience I used to, I'd go through that interview and find every place wher they mentioned "in the future" and count them all up. I bet it would be a lot.

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Puppetmasters appear to be worthless in parties. Are there any plans to improve? Stratics
Matsui: We realize pet jobs need work. We are planning changes for the future.

All that detailed question asking about PUP and their frames and we get: Pups can be crap! Help! SE: In the future.


~~~~

Are you aware of what percentage of players use a controller versus a keyboard? Stratics
Tanaka: There is no real data collected on this, because there are PC users who may use a controller. We have no grasp of these statistics.

This kind of reminds me of when people thought they kept track of people using windower. All they keep track of is your credit card info.

[Drazzan]

Great list of questions asked. Covered almost all topics, and got decent answers from the Dev's.

Its good to see that they are still adding new content, and the new graphic upon WotG completion has me thinking, i thought they couldn't add new graphics and equipment because of PS2 limitations, perhaps they have found a way to get around this?

Thanks Guys ^^

P.S...Where is the DRG Love ; ; *Was Psyched for a new DRG Announcement*

[Focant]

Fort Karugo-Narugo has a soccor field looking area in the the dat files. What are the plans for this? FFXIclopedia
Ogawa/Ito: Everyone is kicking around the idea of using this area. Nothing specific to mention yet. It's on the drawing the board.

I see what they did there.

Anyways yeah they do use "in the future" a lot but I suppose they don't want to rule out any possibilities. Glad to hear WotG is moving along swimmingly. At least, I hope so. :X

I think the new graphics comment refers more to icons and new armor designs as opposed to re-skins of older ones as I think there isn't a work around for the ps2 limitations. The only solution I could see is if they they pulled something like EVE did where some people have older graphics and others get newer. Just keep mob draw distances the same perhaps and I don't see how it would create an unfair environment favoring one over the other. Honestly though it'd be a huge undertaking and I doubt we'd see it soon if ever.

[Lordshadow]

Another thing I noticed. If you took away SquareEnix interview rep's ability to use the word 'future' or George W. Bush's ability to say 'freedom' or 'terror', then they wouldn't have a lot to say.

Or Obama and "Change" except repalce "a lot" with "anything at all"

[WinterNightz]

Another thing I noticed. If you took away SquareEnix interview rep's ability to use the word 'future' or George W. Bush's ability to say 'freedom' or 'terror', then they wouldn't have a lot to say.

Or Obama and "Change" except repalce "a lot" with "anything at all"

word.

[Fiorenzo]

Is there a page somewhere listing all the announcements made / things learned at the Fanfest? I know the live blog text is available, but that reads like a chatroom... is there a concise list somewhere of all the juicy tidbits?

[xizro345]

I think it was a worthless interview, not because of the question asked but for the general lack of any reply that wasn't vague. I still question the fact that they even asked this to be embargoed. What's the point? They basically told nothing.
I find the Tavnazia reply especially insulting, since they danced around the question for a whole year (since WoTG announcement).

[OMEGA_HACK]

Glad my question was one of the ones answered with straight forwardness lol.

But yeah I was surprised that some of those questions were answered...Keyboards vs controllers...wtf? >.> How about some more juicy questions please lol...

But I am glad at this quote (although we will see how they hold up on their end)

Any plans on helping Red Mages get to the front lines? FFXIclopedia
Gondai: - Not in the December patch. The patch afterwards will feature job adjustments, including of Red Mage.

Why is it that we come up with the best questions and get the best responses this is important info people! Spring Update we should see job adjustments which sadly I wish were now, but at least they are owning up to some promises made lol.

[Baelorn]

I'm always more interested in job adjustments than anything else...and we're not getting any yet .

[xizro345]

Why is it that we come up with the best questions and get the best responses this is important info people! Spring Update we should see job adjustments which sadly I wish were now, but at least they are owning up to some promises made lol.

Don't trust this at all. They were too vague.

[Shayala]

All other mage jobs besides White Mage have some way to gain mp, either through job trait or spell. Are there any plans to introduce a form of White Mage MP recovery? IGN
Gondai: The new White Mage weaponskill from the Nyzul Isle Mythic Weapons gives White Mage a unique way of regaining MP. We are considering tweaks to have White Mages and Red Mages attack more.

I like the sound of the bit about White Mages getting a way to regain mp and to be able to attack! I only ever play in a duo so am pretty much always getting involved in the fighting anyway,my weapon skills with both club and staff are almost capped.

[Hidenobu]

All other mage jobs besides White Mage have some way to gain mp, either through job trait or spell. Are there any plans to introduce a form of White Mage MP recovery? IGN
Gondai: The new White Mage weaponskill from the Nyzul Isle Mythic Weapons gives White Mage a unique way of regaining MP. We are considering tweaks to have White Mages and Red Mages attack more.

Huh Oo Blackmage have a way to gain mp Oo ? What is it ? Conserve MP ? Only Redmage Summoner and Scholar gan gain MP !!!!!
Mystic Boon from Yagrush will gives a unique way for whm to get back some MP? HOW? Something like Spirit taker?.... No they said a unique way ? Wait and see .....

[Luxuria]

All other mage jobs besides White Mage have some way to gain mp, either through job trait or spell. Are there any plans to introduce a form of White Mage MP recovery? IGN
Gondai: The new White Mage weaponskill from the Nyzul Isle Mythic Weapons gives White Mage a unique way of regaining MP. We are considering tweaks to have White Mages and Red Mages attack more.

Huh Oo Blackmage have a way to gain mp Oo ? What is it ? Conserve MP ? Only Redmage Summoner and Scholar gan gain MP !!!!!
Mystic Boon from Yagrush will gives a unique way for whm to get back some MP? HOW? Something like Spirit taker?.... No they said a unique way ? Wait and see .....

>.> Mystic Boon isnt exactly from the completed Nyzul weapon, its from the weapon that drops from in Nyzul and doing the Latent type quest to get the Weapon Skill. People can get Yagrush now long before anyone finishes a Nyzul weapon. Besides BLM been had Spirit Taker and native Aspir spell. BLM is so high on the offensive magic pedestal they don't need more ways of gaining MP.

[Cyprias]

Most of the questions were bound to happen and seem pointless to be asked. :/