Originally Posted by Akihiko_Matsui (0:01:16～)
The recently held press conference was an opportunity to reveal our newly-planned project to the masses, and I would like to take this time to discuss in more detail about the announcements by answering some of the major questions we've been receiving.
To start off, I'd like to explain the reasoning behind why we will no longer be implementing major version updates and why we will be stopping service for both the PlayStation 2 version and the Xbox 360 version. As we've explained on various occasions, the game was developed originally as a PlayStation 2 game, and it has been developed while performing maintenance in a development environment from over ten years ago. We've done everything we can to procure development equipment for PlayStation 2, and the FFXI development team has just about managed to secure nearly all of the equipment from around the world. This equipment is limited to a couple dozen machines, and we have been carefully using these development machines to continue performing version updates on PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, and PC.
In the midst of these conditions, we had to consider how we would continue the development and operation of FFXI, and it was largely split into two different plans: a plan to boost revenue and a plan to reduce spending. The former plan would require adjustments to the pacing of battle, quest lines, and various other adjustments in order to increase the amount of new players coming into the game. Furthermore, as I previously mentioned, if we were to fix the aspect of relying on the PlayStation 2 and prepare a new system, the resources and costs would essentially be the same as developing a new MMO from the ground up. I feel that using these resources would not really result in a world that everyone who is enjoying FFXI at the moment would get into.
After releasing Seekers of Adoulin, we decided to change directions to focus on our currently active player base. Additionally, in order to keep the game running, we decided to develop plans so that players who were taking a break from the game would return. Before we migrate over to a plan to reduce spending, we'd like to deliver a spectacular ending to all of our players that honors the FINAL FANTASY name and wraps up the story while all of the core members of the FFXI development team are together. After deciding to deliver this ending, we knew we had to let everyone know that it would be the end, and we felt the need to inform everyone at an early stage. This is why we decided to hold a press conference to announce this ending as well as the new titles that will be made which are set in the world of Vana'diel.
In regards to the PlayStation 2 development equipment I mentioned about just before, when we asked Sony Computer Entertainment the difficult question of how long we would be able to continue on PlayStation 2 since FFXI is the only service that was being continued, they responded that they would wait for the right time and ignore the business aspects. Microsoft has also treated us very kindly and has made exceptions for this project time and time again. Additionally, in regards to questions about whether we can port FFXI to different hardware, it was made playable on Windows and Xbox 360 based on that which was made for the PlayStation 2. Many of the resources can only be made in integrated environments, and since the PlayStation development equipment is at the core of this, if the PlayStation 2 tools can no longer be used it will not be possible to continue development.
(0:09:51～) Q: FINAL FANTASY Grandmasters and the native application will be development by other companies, but how will our personal information be handled? A: FINAL FANTASY Grandmasters is a completely new and separate title, so there will not be any kind of data transfer. On the other hand for the native application, we're thinking about giving special bonuses to people who had been playing FFXI, but we would need everyone to agree to transfer their data, so this is something that we are looking into. To be honest, we are not thinking of transfering personal information. In the event that character data becomes necessary for in-game bonus item distribution, we would only extract the necessary data. At the moment the native application hasn't come into full shape yet, and while I can touch on the general idea and policies, we're not at the point to where we can talk about the specifics.
(0:12:25～) Q: Will we be able to transfer our character and item data over to FINAL FANTASY Grandmasters and the native application? A: We’re thinking about preparing special bonus items in some way for transferring data, but essentially it will not involve directly transferring your character data over, so it’s best to think that a new, separate account and character will be used to play FINAL FANTASY Grandmasters and the native application.
(0:14:07～) Q: Why did you decide to end support for PS2 and Xbox 360? A: The decision was related to the termination of hardware support, but until now we've also maintained game quality by implementing measures for memory reduction; however, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to maintain a level of quality service, and this is why we decided to end support for the PS2 and Xbox 360. We would like everyone to play and enjoy Rhapsodies of Vana’diel as well, which is why we decided to end support for these platforms after it concludes.
(0:15:46～) Q: Why are you ending major version updates? A: Considering that we would like everyone to continue playing the game as long as possible, we have to adopt the aforementioned plan to reduce spending. We would also like our development staff to focus on new projects, and in order to continue running the game with a compact team, we have no choice but to stop major version updates.
(0:17:07～) Q: After stopping major version updates, besides bug fixes and balance adjustments, will you continue to implement new content, features, spells, and such? A: Essentially what we will be doing is data adjustments. Adding new content, for example Dynamis II or such, would be difficult. However, it's possible to make additions that do not rely on development tools. We have yet to specifically decide on what we will be doing in terms of updates, but we are thinking about easing and eliminating restrictions for content that is limited by congestion countermeasures. Additionally, we are planning to fix bugs and make balance adjustments based on player feedback. Instead of focusing resources towards the addition of new content, we will be focusing all our power on making current content easier to get into. We’d like to create a world that players will be able to return to any time.
(0:22:33～) Q: Will players who have not reached level 99 or do not possess item level 119 weapons still be able to take part in Rhapsodies of Vana’diel and see the ending? A: In the grand scheme of things, ultimately you’ll want to be level 99 with item level 117-119 equipment. From the beginning you won’t need to be level 99, and at the start you’ll be told to head to areas that were added in Rise of the Zilart, so you should be around that level. Afterwards, you can gradually level up and procure your equipment to continue onwards. The quest line was made so that players returning after quite some time and even new players can follow it and grow their characters.
(0:24:50～) Q: What are the requirements for participating in Rhapsodies of Vana’diel? Do we need to have all the expansions and add-ons installed? A: My explanation might have been bad and caused some confusion, but in order to clear this content you will need all of the expansion packs (Rise of the Zilart, Chains of Promathia, Treasures of Aht Urhgan, Wings of the Goddess, and Seekers of Adoulin). While at the start it won’t be necessary, you’ll eventually need the expansion packs. Throughout Rhapsodies of Vana’diel you’ll be told to go to certain areas such as those that were implemented in Wings of the Goddess. However, Rhapsodies of Vana’diel is not an add-on scenario, and it will be provided through a regular version update.
As I’ve heard that PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360 players have been quitting because their discs are not being read and they are unable to play, we are thinking about providing all the necessary data in a version update. Additionally, in the event you have not purchased an expansion such as Seekers of Adoulin, we will be making it possible to play the expansion on the PlayStation 2 by purchasing the Windows version registration code.
Furthermore, for those who are joining us new and playing from the beginning as well as those who have stopped playing since Chains of Promathia, we are planning to hold a discount campaign in May. We'd be thrilled if you rush out to buy everything now, but if you don’t need it right away I suggest you wait for the sale to begin. We’ll be announcing the details on the Goddess’s Gala teaser site that is scheduled to open in the coming days.
(0:31:11～) Q: It was said that various content with attractive rewards is planned for “Rhapsodies of Vana’diel,” but specifically what kind of rewards are you planning? A: We may have exaggerated it a bit too much. When talking about rewards people think of it as items, but it could be adjustments to some system restrictions like instead of being able to call out three alter egos, we’d make it possible to summon one or two additional alter egos. Another example would be how players are currently mentioning that the capacity points are hard to earn, so perhaps giving some bonus to that. One of the base concepts for “Rhapsodies of Vana’diel,” is to be able to earn various bonuses by progressing through it.