Most of us that have played FFXI understand what we would hope to see in the FFXIV community but with lots of new players accoustomed to a different style of gaming I wonder if it be possible.

I am pleased to note this forum is already a pleasant place, and different from some other forums for sure, but will that change as word gets out to a new breed of fans?

i just hope that we can somehow maintain the spirit of altruism in our gaming as opposed to a mad dog eat dog race to be the best.

It's not about if you've played FFXI or not, it's whether or not you choose to play an MMO where community and cooperation are important.

Any game that offers a place to congregate and chat will generate a community.  Forced cooperation on the other hand is a big turn off for a lot of people.  If they want this game to do better in the west than it's predecessor did, they're going to have to really take that to heart.  Otherwise, they'll just end up cannibalizing their current player base and will never increase their market share.

The community will transfer itself, and probably already has. =D

I'm expecting a much more mature playerbase from xi into IV, people have aged near a decade, graduated college, gotten real jobs, etc... should be like a high school reunion. 

The community will depend on FFXIV. What type of players is it going to attrack. If it is solo friendly It will bring in alot of different gamers. There is a reason WoW is regaurded as the mmo with the worst community. Just like there is a reason ffxi has the tightest communtiy that i i have been apart of. Different styles contribute to the community for better or for worse and in the end the majority wins the day.  

Originally posted by Vrazule

Any game that offers a place to congregate and chat will generate a community.  Forced cooperation on the other hand is a big turn off for a lot of people.  If they want this game to do better in the west than it's predecessor did, they're going to have to really take that to heart.  Otherwise, they'll just end up cannibalizing their current player base and will never increase their market share.

Not so fast Vrazule. You're forgetting something, FF XI was a hardcore group game. The players of that fanbase grew up on forced cooperation, yet 500k subscriptions for 8 straight years shows that the concept can sell.

FF XIV would be wise to stay group-oriented and only offer solo play as a little better, but ultimately you're looking for a party during those times.

Originally posted by RamenThief7

Originally posted by Vrazule

Any game that offers a place to congregate and chat will generate a community.  Forced cooperation on the other hand is a big turn off for a lot of people.  If they want this game to do better in the west than it's predecessor did, they're going to have to really take that to heart.  Otherwise, they'll just end up cannibalizing their current player base and will never increase their market share.

 

Not so fast Vrazule. You're forgetting something, FF XI was a hardcore group game. The players of that fanbase grew up on forced cooperation, yet 500k subscriptions for 8 straight years shows that the concept can sell.

FF XIV would be wise to stay group-oriented and only offer solo play as a little better, but ultimately you're looking for a party during those times.

Really? How wise would it be to spend $$ to put out a new game with the same forced group concept as a game that doesn't break 500k in subs?  A little better solo makes the difference and brings all the subs???      LOL...

Originally posted by Sillver

Originally posted by RamenThief7

Originally posted by Vrazule

Any game that offers a place to congregate and chat will generate a community.  Forced cooperation on the other hand is a big turn off for a lot of people.  If they want this game to do better in the west than it's predecessor did, they're going to have to really take that to heart.  Otherwise, they'll just end up cannibalizing their current player base and will never increase their market share.

 

Not so fast Vrazule. You're forgetting something, FF XI was a hardcore group game. The players of that fanbase grew up on forced cooperation, yet 500k subscriptions for 8 straight years shows that the concept can sell.

FF XIV would be wise to stay group-oriented and only offer solo play as a little better, but ultimately you're looking for a party during those times.

Really? How wise would it be to spend $$ to put out a new game with the same forced group concept as a game that doesn't break 500k in subs?  A little better solo solves makes the difference... LOL...

Hmmm....I would like to ask you something. It is apparent that you are a casual gamer. Now, you welcome the idea of new changes to a sequel of a game that was based on hardcore group aspects. Now, lets say whatever game you're playing right now has a sequel that all of a sudden become hardcore group play. It changes because it wants to attract a new crowd and make new money, so all is good, right? Wrong, you would obviously fight it.

Also, making FF XIV group-oriented like FF XI is really the smarter business option. FF XIV is basically the unspoken sequel of FF XI. FF XI was based on hardcore group aspects. If FF XIV wants to attract the FF XI crowd, it obviously won't do that if solo play became more viable (i.e. you could solo the whole game, soloing ends up being more than just a time period that you're playing but looking for a group). If FF XIV was a better version of FF XI, then that is almost 500k subscription right there. Quite a good way to start off a sequel right?

Also, 500k subscriptions is alot of money. You're forgetting this mmorpg survived as a hardcore group game for 8 straight years. And this game did well on consoles, something that mmorpgs before had never done successfully.

Originally posted by Sillver

Originally posted by RamenThief7

Originally posted by Vrazule

Any game that offers a place to congregate and chat will generate a community.  Forced cooperation on the other hand is a big turn off for a lot of people.  If they want this game to do better in the west than it's predecessor did, they're going to have to really take that to heart.  Otherwise, they'll just end up cannibalizing their current player base and will never increase their market share.

 

Not so fast Vrazule. You're forgetting something, FF XI was a hardcore group game. The players of that fanbase grew up on forced cooperation, yet 500k subscriptions for 8 straight years shows that the concept can sell.

FF XIV would be wise to stay group-oriented and only offer solo play as a little better, but ultimately you're looking for a party during those times.

 

Really? How wise would it be to spend $$ to put out a new game with the same forced group concept as a game that doesn't break 500k in subs?  A little better solo makes the difference and brings all the subs???      LOL...

How wise would it be to step out on a limb and take a risk by making it to solo friendly, aleinating your main fanbase when you know you have a formula that is a success and will give you 500k subs over the next 5-8 years? Thats one hell of a profit.

Personally I would want to take the guranteed route. You keep your fans happy and maybe can get some new ones who never got into ffxi due to when it came out. Maybe push that number to 600k. Another reason to stick with your fans is the majority of solo'ers will hop on the next games bandwagon and leave ffxiv. while you have done and pissed of your fans and they either left ffxiv or a few went back to ffxi. That leaves FFXIV in a BAD spot. The solo crowd is a hard crowd to keep playing one game for years. . Only WoW has managed to keep the solo'ers/casual, maybe LOTRO, idk i have not followed that game.   

Originally posted by RamenThief7

Originally posted by Sillver

Originally posted by RamenThief7

Originally posted by Vrazule

Any game that offers a place to congregate and chat will generate a community.  Forced cooperation on the other hand is a big turn off for a lot of people.  If they want this game to do better in the west than it's predecessor did, they're going to have to really take that to heart.  Otherwise, they'll just end up cannibalizing their current player base and will never increase their market share.

 

Not so fast Vrazule. You're forgetting something, FF XI was a hardcore group game. The players of that fanbase grew up on forced cooperation, yet 500k subscriptions for 8 straight years shows that the concept can sell.

FF XIV would be wise to stay group-oriented and only offer solo play as a little better, but ultimately you're looking for a party during those times.

Really? How wise would it be to spend $$ to put out a new game with the same forced group concept as a game that doesn't break 500k in subs?  A little better solo solves makes the difference... LOL...

Hmmm....I would like to ask you something. It is apparent that you are a casual gamer. Now, you welcome the idea of new changes to a sequel of a game that was based on hardcore group aspects. Now, lets say whatever game you're playing right now has a sequel that all of a sudden become hardcore group play. It changes because it wants to attract a new crowd and make new money, so all is good, right? Wrong, you would obviously fight it.

Also, making FF XIV group-oriented like FF XI is really the smarter business option. FF XIV is basically the unspoken sequel of FF XI. FF XI was based on hardcore group aspects. If FF XIV wants to attract the FF XI crowd, it obviously won't do that if solo play became more viable (i.e. you could solo the whole game, soloing ends up being more than just a time period that you're playing but looking for a group). If FF XIV was a better version of FF XI, then that is almost 500k subscription right there. Quite a good way to start off a sequel right?

Also, 500k subscriptions is alot of money. You're forgetting this mmorpg survived as a hardcore group game for 8 straight years. And this game did well on consoles, something that mmorpgs before had never done successfully.

Wrong, I wouldn't fight it. I would just continue playing the version of the old game because that is what I enjoy. The new game would attract a new crowd possibly grabbing a bit of the old crowd but the old game keeps the majority of the old crowd. Win for game company because they don't bleed subs from the old game transferring to new game.

Originally posted by Sillver

Originally posted by RamenThief7

Originally posted by Sillver

Originally posted by RamenThief7

Originally posted by Vrazule

Any game that offers a place to congregate and chat will generate a community.  Forced cooperation on the other hand is a big turn off for a lot of people.  If they want this game to do better in the west than it's predecessor did, they're going to have to really take that to heart.  Otherwise, they'll just end up cannibalizing their current player base and will never increase their market share.

 

Not so fast Vrazule. You're forgetting something, FF XI was a hardcore group game. The players of that fanbase grew up on forced cooperation, yet 500k subscriptions for 8 straight years shows that the concept can sell.

FF XIV would be wise to stay group-oriented and only offer solo play as a little better, but ultimately you're looking for a party during those times.

Really? How wise would it be to spend $$ to put out a new game with the same forced group concept as a game that doesn't break 500k in subs?  A little better solo solves makes the difference... LOL...

Hmmm....I would like to ask you something. It is apparent that you are a casual gamer. Now, you welcome the idea of new changes to a sequel of a game that was based on hardcore group aspects. Now, lets say whatever game you're playing right now has a sequel that all of a sudden become hardcore group play. It changes because it wants to attract a new crowd and make new money, so all is good, right? Wrong, you would obviously fight it.

Also, making FF XIV group-oriented like FF XI is really the smarter business option. FF XIV is basically the unspoken sequel of FF XI. FF XI was based on hardcore group aspects. If FF XIV wants to attract the FF XI crowd, it obviously won't do that if solo play became more viable (i.e. you could solo the whole game, soloing ends up being more than just a time period that you're playing but looking for a group). If FF XIV was a better version of FF XI, then that is almost 500k subscription right there. Quite a good way to start off a sequel right?

Also, 500k subscriptions is alot of money. You're forgetting this mmorpg survived as a hardcore group game for 8 straight years. And this game did well on consoles, something that mmorpgs before had never done successfully.

 

Wrong, I wouldn't fight it. I would just continue playing the version of the old game because that is what I enjoy. The new game would attract a new crowd possibly grabbing a bit of the old crowd but the old game keeps the majority of the old crowd. Win for game company because they don't bleed subs from the old game transferring to new game.

That mentality just doesn't work with the FF XI crowd. You're think that adding new solo aspects would help the game, when in reality it would only hurt the game. Read Toddze's post above for my thoughts on that.

I disagree. I think the old crowd (like myself) will still be very excited about FFXIV even with changes in the aspect of the game. It's too early to tell how it'll work so any fan of FFXI will be excited (at least at this point) of FFXIV.

Just to keep you updated on the 500k sub mark:

http://www.playonline.com/pcd/topics/ff11us/0904/topics_all.html

It is our distinct pleasure to announce that during the third week of April, the total number of active characters across all worlds in FINAL FANTASY XI has exceeded the two million mark for the first time!
Since the commencement of service on May 16th, 2002, Vana'diel has gone on to become a vibrant gathering place for adventurers hailing from all corners of the globe. Boasting four expansions and one add-on scenario with two more in the pipes, FINAL FANTASY XI continues to evolve into an ever richer realm of magic and adventure.

We would like to thank you, our fans, for your loyal patronage over the years, and look forward to your continued support for many more to come.

Originally posted by natuxatu

I disagree. I think the old crowd (like myself) will still be very excited about FFXIV even with changes in the aspect of the game. It's too early to tell how it'll work so any fan of FFXI will be excited (at least at this point) of FFXIV.

Well of course all of us that liked FF XI will be excited over trying out FF XIV. It is, after all, the unspoken sequel of FF XI.

Of course, once we do play it, that'll be a whole different ball game if the game ends up being too casual or solo friendly...

Originally posted by RamenThief7

Originally posted by natuxatu

I disagree. I think the old crowd (like myself) will still be very excited about FFXIV even with changes in the aspect of the game. It's too early to tell how it'll work so any fan of FFXI will be excited (at least at this point) of FFXIV.

 

Well of course all of us that liked FF XI will be excited over trying out FF XIV. It is, after all, the unspoken sequel of FF XI.

Of course, once we do play it, that'll be a whole different ball game if the game ends up being too casual or solo friendly...

I agree but it looks to be done in a very responsible way... for example it's more casual not because it's easier but because you can switch jobs on the fly and stuff like that... which is totally fine and exceptable and even fun. Beastmaster can solo... and since you can change your job on the fly it makes it more solo friendly as well... all this without hurting the integrity of the game itself...

I'm not psychic but so far everything I've read is pointing in that direction.

Originally posted by Athkore

Just to keep you updated on the 500k sub mark:

http://www.playonline.com/pcd/topics/ff11us/0904/topics_all.html

 

It is our distinct pleasure to announce that during the third week of April, the total number of active characters across all worlds in FINAL FANTASY XI has exceeded the two million mark for the first time!
Since the commencement of service on May 16th, 2002, Vana'diel has gone on to become a vibrant gathering place for adventurers hailing from all corners of the globe. Boasting four expansions and one add-on scenario with two more in the pipes, FINAL FANTASY XI continues to evolve into an ever richer realm of magic and adventure.

We would like to thank you, our fans, for your loyal patronage over the years, and look forward to your continued support for many more to come.

Even me a big FFXI fanboy knows this number is scewed. Active characters =/= to subs. I had 4 active character when I played

Edit: Wait does common sense exclude me from the fanboy club?

FFXIV could possibly attract millions (plural) of customers when it opens because the 500k subs for FFXI over it's 7+ year span weren't the same 500k people.  I haven't researched how many box sales FFXI had over it's lifetime, but it has to be in the millions.  I suspect that a good portion of those people (like myself) will be coming back to try FFXIV, even though they don't currently play FFXI.  Whether or not FFXIV can keep them playing remains to be seen though.

As for the topic of this thread, the FFXIV community, that's going to depend on what type of people the game attracts.  If the game is too solo friendly and nobody really needs anyone else, there's nothing to stop them from rubbing anyone and everyone the wrong way and just being rude/obnoxious.  It often only takes one bad apple to start a flame war in general chat which brings out the worst in people.

toddze,

Keep ranting, keyboard warrior, I just mentioned the number of active 'players' (characters), I didn't specifically say that there was over 2 million active separate accounts or players.

Originally posted by Athkore

toddze,

Keep ranting, keyboard warrior, I just mentioned the number of active 'players' (characters), I didn't specifically say that there was over 2 million active separate accounts or players.

Lol @  "Keyboard Warrior".  

I really do hope solo epeeners and all those with horrible ettiquette and manners stay out off FFXIV .As far as I undertand the way SE makes games won't pander to those types( cross my fingers) and we will have a FF11-esque community.

I know there will always be trolls and douchebags... they we're in FFXI that is for sure, but there is only so many /blacklists I can type . My fingers were definitely tired within hours while playing WOW for the short while I did.
 

I really ought to purchase a copy of Darkfall and pay monthly just to support the game, that way the company can continue to thrive and keep its fans out of FF14.

Originally posted by Bellarion

I really do hope solo epeeners and all those with horrible ettiquette and manners stay out off FFXIV .As far as I undertand the way SE makes games won't pander to those types( cross my fingers) and we will have a FF11-esque community.

I know there will always be trolls and douchebags... they we're in FFXI that is for sure, but there is only so many /blacklists I can type . My fingers were definitely tired within hours while playing WOW for the short while I did.
 

I really ought to purchase a copy of Darkfall and pay monthly just to support the game, that way the company can continue to thrive and keep its fans out of FF14.

Well, we don't want to start a flame war with Darkfall fans, so I will say this. Here's to hoping that

1. The game (FF XIV) is not solo friendly, soloing is only a bit easier so that during this time you are not screwed, yet you are looking for a party continuously.

2. The game is still hardcore group based.

3. The game is not casual friendly.

Exactly, like I LOVED partying in FF11, but I definitely felt screwed when I solo'd especially certain classes. I just wonder how SE could implement a system where solo content is good enough for when we aren't in a party but not too good so that no one parties and the game community is changed for the worse because of it. That will be a fine line no doubt. I don't know if the job system does this, since it may come down to how much exp one can get from a solo kill. If the exp is good enough u will find people only party for end game things ....

Originally posted by SoulSurfer

The community will transfer itself, and probably already has. =D

I'm expecting a much more mature playerbase from xi into IV, people have aged near a decade, graduated college, gotten real jobs, etc... should be like a high school reunion. 

 

 

I really like that analogy lol I feel the exact same way.  After I quit FFXI I swore off MMOs for good because of how addictive they can be.  However, I'm completely willing to go back on that for the chance to get in on the ground level of a new Final Fantasy MMORPG.  When I first started XI everyone was already level 50.. sure, doesn't seem like much now but when the NA release first came out, that took forever because nobody really knew what they were doing lol  I was in a ls with higher levels and as they all started hitting 65 they left to join HNM link shells (65 joining a HNMls lmao) left me feeling left behind the community and I had trouble reconnecting because everyone went to different ls.  Well now I know that a lot of the people I played endgame with will be back. Knowing who is reliable and mature right from the start is gonna be sweet. So much drama will be avoided.

Originally posted by Vrazule

Any game that offers a place to congregate and chat will generate a community.  Forced cooperation on the other hand is a big turn off for a lot of people.  If they want this game to do better in the west than it's predecessor did, they're going to have to really take that to heart.  Otherwise, they'll just end up cannibalizing their current player base and will never increase their market share.

Ironic combination of statements there. Many would argue, and I would agree, that a big reason why FFXI has such a great community is *because* so much of it required people to group up and work together. When you're in a party for 3 or 4 hours grinding away, or working through some mission, etc... You get to talking, you get to know people and your friends list adds up. 

Also, not to sound elitist (because I can't stand elitism, myself), but I think the more group-centric focus of the game has kept away much of the solo/lone-wolf players who would, perhaps, have otherwise steered the community in a very different direction.

Though I've had my share of gripes with other people, and don't like some of the decisions they've collectively made (most recently how Campaign + Level Sync + FoV has all but killed normal xp parties, outside of skillup parties)... I have to say the FFXI community has been, by and large, among the best I've ever been part of in any MMO I've played. Matrix Online's, in beta and for a time after launch, was awesome as well, but died off when that game nose-dived. 

Even here on these forums, you can see a definite "quality" in the people who post on the FFXI and now the FFXIV forums than you do in most other MMOs forums. Significantly less flaming... We don't suffer trouble-makers nearly as much as other games' forums do... and even when they come around, they're typically dealt with more gracefully.

All in all, I'd say the FFXI community is a pretty damn kick-ass group of people, and I *really* hope to see that extend into FFXIV.

As for the next bit...
That's an interesting point-of-view... but I dont' think it's necessarily warranted. FFXI has been, without a doubt, a very successful MMO. Could it be more popular? Of course. However, being the #4 most popular MMO after 6 years or so is nothing to sneeze at - especially for a game that's often considered "niche" in the genre.

But... we shall see.

I thought I saw an interview somewhere where they said they were going more solo friendly....not sure where though.

Yes, they're going to be more solo-friendly:

www.ffxivcore.com/index.php