Letter from the Producer, XLV (05/10/2013)

[Raldo]

I'm not even sure if we'll see level 50+ monsters given these are the starting areas and what we've seen in the Shroud. It's not like 1.0 where every area had level 90 monsters tucked away.

I guess you didn't explore too far off the beaten path in Phase 1 or 2 then.

[Sephiroth]

I guess you didn't explore too far off the beaten path in Phase 1 or 2 then.

I explored every inch. I saw some higher level monsters (in the 40s) but certainly nothing over 50. That shit may present a challenge at 35 but it will be dead so fast at 50 you won't have a chance to get many skills in.

[Raldo]

I thought the iron giant dudes (N.Shroud) were well into their 60s, but I could be mistaken.

[Sephiroth]

Those were the mobs I saw, but I could well be mistaken too. Guess we'll see in phase 3. Will be easier to explore with a level 50.

[Alkar]

The only reason why they're allowing you to keep your levels is to properly test the character import and level sync. They'll probably toss in some extra FATE for 50s to try but nothing more than that should be expected at this point unless they officially announce that the cap won't be 35 for everyone else.

[Sephiroth]

I do hope level sync is in or it's going to suck for those of us with all battle classes maxed out.

[Takiwaki]

I do hope level sync is in or it's going to suck for those of us with all battle classes maxed out.

Already confirmed that they were able to get it in time for phase 3

[Raldo]

It's beta, your progress is getting scrapped anyway. If having capped jobs has you bummed out... just start a new character.

[Takiwaki]

Does anyone else think its crazy to announce a release date before phase 3 is even up and running?

[Cutriss]

Does anyone else think its crazy to announce a release date before phase 3 is even up and running?

Given what happened in 1.0 I'd normally agree, but P2 was pretty stable. P3 will be the real test, sure, but from what I can tell, it's a "release window" not a release date, so there's still "wiggle room" in case they need to push back.

As long as the downloader quits fucking up and they get rid of that stupid [12345] error code bullshit, it's in pretty good shape so far.

[Takiwaki]

Release date at the end of the month. That's pretty specific. I do think things are in good shape but beta 3 is so huge, anything can go wrong.

First and foremost, FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn will be released in summer 2013. It will be a worldwide release for the PC and PlayStation 3, available in Japanese, English, French, and German. At the end of the month we'll announce the release date, along with pricing and details on the collector's edition. We'll also start accepting preorders at the end of the month.

[Hyan]

Given what happened in 1.0 I'd normally agree, but P2 was pretty stable. P3 will be the real test, sure, but from what I can tell, it's a "release window" not a release date, so there's still "wiggle room" in case they need to push back.

As long as the downloader quits fucking up and they get rid of that stupid [12345] error code bullshit, it's in pretty good shape so far.

P2 was like P1.1....tbh

[Takiwaki]

P2 was like P1.1....tbh

True but phase 1 was stable lol. In fact with the larger area to spread people out it could be more stable than it was during the previous betas. We will see, I just think its crazy to have a release date announced before such a huge step that is phase 3.

[Hyan]

True but phase 1 was stable lol. In fact with the larger area to spread people out it could be more stable than it was during the previous betas. We will see, I just think its crazy to have a release date announced before such a huge step that is phase 3.

Are you forgetting the huge server problems that plagued the start of P1? After a successful alpha that was quite a shock. But they did get their stuff together in time for P2 so I'm not too concerned about that.

I wouldn't be surprised if a core mechanic like the dungeon finder stressed the servers too much initially causing crashes though lol

[Alkar]

They are doing internal testing too. The reason why things went smoothly for the most part is because they're doing a good job this time compared to 1.0. I wouldn't even compare the two betas, those who have tried can tell that ARR is miles ahead already.
They still have plenty of time to gather feedback and change stuff, they'll just have a patch ready for launch if things need to be fixed or altered.

[Takiwaki]

Are you forgetting the huge server problems that plagued the start of P1? After a successful alpha that was quite a shock. But they did get their stuff together in time for P2 so I'm not too concerned about that.

I wouldn't be surprised if a core mechanic like the dungeon finder stressed the servers too much initially causing crashes though lol

I wouldn't call that huge honestly, especially for a day one, with so much more people that alpha. It was taken care of relatively quickly also, not sure how much it plagued..

But like you I am expecting something to happen in phase 3 for sure, I would love to be surprised by a smooth phase 3.

[Hyan]

I wouldn't call that huge honestly, especially for a day one, with so much more people that alpha. It was taken care of relatively quickly also, not sure how much it plagued..

That's true. If it wasn't for the fact testing was conducted only on weekends it wouldn't have been that bad. It's quite normal that those kind bugs arise....I'm more concerned about the design issues/lack of features deemed "crucial" by the community. Not much tho. I'm too busy grooling over the art style :D

[Takiwaki]

Yup the art style is something that really does lend to the longevity of the franchise, it really draws you in. I really hope ARR does well.

[Cichy]

I don't think it's crazy to announce it. I'm assuming the launch date will be in August so that gives them plenty of time to flesh out stuff. I think once people will see the whole picture they will be willing to overlook some flaws which they can keep fixing post launch. I don't think anything in ARR hits you in the face like a shovel like in the case of 1.0.

[Alkar]

I think they're actually aiming for September 30th, third anniversary of the first launch. August seems a bit early with Phase 3 starting in June.