| Intro Question: Please discuss the latest version update. |
| Latest version update information - Continuing scenario and expanded quests in Chains of Promathia - Opening of Al'Taieu area (We have free play characters in the Al'Taieu area for you to explore and enjoy.) - Addition of ENM quests - A big change in the fishing system - Further balancing of Ballista - New wearable equipment |
| Vault Question: Will there be more mid-level content in Promathia? |
| Of course. We always take all character levels into account for version updates.
For instance, this version update includes content for mid- and high-level characters. Empty Notorious Monster (ENM) quests have also been added. |
| Vault Question: Will there be more dynamic NPCs? (For example, will beastmen ever invade cities?) |
| Very much like the NPC escort quests, we are currently considering various events and quests where the player can join forces with an NPC. To answer the question however, we won't rule out the possibility of beastmen invading cities, but the development team is working very hard to provide something more entertaining than just beastmen invading a town. |
| Vault Question: Will there be any specific changes to any jobs in the near future? |
| Yes, we will be making changes and additions to jobs. The next update will implement new Job Abilities and adjustments for the Samurai and White Mage jobs. We do have plans to continue to adjust and add new elements to widen the appeal of game play for different jobs. |
| Vault Question: Will there be more options/features that will enable character avatars to be more unique? |
| We don't have nay plans of adding more features in this area since this is due to the memory limitations of the PlayStation®2. |
| Vault Question: Are there any plans to raise the level cap and balance out the game structure along with it? |
| We currently don't have any plans to raise the level cap for the game. Currently a character is differentiated by vertical character development (leveling up), battle strategy, available equipment and Merit Points, not to mention the constant game balance that is done. Of course, if the game reaches a point where it warrants a level cap raise, we will consider it. |
| Vault Question: Will there be any solutions to over-camped HNMs? |
| In the previous December and February updates, we've made changes in spawn requirements and loot drop ratio. Not only did we change things at the system level, but from a support stand point we've started to aggressively enforce rules and policies to players who cause grief by camping these HNMs.
We'll continue to analyze player behavior and make sure that all issues are addressed. |
| Vault Question: What is the next step for PvP? |
| In regards to the conflict PvP, we are planning to implement a new system different from the current Ballista matches. We can't give any details, but we did take in the most common feedback we've had from the players of having a much "smaller battle"... |
| Audience Question: Will there be more of a "guild" like feature (linkshell) in the game? |
| No new plans at the moment. There may be a new design within PlayOnline that won't limit this feature to FINAL FANTASY XI. |
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| Audience Question: Will there be any official information available for character stats and their correlation? |
| It's an aspect of the game design we are currently considering to make changes in. From a technical stand point, it's not a difficult task.
Other MMO titles provide similar services, each having a unique method in how the information is provided. Square Enix would like to consider alternate ways in being able to present this type of information depending on play style. Perhaps utilizing the web or even mobile phones can give birth to an entirely new way of game play that can be attractive and fun. |
| Audience Question: How will Square Enix resolve the issue with the lack of the HDD compatibility with the new model PlayStation 2? |
| Millions of the older model HDD-compatible PlayStation 2s are still available and we will continue to support them. Picking up a used or refurbished model is currently the best solution. |
| Audience Question: Will there be any steps taken to manage the gil inflation in game? |
| Gil inflation is a huge factor in making the game enjoyable for everyone. We can't explain any specifics at this time, however we do have detailed ideas on how to balance out inflation within the game. We do have long term plans to continuously improve the balance of economy. |
| Vault Question: Will FFXI be more solo-friendly like other MMORPGs? |
| To keep up with the diversified play style of each player, we are always creating and adjusting the game to accommodate everyone. We do want to clarify that we won't be taking away from the current game play, but rather introducing new ways to play the game by presenting new elements to the game. We won't rule out this factor. |
| Vault Question: Will there be any new weapon types made in the game? |
| There are possibilities, although I will add that a new weapon type will bring forth balance issues with other jobs and battles making it a difficult factor to add. |
| Vault Question: Will FFXI be making any adjustments with the upcoming release of Fantasy Earth? |
| FINAL FANTASY XI will remain what it is and other titles will not affect its direction. PlayOnline was always designed to support multiple titles and therefore does not require each individual title to be adjusted. |
| Vault Question: Will there be a new expansion coming? |
| This is undetermined at this time. |
| Vault Question: Will there be an official FFXI forum? |
| We have no plans at the moment. However, we are planning to make posts on one of the premiere sites soon. |
| Audience Question: Is there anything Square Enix can do to fix the lag between the servers in Japan and the North American players? |
| Our technical team has done comprehensive network testing to verify network hops as well as extensive ISP testing. We have data that confirms that there is no difference in lag between players in North America and Japan. |
| Audience Question: Will there be Nomad Moogles in other areas? |
| It's a good idea. We'll take it into consideration. |
| Audience Question: Can you tell us about the new fatigue system for fishing? |
| The new system was recently introduced so let's give it a try and see how it goes. |
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| Audience Question: Will there be any new low to mid-level items that stands out from the rest? |
| There are no plans to make any additions of items in the mid- to low-level range that stand out form the rest. The reason behind the similarity between items in the low- to mid-range levels is to distinguish the unique higher level players from the masses. |
| Audience Question: Will there be any adjustments made to alchemy weapons so it will have a higher ratio of proc? |
| This is where we need everyone's help in collecting data. Adjustments will be considered after thorough investigation so all of your feedback is important. |
| Audience Question: What can I do to help stop gil seller activity? |
| Simply not advocating or taking part in any activity that goes against the rules and policies is the best you can do to help create a fun playing environment in Vana'Diel. |
| Vault Question: Will there be region specific servers? (EU, NA, JP, etc...) |
| We have no plans to create region-specific servers.
The reasoning behind our decision is that FFXI is a cross-platform, or rather an open platform architecture where content is provided to the users without boundaries making it possible to reach a community on a global scale. From a service provider perspective, being able to deliver content globally, we can take advantage of the different time zones and reduce data center costs. This also allows the servers (game worlds) to be continuously populated by players around the clock. As a result, we can provide an extremely high level of service at a lower cost. The auction house service has advantages where the in-game economy overcomes the language barrier and creates a thriving economy 24 hours a day. |
| Vault Question: Will FFXI be playable in windowed mode (PC) |
| We currently have no plans for this. |
| Vault Question: Will there be world/account transfer services? |
| We are considering the future possibility of character transfers between worlds and accounts. Understanding everyone's play styles and their situation is important in making the appropriate decision in when we do implement it. But we are also making sure that any character sales actions cannot be exploited in the system. |
| Vault Question: With the recent ban of 800 accounts, will Square Enix continue to take timely actions for future incidents? |
| We at Square Enix will not permit any behavior that causes any grief towards other players. We enforce our rules and policies daily to discipline or ultimately terminate accounts of those players that cause such grieving to other players. Any behavior that goes against our rules and policies will be strictly dealt with. |
| Vault Question: How long do you plan to add content to FINAL FANTASY XI? |
| We at Square Enix will continue to provide content to our customers as long as they continue to play FFXI |
| Audience Question: Will there be more vocabulary added to the translation feature? |
| Yes. We also require feedback from you the players in order to make an appropriate change. |
| Audience Question: Do you plan to make any changes in spawn times for monsters? |
| If a change is required, we will consider it. Again, feedback from you the players is important in making such changes. |
| Audience Question: Will there be more Job Abilities added for the Bard and Summoner jobs? |
| We will be adding new ways for players to obtain new Job Abilities, not limited to the Bard and Summoner. |
| Audience Question: Will there be any Throwing Weapon Skill added in the future? |
| Though we can's disclose any details, we will be adding new ways to obtain Weapon Skills and Spells for higher level players. |
| Audience Question: Does the direction you are facing take any affect when you synthesize? |
| It may depend on what you're synthesizing ;) |
| Audience Question: Will there be any updates planned for FINAL FANTASY XI with the coming release of the PlayStation 3? |
| No comment. |
| Audience Comments: Below are notes from comments we have taken that players would like to see implimented in the game. |
| - More options for the search feature - Addition of Paladin exclusive spells - Invite other players to the Moogle house - Addition of Gods to the new Al'Taieu area - New playable extra jobs - Futuristic twists such as Gun Mages - New forms of transportation |
| Head to the FINAL FANTASY XI homepage! |