SE Pres. hints at micro-transactions & item selling for XIV

[Elmer the Pointy]

When I posted about Square Enix making Crysta a new online currency, I only speculated that it could potentially be used for micro-transactions. Like many of you, I thought SE was pretty much against it, the devs having stated in interviews that they wouldn't implement such a model.

Well,

this new interview says otherwise

“The basic model hasn't changed,” he said. “It's a monthly flat rate service with additional charges for items that users want to buy.
“For FFXI we didn't initially set up the item transaction model that well – although the demand for it was high. We thought that it would be a benefit for users, but that we wouldn't be able to charge.

“We soon learnt that there are a lot of people who want that kind of model, so we would like to introduce more pay-as-you-use items into the game. But there were too few items in FFXI – however we don't want to take it to the other extreme entirely for FFXIV.

Not sure how far they do plan to take it, but it's looking like there will be some kind of official RMT system in place.

[Egon]

I hope they don't, but if I was making the game, I most certainly would. I can't think of anything more profitable than selling monopoly money.

[Jakson]

Well, instead of spending assault points on useless crap, we can pay real money for useless crap. neat.

[Eanae]

As long as they don't overdo it with items that are game breaking I don't particularly mind that much. Something like the way WoW does TCG items. Nice little fun toys that have no effect on real gameplay.

[Destinye]

As long as they don't overdo it with items that are game breaking I don't particularly mind that much. Something like the way WoW does TCG items. Nice little fun toys that have no effect on real gameplay.

So pretty much what they do in FFXI now, only from the get go.

[Eanae]

I'd say FFXI is overdoing it. Both Satchel and Nexus cape are pretty game breaking imo. When I can get to tiamat from almost anywhere in the world in under 2 minutes, and already have all my gear on me...

[Eggroll]

As long as it's restricted to items that have no real use other than aesthetics I don't see a problem with it. If it turns into add-on scenarios v2.0 I know I won't be coming anywhere near the game.

[Yugl]

I'd say FFXI is overdoing it. Both Satchel and Nexus cape are pretty game breaking imo. When I can get to tiamat from almost anywhere in the world in under 2 minutes, and already have all my gear on me...

Well if you consider the more significance of having the token itself (Protection and use for future games such as FFXIV), it's reasonable to use inventory as an enticement to get people to buy the product. With both of these deals, you're gaining something beyond the item itself.

[ringthree]

As long as they don't overdo it with items that are game breaking I don't particularly mind that much. Something like the way WoW does TCG items. Nice little fun toys that have no effect on real gameplay.

Yeah, there are lots of way to sell in game items that are no game breaking. WoW does it pretty well, but there are even more ways to do it.

I don't think Tanaka would be down with full scale RMT, and the President of SE has said some other things about FFXI and FFXIV that haven't panned out.

I think this will probably be one of those much ballyhoo'd issues that doesn't amount to as much as it first appears.

[Kaluuki]

Ugh...If this happens to be true, I'll at least try the game... but no way in hell will I continue to play it if you have to buy certain items irl to have the best gear in FFXIV. I'm totally okay with trinkets, hell, maybe even like EXP boost potions/items that increase drop rates or something if you really want to push it. However, If they make end game gear buyable, or you end up needing any type of item from the cash shops to progress, I'll be extremely disappointed and stay away from FFXIV.

[Celeras]

Item shop = bad

TCG for fluff cards, logging in for event pets, fluff for purchasing expansions/going to cons = who cares

We'll see what happens. Inb4shitstorm

[Sho]

Ugh...If this happens to be true, I'll at least try the game... but no way in hell will I continue to play it if you have to buy certain items irl to have the best gear in FFXIV. I'm totally okay with trinkets, hell, maybe even like EXP boost potions/items that increase drop rates or something if you really want to push it. However, If they make end game gear buyable, or you end up needing any type of item from the cash shops to progress, I'll be extremely disappointed and stay away from FFXIV.

No way in hell they'll go that far. If nothing else, they'll be rare items and fun toys to play with on your character.

Since part of their business model for FFXIV is planned to cater to former and current FFXI players, they'll just make it an extension of what they do here, only now with online currency.

[stewie]

If it's just stuff to toy around with I see no real problem in it. If it will be "good" equipment or be able to outclass normal drops then the game's dead to me.

[Katlan]

Don't see this being any diff from what WoW has done or they have alrdy done in FFXI. There is no way they would make a monthly fee game that also requires rl money for progression

[Meko]

If it's just stuff to toy around with I see no real problem in it. If it will be "good" equipment or be able to outclass normal drops then the game's dead to me.

Agreed. I'm a bit hesitant at the whole idea of this. Aside from in-game pets or whatever, I'm not about buying items for a mmo. Doesn't that defeat the whole purpose?

I think a lot of these MMO makers are seeing the likes of Rock Band and other games like that which allow buyable content/bonuses. While it can be good, it could also break this game. I'll have my hopes in them NOT making this a full scale, offline auction house via RMT.

[BRP]

Don't confuse game breaking with game changing. That said, every addition is game changing. So you only mean things that change the game greatly. Or at least a moderate deal in this case, as the game remains similar with or without 80 more things to carry with you.

There is little difference in making someone WORK for something and making someone pay money for it. If something(I say something because MMOs are full of "things" in the place of success) is fun to get, I wouldn't pay money to not have fun.

[Celeras]

Don't confuse game breaking with game changing. That said, every addition is game changing. So you only mean things that change the game greatly. Or at least a moderate deal in this case, as the game remains similar with or without 80 more things to carry with you.

There is little difference in making someone WORK for something and making someone pay money for it. If something(I say something because MMOs are full of "things" in the place of success) is fun to get, I wouldn't pay money to not have fun.

And there goes the thread.

[vrumpt]

I'm a FF fanboy to the end. That being said, really don't care what they do here tbh. They can sell their Lil' K.Ts and pandaren monks and i'll get more endgame content to play. works for me.

They aren't gonna sell best endgame gear tho. That would make it WAYYYY too accessible and EVERYBODY will be running around in the same crap and the game dies.

If anything i can see them doing DLC content like they did at the end of XI's life (but not immedietly).

[dejet]

Key to beating AV will be something you can buy in FF14! >.>

I do not like the idea of RMTing anything outside how you look. Anything game breaking is total BS.

[vrumpt]

The rest of the article is really cool, im all for the downfall of one of the greatest gaming companies ever made.

And if one of the micro-transactions is a Sazh chocobo im buying 20. no lie.