Final Fantasy XIV: Gamescom Interview

108 0

Many of you have been asking about Final Fantasy XIV since its announcement a few months back at E3. During my Gamescom Cologne stay, Square Enix invited me to a small roundtable discussion (along with some new friends at ZAM) with Final Fantasy XIV producer Hiromichi Tanaka and Sage Sundi. Our 30 minutes flew by, but we definitely got to some good stuff, which you can read in its entirely below.

Final Fantasy XIV producers


PlayStation Blog
: You recently talked at E3 about how the game closely relates to Final Fantasy XI. How have the monsters and races changed from FF XI to XIV.

Hiromichi Tanaka
: Because we’re using a new graphic engine, the graphics are really different from FFXI and you can see more details on both monsters and races. Regarding the races, to encourage people to shift smoothly from FFXI, you will see very similar types of classes. But if you actually make your own character, you’ll be able to select your own colour of hair, skin, eye color, shape of your face, etc. There will be a wide range of variety to customize.

PSB: After E3, you mentioned there might be a way to transfer your name over from FFXI. Is that still planned – are you still working on that? Is there a plan on how you’re going to do it?

Tanaka: It hasn’t been confirmed yet, but we would like to give incentives to the players. First of all, FFXI has 32 worlds, and they may have the same name across different worlds, as I’m sure you know. Each name in each world has to be a unique; there can’t be conflicts with other players. However, when we have FFXIV, we still don’t know how many worlds there’s going to be yet, but players might have the same name if they all move to the same world, so there may be conflicts. So, to avoid that, what we’re trying to do is add a surname to their name, so players can keep their main name, but they can add something else to their surname – that way players with overlapping names can keep their names from FFXI, but they can add something on to it to make it unique.

PSB: You mentioned that the combat system will have less of a team play aspect. Can you elaborate on that, and how it’s different, and how much progress you’ve made in the past few months since it was announced?

Tanaka: For FFXI, the system was job based, so that’s why they had a party to make the most out of each job. This time it’s not going to be a job based system, it’s going to be an Armoury system, so it depends on which weapon you use and you can switch your class. That allows the player to use a different ability or skills. You can also join a party, that doesn’t mean you have to play solo, but it will allow you to play solo as well, because you can fight against monsters and you can change to a healer to heal yourself. So there will be more variety and it depends on what you plan on doing for that day.

PSB: The leveling system was described as not being experienced based. Can you explain exactly what kind of system you’re working on, and if it’s been completely defined?

Tanaka: This time it really depends on the Armoury system. It’s going to depend on how much you use your own equipment and weapons. The more you use it, the more the skill will go up of your class, so that’s the way you will get to higher levels for the class – the skills. You’ll also get abilities. It’s not going to be like if you fight more monsters, you’ll get more level ups, like similar to the experience system. Of course, if you fight against monsters, you will get some skill points, but it will help more if you attend to Guildleves. So that will be a more efficient way to hone your skills and ‘level up’ your character.

PSB: Are they any games that you have been influenced by that have done the online experience particularly well, even if outside of MMOs?

Tanaka: We don’t have any specific title that we’ve been influence by or have done research on, but if we should say one title it would be Final Fantasy XI as we are trying to achieve something different from FFXI. Even though the game worlds may seem and look similar, the game and how we are going to expand it will provide a totally different game experience.

On the other other hand, we listen to the community, and of course they have much experience in MMOs. In that sense, we receive from and keep up with the MMO-based community.

PSB: Are you still planning a spring 2010 beta?

Tanaka: We can’t really say any certain timing, because the launch is planned to release is 2010. So that means in springtime there will probably be something at that point. We are trying to work as soon as possible, so as soon as preparation is done, there could be something earlier than 2010.

Comments are closed.

108 Comments

  • Awesome. Thanks 4 the info guys. Keep it up!

  • Be nice to see some new footage along with this interview.

  • hell yea cant wait

  • this game will suck up my life just like FFXI did for almost 3 years lol

  • They should have asked if they are tryin to out do World of warcraft. A huge task, but are they at least tryin to match its strengths and diversities.

  • “there could be something earlier than 2010” sweet!

  • Great interview, I hope to see more FFXIV news soon!

  • $14.99 monthly fee…Thanks for the offer, but I’ll have to pass.

  • Great interview. Can’t wait for FFXIV. Did you guys manage to get an interview on FFXIII as well?

  • @ #9 TakiFuGu

    Where did you see that it was going to be $14.99 a month?

    I’m interested in this title. With Dissidia just coming out and XIII coming early next year then XIV. I may only be playing Final Fantasy games for a while.

    Can we please get more info on XIII VS. and XIII Agito?

  • S-E can suck my balls. The PS3 has been on the market for almost three years now and have yet to release a single PS3 retail game. While on the other hand, they have release 3 games on the xbox 360.
    The only games I will be buying from S-E are the ones Nomura is working on. Every other S-E games can suck my balls.

  • Sony Japan should try to get Nomura away from S-E and have him work in their Sony Japan studios on anything of this choosing. That man is a great game designer and it is a shame he is force to be working with S-E.

  • Oh is this game made to milk us with their subscription and make better 360 games with our money?

  • Banana!

  • $14.99 monthly fee… yes please, I’ll gladly pay, at the very least to try it out. But right now I’m thinking long term.

    There’s a chance of something earlier than 2010? Whoa, didn’t see that coming… sweet! I just hope it’s not pc only >< Please don't let it be pc only. I want a beta for ps3 pleeeease

  • I am so VERY pumped for FFXIV!!!

    The fact that they said there can even be a beta before 2010 just puts goosebumps on my arms!!!

  • @DKAzzurro – Hey! I’m in the same boat man, getting pretty excited for this. Anyone that’s actually interested in this game add me to psn. I could use some more friends that’ll be playing FFXIV someday. Zemus101

  • My Apologies to SE (as I have great respect for them), but I need to comment out of scope over the great injustice of EA and their manipulations of SCE inc.

    It has been brought to our attention that EA is blocking the release of Full In Game Music as well as Full Cross Game Chat across all PS3 titles because of their own ego and pride. Gamers need to drive the point home and protest against EA in anyway possible.

    Sony you need to grow a Spine and take the fight for your consumers, this is shameful behavior on your part by rolling over and taking it.

    For more Details read up on Super Secrets Thread:

    http:/*/*forums.n4g.com/Cross-game-chat-and-why-it39s-currently-MIA-m700070-p10.aspx

    Remove the * for link to work.

  • My Apologies to SE (as I have great respect for them), but I need to comment out of scope over the great injustice of EA and their manipulations of SCE inc.

    It has been brought to our attention that EA is blocking the release of Full In Game Music as well as Full Cross Game Chat across all PS3 titles because of their own ego and pride. Gamers need to drive the point home and protest against EA in anyway possible.

    Sony you need to grow a Spine and take the fight for your consumers, this is shameful behavior on your part by rolling over and taking it.

    For more Details read up on Super Secrets Thread:

    http:/*/*forums.n4g.com/Cross-game-chat-and-why-it39s-currently-MIA-m700070-p10.aspx

    Remove the * for link to work.

  • I’d like to be in the beta… If not, I’ll probably pass, not a big fan of MMOs. But I am a fan of Final Fantasy games.

    Actually I just want info on a FFXIII release date.

  • My Apologies to SE (as I have great respect for them), but I need to comment out of scope over the great injustice of EA and their manipulations of SCE inc.

    It has been brought to our attention that EA is blocking the release of Full In Game Music as well as Full Cross Game Chat across all PS3 titles because of their own ego and pride. Gamers need to drive the point home and protest against EA in anyway possible.

    Sony you need to grow a Spine and take the fight for your consumers, this is shameful behavior on your part by rolling over and taking it.

    For more Details read up on Super Secrets Thread:

    http:/*/*forums.n4g.com/Cross-game-chat-and-why-it39s-currently-MIA-m700070-p10.aspx

    Remove the * for link to work.

    Might as well join you guys on your cause :)

  • Kaze eternal… That link is B.S.

    and if you think it is true, I’d like to know just “one” game on the ps3 that you cannot access the XMB while in game by pressing the PS button?

    Let me know which games are so called “black”

  • Give me some real evidence. (I used to HATE EA, but fight night 4 and madden 10 sure are smooth).

  • Oh guys Chuckbait thinks it’s BS……..

  • @22 Chuckbait
    Enchanted Arms. You cannot access the XMB while in that game. That is one of the game I know about.

  • @22 Chuckbait
    Need for Speed Carbon.

  • I’m not getting this unless it’s free to play after bought at retail.
    It’s highly unlikely, but it’s still a possibility.

  • @22 Chuckbait

    Enchanted Arms – Ubisoft
    Call of Dudy 3 – Activision
    Ironman – SEGA
    Blacksite: Area 51 – Midway
    Lost Planet – Capcom
    Need for Speed Carbon – EA
    Record of Agarest War – Aksys Games

    Link: ***http://boardsus.playstation.com/playstation/board/message?board.id=ps3updates&thread.id=89496

  • I can’t trust square any more were loosing good games that were thought to be exclusive to ps3 they might be making 14 for 360 =(

  • @BloodyCow/Kaze

    Whats wrong with S-E? Dont tell me to read the post cuz im not reading that long-ass post Just tell me why…

  • @30 The_Punisher111
    Lets see. hmmm, were should I begin.
    First, they have yet to make a good console game since…..Final Fantasy X on the PS2. Sure the release Star Ocean 3 and Dragon Quest VIII, but those was made by Level 5 (DQVIII) and Tri-Ace(SO3).
    They been release remake of final fantasy and dragon quest games instead of making new IP or new games in those series that push those series forward instead of backward in the case of Final Fantasy X-2, XI, and XII.
    Release 3 JRPG on the xbox 360 when most of the user base could care less for JRPG or RPGs in general. They have yet to release a single PS3 retail game in almost 3 years.
    Final Fantasy XIII is being gimped if you look at screen shots of the demo on the Advent Children Complete Blu-Ray to screen shots of the current build. Why is it being gimped? Because of the Xbox 360 and it limitation with DVD-9.

  • I forgot to add. They are milking the Final Fantasy name now. I am not sure how many games with Final Fantasy has been release within the past year, but I know it a lot to be honest.

    Tri-Ace, use to let S-E publish their games, now is under SEGA wings, complain that S-E has a strangle hold on the developers and isn’t allowing them to express their creative freedom.

  • Boo. I demand experience based leveling.

  • @ everyone the main game that EA is crying about is Harry Potter anf The Order of the Phoenix

  • I am not surprised that Bloodcow would be involved in that EA scam. It’s pretty obvious it’s all BS. Wouldn’t surprise me if one of their competitors is behind this (hint: GHWT). Soooo many things don’t pan out in that guy’s post. This is just blatant character-assassination on a company that’s actually been really supportive of the PS3.

  • @BloodyCow

    Dude, I totally agree with you. Yoichi Wada, president of SquareEnix went with the wrong platform to support. Like seriously, I don’t think they sold alot of copies for any game released on Xbox360 especially in the US. They literally left the Playstation Fanbase with nothing. Hopefully, FFXIII will show SE that PS3 was the right platform to support in the very beginning. Jeez all there games on Xbox360 could have sold at least 3 times more especially in Japan.

  • Super_Secret is LEGIT.

    More info check n4g.com. A Hot Story. and in the forums PS3 Hardware section.

  • seeing tha 14 is an online game wouldn’t you find that strange for this game to release before 13 still?

  • @Everyone who backed me up
    Thank you I appreciate it, please continue to post on the blog.

    Also please be sure not to partake in the mayhem over on the EA forums, right a clear concise letter to the company in a very polite manner. All that stuff will do is invoke anger in the higher ups.

    @30
    I have no issue with SE and the article doesn’t pertain to SE. SE is awesome in my book even if their recent decisions under wada are misguided and foolish.

    The problems I’m addressing is EA’s interference in the evolution of the PlayStation 3’s OS. We want no more hindrance because of a handful of titles are non compliant. Sony Software/Hardware engineers deserve more respect than that and they deserve to see there hard work come to fruition on our favorite platform. We should be given In Game Music and Cross Game Chat.

  • @22 there are actually a few games that do not support in-game xmb. harry potter though is supposible the one people are complaining about do to super_secret post about EA.

  • Pricing will make or break this game… I hope they are smart about it!

  • @40
    Ya super secret posted later on in the thread with one of the games from said company having the initials HPatOofP typo with the f as no other game has those initials.

    Anyway that is an EA game and he listed a string of other publishers that were not an issue for SCE on this.

    When you put all the pieces together EA is the only one with enough muscle to force sony into submission over this. Other companies just don’t have the will or the need to flex that kind of muscle.

    Madden and EA Sports in General is a major boom and results in millions of consoles sold. As long as EA is cross platform then the impact of EA titles is not felt.

  • As much as I hate to go off topic, I feel like I should point out just how stupid of a rumor this is.

    It’s simple really. The “source” claims that a company (supposedly EA) is threatening legal action, or even the possibility of dropping support altogether for Sony because one of their games would look inferior.

    Might I point out that this EA hasn’t patched trophies into Rock Band, ProStreet, or The Orange Box among others. Now if EA was so upset about some game looking inferior because of something as stupid as custom soundtracks and cross-game chat, why wouldn’t they make an effort to support something like trophies in all their games. If EA isn’t going to be a perfectionist about all their games, they certainly aren’t going to threaten to drop support for PS3, PSP, and PS2.

    Seriously people. It’s the internet. Don’t believe everything you read.

  • i wonder how much time has gone into this and if its going to look like ff13.

  • Neat, Sony ultimate will have lost the “console war” because of losing FF-XIII. That will be their undoing in the end. They lost the sales of possibly millions of PS3s over it. All other companies who make PS3 exclusives should be pissed too as their attach rates will go down because of it.

  • Looking forward to checking out the beta.

  • I loved the interview. I can’t wait to see and hear more on the game. I just want to give a BIG THANKS to you guys for taking the time to do this!

  • @43
    Unfortunately your trophies argument doesn’t hold it’s own weight. Trophies don’t require any degree of processing power to assess and award a player. Unlike music which requires timing and a steady stream of data to be threaded through IO.

    Next you have to look at the fact that the way Sony applied it is very similar to In Game Music before finally making it a requirement and grandfathering in old titles to not need them.

    You really didn’t think this through did you.

    Finally Super_Secret is as close to legitimate as you can get without being Jeff Rubenstien. If you had done your homework you would have realized that your counter argument is broken. While you consider Cross Game Chat and In Game Music “Stupid features”, the rest of us are a little more level headed in evaluating their value.

    BTW the PS Blog is on the Internet should we not believe anything posted here?

  • LOL I’ll never forget the reaction of EVERYONE in Sony’s press conference when they announced this game – “What?…What?…What?…WHAT?” Everyone was just so surprised!!!

Please enter your date of birth.

Date of birth fields