Letter from the Producer Live XXXV

[Kage]

LIVE LETTER OVER! You can find the official re-cap thread here. http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threads/323559

 

 

New Kugane artwork

 

The RDM and SAM job icons!

 

-Lyse-

A young fighter of surpassing skill, Lyse yearns to bring freedom to her homeland of Ala Mhigo, which fell to the Empire when she was but a child. Her brash, impulsive ways often result in her biting off more than she can chew. Yet the time may come when she must rise to the occasion and become a leader of men...

 

-Gosetsu- Confirmed Roegadyn!

Hailing from the Far Eastern land of Doma, Gosetsu has long served Doma and her sovereign, and fought valiantly to defend them from the Garlean Empire twenty five years ago. Though Doma fell in the end, the samurai has since labored tirelessly to see her rebuilt. Renowned as a peerless warrior, this loyal retainer dreams of a day when the shadow of Garlemald no longer darkens his homeland.

 

-Yugiri-

A shinobi in service to the Far Eastern land of Doma, Yugiri took part in the nation's failed rebellion against the Garlean Empire. When all was lost, her liege bade her take to the sea, along with many of Doma's people, and seek sanctuary in the western lands of Eorzea. Her calm, collected demeanor belies a burning desire to face the imperials in battle once more, and redeem the failures of her past.

 

-Garlean Imperial Army XIIth Legion Legatus Zenos yae Galvus-

Leader of the XIIth Legion and crown prince of the Garlean Empire, Zenos is possessed of but a single passion: to stand on the front lines, blade in hand, and dance with death. He regards friend and foe alike with contempt, and tales of his brutality against both have spread far and wide. While crushing the rebellion of yesteryear in Doma, he took a liking to Far Eastern katana, which have since become his weapons of choice.

 

-Yotsuyu-

The acting imperial viceroy of Doma, Yotsuyu's grace and beauty belie a heart of stone. A cruel, sadistic ruler, she harbors a deep hatred for Domans. Under the pretext of purging radical elements, she has perpetrated numerous atrocities against her own people. Yet all are the hero of their own story...

 

-Hien-

The young heir to the throne of Doma, Hien is a charismatic leader beloved of his people. Together with Gosetsu and Yugiri, he spurred his countryment to rise up against their Garlean oppressors. But when the rebellion was crushed, Lord Hien vanished without a trace...

 

-Fordola-

A young soldier born and raised during the imperial occupation of Ala Mhigo, Fordola was promised the world - education, training, citizenship - in exchange for service. Scorned as traitors by their people and savages by their Garlean masters, she and others like her struggle to forge their own path in an unforgiving world.

 

Raubahn and Pipin will also feature in Heavensward but since we have 'a lot of'

information about them, they weren't included.

[Kage]

I'm updating sporadically as I find info because I am lazy and did not get prepped.

New mounts!

It can go underwater and I believe it was called the Falcon. You won't covered when going underwater lol

A TIGER. THAT CAN FLY AND SWIM

 

Ground-only mounts won't swim. There will be a quest to give new speeds.

[Kage]

TP is no longer going to be used for Sprint!

 

No GCD penalty when changing jobs outside of rest areas. Recast times will be reset!

 

Adventurer Squadrons can enter dungeons in 4.1

 

JOB AF given during lvl 70 Job quest!

[Kage]

There will be 45 new entries in the exploration logs. There will also, of course, be new hunts.

 

As Doma and Eorzea are so far away, there is a timezone difference.

 

Fishers can gather by going underwater with a spear.

 

At 61, GP will recover at a different rate.

 

Carbuncle House!

 

Poetics will be able to be exchanged for new tomestones. They aren't going away though.

 

Samurai and Red Mage will get weapons from 2.x and 3.x primals as well as Alexander. They will not get it from Coil, Zodiac or Anima.

 

Housing!

 

Shirogane is open at 4.0 but you can't buy houses. Moving will be available when you can buy the land. To move, buy the new land, if you have a house, a window will pop up asking if you want to move the house. If the house size is different, your furniture will be stored where you can get it back. Private rooms will move over as well. The team is currently discussing if both FC and private housing will be made available at the same time in Shirogane.

[Kage]

Aaaaaaand they're back! I didn't get a lot of the QnA comments or info.

 

 

Yoshi-P trolled with a picture of a bench... that was marked... Floor 200 PotD bench lol

 

ACTUAL TRAILER! Warrior has a charge skill.

It features both Ala Mhigo and Doma.

Derplander is in benchmark meeting party as a Monk as well as Samurai. (In Ala Mhigo as a monk. In Doma/Othard as samurai).

BEACH PARTIES!

RDM has a fucking swag emote?? He flicked the rapier into the air. As it was in the air he fucking does that stupid collar thing. Where people tug it out??

 

MOUNTS FLYING AND SWIMMING!!!!

A PARROT!

SEA FLAP FLAP

A gate just got fucking crushed open.

YOJIMBO??? WHAT?! Along with Susano.

Ultros and Kraken...

I like these new skills being shown along with the limit break they showed for Samurai.

Ninja sat on a frog that shot poison. as a skill?? SAM LB3 slashed a shitton before a final cut that ends the LB

 

All footage will be found in the benchmark which is PC only... cause it's a benchmark.

[Gegenji]

Housing!

 

Shirogane is open at 4.0 but you can't buy houses. Moving will be available when you can buy the land. To move, buy the new land, if you have a house, a window will pop up asking if you want to move the house. If the house size is different, your furniture will be stored where you can get it back. Private rooms will move over as well. The team is currently discussing if both FC and private housing will be made available at the same time in Shirogane.

 

So I'll be stuck waiting in the Goblet looking for someone to move. Good to know. :lol:

[Kage]

ACTUALLY? BENCHMARK RELEASED in 90 minutes!!!!!!

 

Astro's new skills include new cards.

 

 

zHCXzs5dtG0

[Teadrinker]

THANK YOU KAGE

 

I really wanna see the AST AF stoof

[Kage]

 

ok unfortunately the stomach flu party cannot be stopped. i'll try to catch up again or post info/link from peoples' live docs when i get back

[Berrod Armstrong]

This has been the meatiest live letter in a lonnng time.

[Kage]

Slots upgrades will be coming in tiers as they analyze the data. PS3 was not limiting their ability to increase inventory space. The stress was with moving that inventory with your character.

First we will get 10 slots per armory chest (10 head pieces, 10 weapons etc.) Then 40.

As they analyze server stability, they will increase.

 

 

 

4.0 launch will have additional 100 macros slots.

 

PS4 Pro Patch will be available at 4.0

 

Retainers will level up and get new jobs.

 

Very few people use more than 2 retainers so right now data shows no need for more retainers.

 

New Gold Saucer rewards. Existing mini-games will not be changed.

 

New materia tier. New name is High Materia or Grade VI of which you can only meld 1 to your gear.

 

No new additional favorites slots for teleports but they limit the teleport prices to 999gil.

 

Shirogane furniture will have a very Japanese aesthetic. Onigiri will be available as tabletop furnishings as well.

 

 

 

 

The chat feature for FC/LS members on phone app is done. But they want to add more features such as checking the market board as well as looking at your retainer (TO ACCESS THE MARKET TO SELL ITEMS!!! OwO!!!). Hopefully by end of 2017 or start of 2018.

[Nero]

...and once again, all of the side characters look and sound miles more interesting than any of the Scions.

[Kage]

HW content will of course be unsynced.

 

Group poses will allow for battle actions. A screenshot of BRD using an action against Titan in GPOSE.

 

I want these custom PS4 themes... urghk. Characters in the theme will MOVE.

 

The design contest gear may be tomestone gear. They look high-tier. Confirmed: Weekly limited tomestone gear will include the design contest gear.

 

New features for FATEs. More exp, easier.

 

Expansion releases June 20th. Two weeks after, Normal Omega releases. Two weeks after that, Savage is released. As with HW, try to enjoy your time with the story and gearing up.

 

QOL: An aetheryte shard is being added near the Ul'dah market lol Still need to attune to it. Duh

 

20+ minions being added in 4.0. fuckkage'slife

 

Khloe (a young Miqo'te child) had a special case. young Au Ra will be found in Azim Steppe and may not be as elusive as Khloe is.

 

There will be at least some medium-heavy armor for samurai.

 

There will be 'female' bosses, like Lakshmi. We already also have other cool ones like Sophia and Nael..

 

Adding a feature that upon dungeon completion, a piece of equipment that is actually usable / useful by the current jobs in the party will drop.

 

No patch note reading for Japan for 4.0 as they will be at E3. They will do it for America! (No JP voice actors can join as they'll be doing it in their hotel. Just Foxclon and Yoshi-P). Yoshi-P complaining that he won't be able to play as he'll be doing patch notes in America. A second time... like with Heavensward. He can't complain about wanting to play as he decided on the release date... lol Yoshi-P's words.

 

It's now ending. PS3 Free Login Campaign and info!

 

They're discussing Dad of Light JP stuff as well as a collab event from the Square Enix Cafe in Akihabara (not to be confused with Eorzea Cafe!). More details to be announced as they decide what it will be. They have a recording with the actors of the Dad and the Son of Dad of Light.

 

The dad actor actually felt it relatable as he'd had a similar experience.

 

There's a FFXIV credit card. I want it.

 

Final Fantasy XIV Orchestra Concert in September 23, maybe 24th. Maybe 24th as it's the same time as TGS (Tokyo Game Show)

 

Oh it's Yoshi-P's birthday soon. May 1. They're selling Moogle cakes. And wine?? Champagne? for the 30th anniversary of FF. The wine was corked when FF was created. One of them is 1000 yen and the other is really expensive at 100,000 yen and Yoshi-P is like fuck it I'm opening the expensive one! IT'S MY BIRTHDAY! Except he is struggling to open it. YOSHI TOOK A BITE OF THE CAKE AND HE DOESN'T LIKE IT LMFAO

 

Take a fucking sip babes. Go Yoshi-P and Foxclon. Drink that $900 wine lol

 

 

For those here live, I'm posting the Official re-cap thread.

http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threads/323559

[Kage]

Posting updates that I didn't catch but that I think are relevant that are in the official thread here!

 

Raubahn

There will be a story about Raubahn's past, and Pipin will also be making an appearance.

 

Q1: I would like to know the details of the house moving system! I would appreciate if you could let us know how the feature works and the steps required.

 

A1: Players will not be able to purchase housing at the launch of 4.0; however, they will be able to visit the housing area. The moving feature will be implemented at the same timing that the housing plots become available for purchase.

 

As for the steps, players will access the sign board of the plot and select the option to purchase the plot, next they will be presented with an option to move, so they will just need to select that option. You will then be required to purchase the land.

 

Also, there’s a new storage, so you’ll be able to store outdoor furnishings, so please use it as a storage space.

 

The moving feature will transfer the personal chambers, company chest, company workshop, and airship voyage status, so players will just need to prepare the fees for the new plot.

 

Q2: Is the timing for purchasing plots in Shirogane the same for free companies and individual players?

 

A2: We are currently in the middle of investigating how much of the player population owns housing, so this is still being decided.

 

Q3: Gosetsu looks like a Roegadyn, but also looks like a big Highlander. Which race is he?

 

A3: He's a Roegadyn, but one from the lands to the East. Rather than a Sea Wolf, he's closer to the Hellsguard tribe.

 

Q6: Will the island of Thavnair (Radz-at-Hahn) make an appearance?

 

A6: Travel to these locations will not be possible yet in Patch 4.0. However there are areas in preparation where you can enjoy the feeling of Thavnair, which you can visit starting in Patch 4.05 once travel is available.

 

Q9: I believe there are lots of NPCs in the Doman area with Asian-themed hairstyles. Would players be able to use these hairstyles? I want a top knot!

 

A9: There will be two new hairstyles, but there's no top knot. If there’s a lot of request for it, we'll consider it.

 

Q10: With the additional jobs being implemented, it will likely become increasingly difficult to receive the desired equipment pieces in raids. Will the raids in 4.0 also be divided by a tier system, similar to the Alexander raids?

 

A10: The new raid won’t be available upon the release of 4.0.

 

The equipment pieces that drop in Savage are divided by role, and the raid tier system will be continued. Of the 8 players, at least one player will receive the weapon they need. We would like to expand on this sometime before we introduce the Savage raids.

 

Q12: We’d like to hear any stories about the selection and development of red mage and samurai!

 

A12: Red mage was announced first, but during the development we chose samurai first. In terms of roles, there were already 3 tanks and 3 healers, so we decided to prioritize balance, and added a STR and INT DPS.

 

Because the story was already determined to take place in Doma and Ala Mhigo, samurai was determined relatively quickly.

 

The red mage in the FF series uses both “white magic” and “black magic”, so we debated how to implement it. We were also considering Mystic at the time, but we thought about how often we were asked “please add red mage!” at events, and decided to add a red mage that was FFXIV-like.

 

Q14: During The Rising event in 2015, there was a mention about red mage in the Eighteenth Floor. Was red mage already confirmed to be implemented at this point?

 

A14: If you read the first letter of the each line from Yoshida’s dialogue in the Eighteenth Floor, it reads “thank you.” If you were able to figure this out, it may have given an impression that it was a fake message just to achieve this hidden meaning; however, lots of players believed that red mage was indeed coming, and it made us worry. I got scolded by the project manager for this. I will never do this again... Also, at that point in time, it was just a high probability and wasn’t confirmed.

 

Q15: In Patch 3.0 we had the Specialist system. Are there any plans to add new features for Disciples of the Land and Hand in Patch 4.0?

A15: There won’t be any new system, however, we have made overall adjustments based on feedback we received.

 

Q20: If there are any currently existing mounts that will be available underwater, please let us know.

 

A20: All flying mounts will be able to go underwater. We will gradually allow more ground mounts to fly.

 

Ground mounts will also be undergoing major changes, with the addition of two more levels of speed. The current speed will be lowest. Clearing each area’s main story quest will unlock the second tier of speed in that area. Afterward the third tier of speed will be available upon doing a certain something. Because it is the main scenario quest, players who are finished with the story up to 3.0 will automatically be able to use the second tier of speed in all ARR/HW areas.

 

Also, we will be removing the skill cooldowns for when changing classes in non-sanctuary areas. Additionally, sprint will no longer consume TP. Tanks and melee DPS will be able to more easily use sprint in raids.

 

Q21: We’ll finally be able to visit Doma, but will there be any Eastern-styled emotes?

A21: Japanese people pay respect, and so it’s important to show courtesy for anything, so we’ll add emotes related to this first. If you have any requests, be sure to let us know on the forums.

 

Q22: This year makes 30th anniversary for the FINAL FANTASY series. Are there any plans for a anniversary event in FFXIV?

 

A22: We’re planning to hold a FINAL FANTASY series projection mapping collaboration event with the city of Yokohama in June. The projection mapping for FFXIV will be done on the wall of InterContinental Yokohama Grand Hotel. This is a large-scale event, so if you have a chance to visit, please be sure to check it out. *Video showed slide with an image.

 

Q24: The Aldenard region, where the adventures up until now have taken place, and Othard, the region including Doma, are very far apart. Will there be different time zones, similar to real life?

 

A24: From a lore perspective, there are time zones; however, we have Eorzean time ("ET") as the local time, so please think of ET as that area's local time when you teleport to that zone. Basically, don't worry too much about it!

 

Q25: During the Fan Festival, you mentioned that there are plans for PlayStation®4 Pro support, but is this planned for Patch 4.0?

A25: Yes. There will be two modes available.

One mode will retain the current resolution while increasing the frame rate. With this mode, you can expect a stable 60FPS even in scenes with many people.

 

The other mode retains the current existing frame rate but increases the resolution.

 

You will still be able to enjoying playing without a PlayStation®4 Pro, so please choose the best option for you.

 

Q27: In an interview, I read that the number of data centers for Japan may change. I'm currently gathering members to run the Omega raid, but are there any plans to change portions of the Elemental or Mana data center?

 

A27: For the Europe region, the Chaos data center population is increasing a lot, so we may open up one or two new Worlds. For North America and Japan region, we see deviation to the population on different Worlds. Instead of shuffling the players around to different Worlds, we’re considering to prepare incentives such as removing the gil restrictions for players that transfer to specific Worlds. We’ll make an announcement on the Lodestone at a later date.

 

Q28: There was an announcement regarding inventory slot expansion, but we would like to know which inventory (inventory/Armoury chest) is being increased and by how much!

 

A28: We received comments that the Armoury chest and inventory could not be expanded due to PS3 limitations, but the two are separate issues. When players move areas or go into instances, all item data is being moved along with the character, so if we were to add additional item slots without much thought, the amount of data being transferred could become ridiculous, network usage would skyrocket, and servers could go down.

 

With this in mind, in Patch 4.0 we will implement the first inventory expansion, take a look at the state of the servers, then prepare for additional expansions.

 

The Armoury chest will receive 10 extra slots for each category of equipment, while the item inventory will be increased by 40 slots.

 

* During the stream we showed off images of the updated UI.

 

I am also discussing with our server programmer Kasuga whether we can utilize other methods to efficiently increase inventory space.

[Mercer]

Benchmark is up folks

 

http://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/benchmark/

[Kage]

Part 2 cause there's like 50+ questions

 

Q29: In a previous Letter from the Producer LIVE, you mentioned that you are considering increasing the amount of total macros players can have by sharing the macros across the account. Are there any plans to implement this in Patch 4.0?

 

A29: At the 4.0 timing, the amount of macro slots will increase by 100. This slot is shared with characters under the same account. Please move any macros you would like to use with other characters in this section. With this, players will have 100 macro slots for the character, and additional 100 slots shared within the account.

 

Q32: Are there additional Gold Saucer GATEs, rewards, and minigames planned?

 

A32: Rewards will be added, but minigames and GATEs will be added later on in the 4.x series.

 

Q33: Along with the increase of the level cap, will our companion’s rank increase as well?

 

A33: The companion’s level is synced with the player’s level, so the level cap will automatically increase. As for rank, we will not increase it yet.

 

Q35: Are there any plans to add new character customization options, such as new face types or face paints?

A35: We’re adding new hairstyles, but there will be no changes to the character customization options. We’re planning to add variations of hairstyles through the aesthetician. Please be sure to leave any feedback, if you have any.

 

Q39: Could you please let us know the progress on the app where you can chat with your friends and FC members?

 

A39: With the app you will be able to access retainers without actually logging into FFXIV. Instead of the app just being simply used for chatting, we’re developing the app where if you pay, players will have access to other features, such as accessing the market board.

 

We’re currently testing the app, and it looks like we may be able to release it around end of the year, or the beginning of the next year. We apologize for taking so long on this, but we’re developing the app where all the FFXIV players can use.

 

Q47: Are there plans for the appearance of a young Au Ra NPC, similar to how Khloe is a young Miqo’te?

 

A47: They should appear in the Azim Steppe region. Khloe is a very unique NPC, so in comparison they may seem more simple.

 

Q49: Through art and trailers we see samurai wearing casual clothing, but will there be any armor-styled gear? I would like to see gear such as the Genji series from previous FF games!

 

A49: Putting aside whether or not we’ll have Genji gear, we have prepared armor-styled gear for the jobs.

 

Q50: I really like the feminine bosses and monsters that appear in instanced content. Will Patch 4.0 have beautiful, powerful female bosses similar to Sophia and Scathach? We are really looking forward to Lakshmi!

A50: Lakshmi’s Extreme version has finished testing. There was very little we needed to fix, but the lead mentioned “the battle balance is good. The model needs fixing”. We are pursuing the meaning of beauty, so please look forward to it.

 

Q51: In Heavensward, players were able to increase their item level through main scenario quest rewards, but will players be able to increase their item level in the same way in Stormblood?

 

A51: Similar to 3.0, players will be able to obtain gear through main scenario and side story quests. With 3.0 dungeons, there were times where gear for the role you wanted didn’t drop, or you may have lost the loot to other adventurers, so your item level may have increased slower due to these reasons. For these reasons, with the 4.0 dungeons, we made it so players can obtain the gear for their role after defeating the last boss in that dungeon.

 

Q52: Will we continue to have patch note readings in 4.0? I like the duo of Yoshi-P and Morbol, but I think it would also be great if voice actors read the patch notes.

 

A52: During the early access release on June 16th, we will once again be away at E3 in Los Angeles. As with 3.0, we will be locked in to a hotel in Los Angeles. As we are in Los Angeles, we will not be able to call upon any voice actors, and will be reading off the patch notes ourselves. Sorry!

[Aldotsk]

Seems like Roedagyn do live in Doma as well as different mixture of colored hairs and eyes for Midlander Hyurs. Good to know  this is a good sign at least for whoever wants different race/colors in Doma/Othard.

[Kage]

Better benchmark video.

3_JxY2pRHn4

[Flynn Bladebreaker]

Didn't see any Elezen/Lala/Miqo'te locals in Kugane, mostly Hyur/Roe/Au Ra. Still got to see the rest of Othard to see what races are native to that continent, though you'd think by now they are trying to tell us something.

 

*braces for impact*

 

EDIT: Also yes, Gosetsu is a Roe, not a bulky hyur RP character.

[Kage]

Lalafell barely ever make it into the cutscenes. In fact, I feel like I've not seen one except for seeing them as the 'specials' like job characters/adventurers ?

[Caspar]

Didn't see any Elezen/Lala/Miqo'te locals in Kugane, mostly Hyur/Roe/Au Ra. Still got to see the rest of Othard to see what races are native to that continent, though you'd think by now they are trying to tell us something.

 

*braces for impact*

 

You mean like this?

 

It'd be nice if they don't contradict themselves, but you know how good they are at showing Ala Mhigo's diversity. You'd almost think there were no female Highlanders.

[Flynn Bladebreaker]

Othard's still a big place, we've only seen really what's around Doma and Kugane, not the rest of the continent. If it was the other way around and they were introducing Eorzea to us by focusing on Ishgard, we'd be asuming only hyur/elezen were from Eorzea. I just want to see what life is like around the world.

 

And we are getting female highlander model characters in the MSQ. I'm sure they have reasons up their sleeves for the things we've seen or haven't seen. Gotta be patient.

[Berrod Armstrong]

Didn't see any Elezen/Lala/Miqo'te locals in Kugane, mostly Hyur/Roe/Au Ra. Still got to see the rest of Othard to see what races are native to that continent, though you'd think by now they are trying to tell us something.

 

*braces for impact*

 

You mean like this?

 

It'd be nice if they don't contradict themselves, but you know how good they are at showing Ala Mhigo's diversity. You'd almost think there were no female Highlanders.

I always assume every region has that '10% other', like in the lore book for every single place that's mentioned.

[Kage]

I am dumb. Only just realized that the RDM symbol is literally a cross mix of WHM and BLM

[LiadansWhisper]

I am dumb. Only just realized that the RDM symbol is literally a cross mix of WHM and BLM

 

Except the White Mage symbol is upside down.

 

That's rather interesting.