SE said this. SE said that. You've all heard it before, most everyone's done it. Players tend to drop vague paraphrased quotes that reps at SE may, or may not, have said. So did they really say that? Who said it? When? What context? Anytime SE has something interesting to say, it can simply be added to the list for easy reference.
I've done my best to try and include only the points of interest in the summary notes. The summary is comprised of paraphrased statements from SE, and not my personal opinions (though there are a few lol moments).
11/28/07 - RPGamer.com WotG Dev. Team Interview:
http://www.rpgamer.com/games/ff/ff11wog ... rview.html
Referenced on BG here:
Notes:
11/20/07 - Zam.com WotG Dev. Team Interview:
http://ffxi.allakhazam.com/sdetail.html?story=11328
Referenced on BG here: viewtopic.php?f=53&t=26097
Notes:
11/16/07 - Rhealana's GamersInfo WotG Dev. Team Interview:
http://blogs.gamersinfo.net/index.php/f ... /ff07_1311
Referenced on BG here: http://bluegartr.com/forum/viewtopic. ... 66&start=0
Notes: Users of the old windower won't be banned, however use at your own risk. They experimented with adding new features to the interface but were unhappy and are going to keep looking into it. There will be an item introduced to enfeeble AV. With the new added WS' they will reevaluate relic WS'. FFXI will not undergo any drastic graphical updates. SE would like to create expansions exploring the far east, south, and west also.
11/16/07 - 1up.com WotG Dev. Team Interview:
http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?pager ... Id=3164429
Referenced on BG here: http://bluegartr.com/forum/viewtopic. ... 64&start=0
Notes: A prequel storyline allows all players to be on the same page as far as story is concerned. Dancer is designed as a front line healer that is useful for smaller parties. An existing job will be adjusted to fill the role of tank in many (not all) situations. Certain Dancer moves depend upon Accuracy. The new tank capable job will be "of some popularity". Areas like Giddeus and Fort Ghelsba will open up later on.
11/04/07 - Altana Festival in Osaka: Super Ultimate Complete Guide +1:
http://bluegartr.com/forum/viewtopic. ... 84&start=0
Notes: Further detailed info on the expansion. Campaign works in weekly cycles like Conquest. The new Signet type of effect results in no exp loss upon death. Missions involve a wide variety available to high and low levels. Tickets are used like assault tags except that only the users ticket is consumed entering. Within the main nations A.H. and shops aren't available although House rental and item delivery are. New type of mandragora, Lycopodium. Mercenary Camp player battles. Macros will be increased to 4000 using 20 individual "Books". Gobbie Bag will be increased to 70. Mog House will be accessible by friends you allow inside. Pankration may have a practice arena added. Odin's death move can be avoided using a crouching emote. THF can steal the goblins die in the solo ENM60. Info to spawn 1F Zhayolm Remnants NM. Treasure Hunter info. Other misc. facts.
11/04/07 - Gamewatch Altana Festival Special:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/doc ... f11off.htm
Referenced on BG here: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=25582&start=0
Notes: Scholar is announced. New details about dancer and scholar abilities. Scholars use clubs and staves as weapons, books are just a graphic. White Grimoire allowed stoneskin to complete at 40%. Scholar can use graviga. Dancer can use an endrainga dance.
10/23/07 - Famitsu Mini Article:
http://bluegartr.com/forum/viewtopic. ... 48&start=0
Notes: The regional system for WotG is revealed, Campaign. Dancer will not be a female only job.
08/22/07 - Bercus' Interview with SE:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=22434&start=0
Notes: WoG will have multiple main areas. Actions in the past can cause mobs to appear in current zones (won't disappear). WoG core content is 100% done, and 40% overall. New jobs will bring new COR rolls. Expansion dev team is about 80 people, 5 for just items. More hints about AV. Einherjar. No plans to increase macro lines. Window mode will be basic with no frills. Auto sort and economy discussed.
07/18/07 - RPGFan.com Interview with WoG Developers: http://www.rpgfan.com/features/squareenix2007/ffxi.html
referenced on BG here: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=20555&start=0
Notes: Level cap of 75 is permanent. WoG may be more quest oriented. Hoping to spread out player utilized home points in WoG zones. Developers don't look to WoW for influence. SE has eliminated about 90% of RMT (hmm...). WoW increased RMT activity (lols). Deflation is nearing normal FFXI economy prices.
07/17/07 - 4Gamer.net Interview with WoG Developers: http://www.4gamer.net/news.php?url=/new ... etail.html
referenced on BG here: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=20564&start=0
Translation by Elmer on page 2.
Notes: TAU featured a variety of events introduced one by one. WoG will feature one main element to be built off of. Something relative to conquest and besieged. New jobs will not be made to take the place of existing jobs. Aldo and his sister won't play a major part in WoG. There will be no limitations on items brought into and out of WoG zones. Actions in the past will influence the present in dynamic ways and even awake new monsters. The level cap is permanent. Windower will be aimed at users who simply want to be able to access Instant Messagers and other everyday programs. Unlikely FFXI will be translated to any other new languages. China has a policy against using servers that are shared with the rest of the world. Server migration is not a reaction to dwindling server populous'. At least 10,000 players (more than 10 a day) have migrated and it tends to balance out. Considering allowing characters on accounts to be split but unlikely.
07/14/07 - FFXIclopedia Interview with WoG Developers: http://forums.ffxiclopedia.org/viewtopic.php?t=5032
referenced on BG here: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=20405&start=0
Notes: Expansion will have areas similar to assault. Missions will be more open and less like CoP. No level cap areas unless you choose one for assault-ish zones. Activities range from small group play to large scale. Players will experience the Crystal War, including the battle in Sarutabaruta. Features a new system not related to Conquest. No plans to increase city missions. Won't implement Runic Portal multi passes. Windower is being rewritten to use Dx9. Monsters may be made stronger to bring more balance into partying. Throwing WS may not be possible due to limitations. Player NPCs will have access to TAU eventually. Similiarly they won't have access to WoG zones until much later. No plans for graphics upgrade. Defeating mobs around AV slows its regen. Dev team may defeat AV at fanfest or display videos. BLU, PUP, COR Relic armor will not come from dynamis. Two-handed weapons may allow for another item to equip in empty slot.
07/11/07 - Zam.com Interview with WoG Developers: http://ffxi.allakhazam.com/sdetail.html?story=10045
referenced on BG here: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=20385&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&p =629393&view=show#p629393
Notes: Process of developing new jobs discussed. Relic armor for newer jobs is being released at a later time, similar to it originally was with older jobs. Very high appeal of TAU exp areas may be adjusted. BST may be updated with the other jobs around WoG's release. PUP will be updated very soon. AV can currently be defeated. Einherjar will be monitored for adjustment. WoG HNM may have big "impact" on drops. Eh... something ambiguous about DirectX9.
07/13/07 - Gamewatch Interview with WoG Developers: http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/doc ... 7/ffxi.htm
referenced on BG here: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=20511&start=0
Translation by Elmer on page 2.
Notes: WoG content is roughly 33% finished. Most work to develop an expansion is the sound and the zones i.e. any data going onto the disc. Other data can be placed into updates. WoG will add "new elements" to Conquest and Besieged. TAU has fun small events, WoG will focus on Conquest/Besieged. Teams are constantly changing around to make new content or expansions. New jobs require lvl30 to unlock. New spells and abilities for all jobs. No plans for hero class jobs. Accessing expansion will again require a small quest. There will be entire new zones in addition to past versions of existing ones. Plan to implement new equipment in ways that won't completely obsolete old gear. New ideas for crafting being looked into. WoG Mission storyline will branch out into a series. New jobs will comprise of types that may be more in demand, and then a support type. New jobs will not be complete upon introduction to allow play style to adjust. The zones took 1.5 years to make (wtf?). Windower will be implemented along with other unknown new elements with WoG. Combating RMT is going well and now crafting is the next step.
07/11/07 - 1up.com Interview with WoG Developers:
http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3161097
referenced on BG here:http://www.bluegartr.com/forum/viewt...w=show#p626540
Notes: WoG will ship simultaneously in all countries. WoG takes place directly in FFXI's past. The same gil will be used as currency. Transporting goods will be similiar to zoning and not complex. New jobs. New magic and abilities for all current jobs. FFXI will probably not have new races or face/hair options, new face/hair would require altering all current head armor. TAU events give players more options for more endgame armor. Those who choose can still camp HNM if they "like" to. Einherjar will be considered for change, par of it is the "luck of the draw". WoG will take the besieged concept and expand upon it. Choco racing may award a type of armor. During first few months of WoG content will be around it, and then later finish loose ends in TAU. TAU was meant for high level players and ended up slightly less so, WoG is aimed for high level players this time. WoG features around 30 zones. It will be PS3 compatible but no plans for a PS3 version.
06/27/07 - 7th Vanadiel Census:
http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/guide/ ... index.html
referenced on BG here:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=19796&hilit=census
Notes:More than 500k accounts. Most play for 1-3 hours. WHM is the most common main job, COR and PUP the least. As subjob BLM/RDM rose the most this year, up 3 ranks. Hume/Taru males are nearly equally common, Elvaan female the least. Average of 1,477 LS' per server. Most common items sold on each AH displayed. Aegis is by far most common relic. Claustrom and Gutler the least. Whitegate is most common HP set. 25% of players have finished COP storyline. 12% have finished current TOA missions. 9.3% of players are rank8 in assault (highest rank atm). Individual assault mission rankings.
04/19/07 - RPGFan Interview:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=20555&hilit=development
04/18/07 - Gamewatch Interview:
Part 1 http://watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20 ... 11int1.htm
Part 2 http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/doc ... 11int1.htm
referenced on BG here with translation by Elmer: viewtopic.php?t=18392&postdays=0&postorder=asc&sta rt=0
Notes: WoG content is roughly 33% finished. Most work to develop an expansion is the sound and the zones i.e. any data going onto the disc. Other data can be placed into updates. WoG will add "new elements" to Conquest and Besieged. TAU has fun small events, WoG will focus on Conquest/Besieged. Teams are constantly changing around to make new content or expansions. New jobs require lvl30 to unlock. New spells and abilities for all jobs. No plans for hero class jobs. Accessing expansion will again require a small quest. There will be entire new zones in addition to past versions of existing ones. Plan to implement new equipment in ways that won't completely obsolete old gear. New ideas for crafting being looked into. WoG Mission storyline will branch out into a series. New jobs will comprise of types that may be more in demand, and then a support type. New jobs will not be complete upon introduction to allow play style to adjust. The zones took 1.5 years to make (wtf?). Windower will be implemented along with other unknown new elements with WoG. Combating RMT is going well and now crafting is the next step.
07/11/07 - 1up.com Interview with WoG Developers:
http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3161097
referenced on BG here:http://www.bluegartr.com/forum/viewt...w=show#p626540
Notes: WoG will ship simultaneously in all countries. WoG takes place directly in FFXI's past. The same gil will be used as currency. Transporting goods will be similiar to zoning and not complex. New jobs. New magic and abilities for all current jobs. FFXI will probably not have new races or face/hair options, new face/hair would require altering all current head armor. TAU events give players more options for more endgame armor. Those who choose can still camp HNM if they "like" to. Einherjar will be considered for change, par of it is the "luck of the draw". WoG will take the besieged concept and expand upon it. Choco racing may award a type of armor. During first few months of WoG content will be around it, and then later finish loose ends in TAU. TAU was meant for high level players and ended up slightly less so, WoG is aimed for high level players this time. WoG features around 30 zones. It will be PS3 compatible but no plans for a PS3 version.
06/27/07 - 7th Vanadiel Census:
http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/guide/ ... index.html
referenced on BG here:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=19796&hilit=census
Notes:More than 500k accounts. Most play for 1-3 hours. WHM is the most common main job, COR and PUP the least. As subjob BLM/RDM rose the most this year, up 3 ranks. Hume/Taru males are nearly equally common, Elvaan female the least. Average of 1,477 LS' per server. Most common items sold on each AH displayed. Aegis is by far most common relic. Claustrom and Gutler the least. Whitegate is most common HP set. 25% of players have finished COP storyline. 12% have finished current TOA missions. 9.3% of players are rank8 in assault (highest rank atm). Individual assault mission rankings.
04/18/07 - Gamewatch Interview:
Part 1 http://watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20 ... 11int1.htm
Part 2 http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/doc ... 11int1.htm
referenced on BG here with translation by Elmer: viewtopic.php?t=18392&postdays=0&postorder=asc&sta rt=0
Notes: Considering congestion issues. Ogawa and Tanaka score FFXI. The population is still around 500k. Choco Racing will award "Choco Coins". Coins can be used to warp to other countries. ToAU is 79-80% complete. Salvage was designed to be dynamis-like. Salvage is being considered for adjustments. The Pit is being released this year, the Colosseum is on hold. BLU, COR, and PUP are finished being evaluated, category 2 abilities need to be added. New COR rolls possible. PUP began as a necromancer concept. It's asked if the graphics could be upgraded like was the case in Everquest.
03/06/07 - Bercus' Questions to SE: viewtopic.php?t=16915&postdays=0&postorder=asc&sta rt=0
Notes: Mog Locker space will be increased. HNM drops are intended to be "rare" and difficult to obtain. There will be new methods to obtain HNM rewards that are "too popular" in updates. They're willing to add items that have a uniqueness similar to Ridill. Ulli is in the process of being adjusted. Pop items for sea god NM's will be changed. Virtue Stones will be changed to quivers. No plans to change CoP Dynamis drop rates. BST will not be able to charm sea mobs. Changes to enhance "Call Beast" are planned. They will not give out info about direction/day/moon phases affecting synths.
03/03/07 - Premier Websites visit to SE discussions:
FFXIOnline: Dreams in Vana'diel link
FFo.warcry.com link
FFXI Wiki link
FFXI Stratics link
Allakhazam: Exodus' Report link, Pikko's Report link
Notes: FFXI will be patched to support windowed mode on PC. Windows Vista compatibility should be fixed soon. No plans to port FFXI to Mac. No plans for FFXI on PS3 as it already is compatible. Undecided if a fee will be charged for server migration. Considering ways to LFG on more than one job and make finding parties easier. Considering tweaking linkshell system. Rare/Ex drop rate discussed. BLU and COR have been evaluated, PUP is still being evaluated for changes. FFXI staff members do read feedback from Premier and non Premier websites. NPC weapon type are cosmetic although damage type does change vs mob. They are working on using NPC's in Near East areas. SE continues to support FFXI. Another premier feedback meeting will be held using players questions.
02/22/07 - ffxionlinewelten.com interview: http://ffxi.onlinewelten.com/articles,i ... rview.html
Notes: The EU version is required to switch between French/German/English. Language can be changed anytime using the language POL option. Mithra's don't have furry "breasts"...
01/02/07 - Joystiq.com interview: http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/01/squar ... k-of-ffxi/
Notes: FFXI for the Wii very unlikely, but in discussion
02/01/07 - JeuxOnline interview: http://ffxi.jeuxonline.info/index.php?idNouvelle=13447
Referenced on BG here: viewtopic.php?t=15860&start=0
crummy babelfish translation here:link to translation
Notes: SE does not intend to release FFXI for PS3 because its already compatible. New expansion is being developed. An official windower is being considered. Salvage was not intended as part of ToAU endgame or their answer to making abjurations more abundant.
01/05/07 - Greetings for the New Year from SE: http://www.playonline.com/pcd/topics/ff ... etail.html
12/12/06 - Sage Sundi Comments on GM Policy: http://ffxi.stratics.com/content/announcements/061212/
Notes: GM's are now capable of restoring lost items and exp. GM's shift from typically being invisible to showing themselves often. For now item restoration is set to once per player, it will be increased at some time in the future with no notice given.
12/11/06 - STF Q & A response with all premier websites: http://ffxi.stratics.com/content/asksquareenix/061211/
09/29/06 - Famitsu interview: http://www.famitsu.com/blog/vanatsu/200 ... st_84.html
Referenced on BG here: viewtopic.php?t=12867&start=0
Crummy Babelfish translation here: link to translation
Notes: Chocobo raising. Why stats like CRIT and EVA are hidden. Cat 2 BST merits. Ridill will not be usable by BLU. Holy II and Banish IV are being considered. New COR roll being considered. Diabolic Eye ability gives accuracy equal to (greater than?) peacock charm or (and?) O-hat (I'm unclear on this). Flashy Shot has a cap on enmity increased. Angon effect is higher than acid bolt (unclear on this). SMN prime BP may be adjusted. Category 2 merits may be increased to 5. Parts of this info appears in the Soyoboon Online feature (see below). A very long interview and too difficult to understand with auto-translation. If anyone has a link to a good translation it could be helpful. Specific details are sketchy because of translation.
09/27/06 - Soyoboon Online info: http://s03.2log.net/home/syoboon1/column.html
referenced on BG here: viewtopic.php?t=12664&start=0
Notes: This info was probably a small portion leaked from the Famitsu interview (see above). The info has since been pushed very far down the page, you can use CTRL+F search for FFXI to find it. Specific details are sketchy because of translation.
09/22 - 23 - 24/06 - Main site of Japanese fanfest at TGS: http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/event/ ... dex_e.html
SE's discussion of all 3 days: http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/event/ ... esta2.html
Day 1 referenced on BG here: viewtopic.php?t=12684&start=0
Day 2 referenced on BG here: viewtopic.php?t=12598&start=0
Day 3 referenced on BG here: viewtopic.php?t=12633&start=0
Destiny's Blog interview here: http://ff11creatersvoice.cocolog-nifty. ... index.html
Destiny's Blog interview referenced on BG here: viewtopic.php?t=12572&start=0
Notes: Goblin drink recipe is finally fucking revealed. Info on AV's regen (maybe). They intend to increase the number of opportunities to get abjurations and will release armor similar to relic for ToAU. Concept of Salvage is discussed. First mention of creating the STF. Ideas for more job changes are explored.
08/31/06 - Chocobo Racing Part 2 Q&A: http://www.ffxionline.com/forums/lite/t-60731.html
Notes: It's all standard racing info. However I was surprised at one of the responses given in that it was candidly honest. In response to one of the questions about controlling choco's live: "In FINAL FANTASY XI, there are systems over four years old that are still in use today. As we provide new features, we create new systems like trading items to pop NMs and instanced areas like Assault. We feel we should introduce the best race system without using the original design ideals." So essentially SE is aware of the inherent flaws in much of FFXI's original game play mechanics, shocking and refreshing to hear it.
08/24/06 - Bercus' BG interview: viewtopic.php?t=11988&start=0
Notes: Windower for PC could be possible. Stated ToAU will have areas similar to sea/sky endgame zones. HNM changes requested. May change timers for HNM. Server changes could be possible for a fee. Bonus' were intended to keep people in ToAU regions. Reasons for Dynamis not being instanced.
08/22/06 - Chocobo Racing Part 1 Q&A: http://www.ffxionline.com/forums/lite/t-60480.html
07/18/06 - SE's official press release denying development of a FFXI sequal ( PDF format):
http://www.square-enix.com/jp/company/e ... 0718en.pdf
07/07/06 - 1up.com post fanfest interview: http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3152040
Notes: They'd like to tweak older areas when ToAU has finished. They think gaining access to Runic Portals for Assault was probably too much work. Besieged lag is player and not server side problem.
Also a handy link to videos from ToAU fanfest: http://www.1up.com/do/download?cId=3144196
05/16/06 Vana census 6
http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/guide/ ... index.html
Notes: "More than" 500k users, and 1,700,000 characters. On average, most players login for about 3 hours at a time. 30.40% of jobs are level 2-10. 7.42% of jobs are level 71-75. WHM is the most popular job at 16%, PUP and COR are the least popular with 1% each. Hume male is most commen race, Elvaan Female least commen. Average of 1,604 linkshells per server. an average increase of 117 more than last year. Total stage four relic weapons is 176, total completed relics are 218. Excalibur has the most completions at 36, Guttler and Claustrom the least with 1 each. South Sandoria is the most utilized home point, Aht Urhgan Whitegate is second. The most popular assault is Lamia No.13.
03/09 - 10 - 11/06 - Q & A with ToAU Dev Panel Fanfest:
Day 1 http://ffxi.stratics.com/archive/conten ... panel1.php
Day 2 http://ffxi.stratics.com/archive/conten ... panel2.php
Day 3 http://ffxi.stratics.com/archive/conten ... panel3.php
Notes: Treasure Hunter is not based on damage or on Thf killing mob, only THF being in party. Male Mithra will be revealed someday. Samurai was never meant to be a tank. For the third time, CHR does not affect provoke. Throwing WS requested for the third time.
03/10/06 - Santa Monica Fanfest Dev Panel Q & A: http://www.ffxifestival.com/devpanel.html
Notes: Many ideas for job changes. Some include; encouraging DRK to use scythe, SMN to keep avatars out, WAR to use various subjobs and weapons. Changing THF Perfect Dodge. Bahumut will not be an avatar. Considering new avatars for ToAU.
03/10/06 - 1up.com Interview with the ToAU Devs: http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?pager ... Id=3148759
Notes: Pup was originally a necromancer type job. MPK patch and BST. Besieged was created from player requests.
11/16/05 - 1up.com interview: http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3145765&did=1
Referenced on BG here: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=5665&hilit=bg+future&start=0
Notes: They acknowledge most players have reached high level endgame. The level cap is permanent. Instanced HNM requested. They intend NM and HNM to be fought in the field to allow for "the MMO experience". Dynamis overcrowding. Diabolos becoming an avatar is alluded to.
10/23/05 - BG's interview with Sage Sundi: http://web.archive.org/web/200601110528 ... _sundi.php
Referenced on old BG here: http://www.theorderls.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=5215
Notes: SE expresses interest in making changes to MPK. Relic weapons are intended to be rare and difficult to obtain. Sea god pop items. JoL's regen pre-nerf. Stated SE has a team that pre-tests mobs to ensure they can be beaten. ToAU will be solo and low level content. HNM loot may be changed. New spells being considered. May change "haijin" style game play.
10/22/05 - iGames Tour at College Station Texas Panel Discussion: http://www.square-enix-usa.com/events/f ... cript.html
Referenced on BG here: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=5346&hilit=bg+future&start=0
Notes: New weapon types are possible but would be difficult to balance in game. Avatar Enmity - clarified. Beastmen invading cities is requested. No plans to increase Rank above 10. Prime avatar BP requested.
08/13/05 - Rochester NY iGames Tour Interview: http://na.square-enix.com/events/ffxi/t ... cript.html
Notes: Magic ACC and enfeebling skill explained (vaguely). Personal NPC exp rate explained. For the second time, CHR doesn't affect provoke. Request to change over camping of HNM for second time. Changing your characters race/style requested. Server transfers are actually being planned when the billing system is reconstructed later on, GMs have the power to move characters across servers. Separating content ID's to another account is technically possible. Again SE states they will not support legalized RMT. Throwing WS requested for the second time.
08/01/05 - 1up.com interview: http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3142462
Notes: This is where the beginning of the BLM nerf rumors started. SE producer admits drg is (or was) the least popular. Utsusemi "nerf". Xbox360 increased draw distance is for scenery and not mobs. Explanation for RNG "nerf". The FBI is aiding them find the culprits of the DDoS attacks. Mention of SE trademarking the new name "Treasures of Aht Urhgan".
07/31/05 - Gamespot interview: REMOVED
Notes: At one point FFXI was planned for Xbox but Xboxlive made it impossible. General video game talk.
05/24/05 - Stratics interview with devs at E3 (the original link is no longer available): http://ffxi-crystalline.net/v-web/bulle ... 0c9bbccac5
Notes: TH is active just by THF being in party. They regret auto party function. First mention of a new expansion (ToAU). Seeking on multiple jobs "isn't feasible programming-wise". HNM progression is discussed, to an extent.
05/16/05 Vana census 5
http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/guide/ ... index.html
Notes: "More than" 500k users and 1,550,000 characters. 38.94% of jobs are level 2-10. 9.30% of jobs are level 71-75. WAR is the most popular job at 21.11%, SMN is least popular at 0.51%. Tarutaru male is most commen race, Elvaan Female least commen. Average of 1,487 linkshells per server, an average increase of 100 more than last year. Pie charts for Beastmen job distribution. Pie charts displaying overall synthesis levels.
05/12/05 - iGames Tour Hawaii Panel Discussion: http://na.square-enix.com/events/ffxi/t ... index.html
Notes: SE responds to Sony's new Station Exchange website by saying they will not support RMT. There are avatars that have not made an appearance yet. The idea for a "bazaar stand" is requested. They don't plan on pursuing people who use "packet sniffing". No plans to implement voice chat. Macro "queuing" requested.
02/26/05 - iGames Tour Gardina CA Sage Sundi Panel Discussion: http://na.square-enix.com/events/ffxi/t ... panel.html
Notes: Beastmen invading cities is requested. Do not intend to increase level cap, will be considered if neccessary. No difference in lag between JP and NA users. SE has no plans to make a windower. It's stated they have plans to deal with inflation. Request to change over camping of HNM. Character customization is limited by PS2. New weapon type requested. Throwing WS requested. Considering the possibility of server transfers.
09/16/04 - Eurogamer.net interview: http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=56627
Notes: They seemed set on phasing out PS2 for PS3 and Xbox2, lol. Cost of FFXI is comparable to a console FF, cost of CG equals about same cost of servers. Considering translating to French and German. There's more text in FFXI than the bible.
07/12/04 - MMORPGdot.com interview: http://www.mmorpgdot.com/index.php?hsac ... 53&ID=1012
Notes: "Chains of Promathia include action-packed ferries with multiple routes" lol.
07/??/04 - Warcry Interview: http://ffo.warcry.com/scripts/columns/v ... colid=4615
Notes: Considering adding new spells and abilities with CoP. Do not intend to increase level cap, will be considered if necessary. They do not want to implement an auto-sorting option. SMN skill affects interrupt and spirit cast time. No plans to make Tetramaster playable in ffxi.
06/??/04 - Warcry Interview: http://ffo.warcry.com/scripts/columns/v ... colid=3834
Notes: Drops are not affected by level. Steal and Mug are not affected by attributes (AGI, DEX, etc.). Concept of a PvP colisseum is mentioned.
05/16/04 Vana census 4
http://web.archive.org/web/200407222116 ... index.html
Notes: Number of FFXI users surpassed 500k, with 1,200,000 characters. FFXI is hosted on over 100 servers. 42.87% of jobs are level 2-10. 3.97% of jobs are level 71-75. JP players typically have 3-4 characters, NA 1-2. 42.87% of players are level 2-10, only 3.97% are 71-75. WAR is the most popular job at 51.86%, SMN is least popular at 0.10% (the war percentage is possibly due to counting mules, see census 5). Hume male is most commen race, Elvaan Female least commen. Average of 1358 linkshells per server.
04/24/04 - Final Fantasy Realm Interview: http://ffxi.crgaming.com/interviews/vie ... asp?Id=272
Notes: Nation fame. PvP talk. CHR has no affect on enmity, it does affect charm resist rate and some ws.
03/24/04 - IGN interview: REMOVED
Notes: SE is surprised how many players use A.T. GM's remain invisible unless they need to be shown. First mention of a new expansion (CoP). It's stated FFXI has around 500k accounts.
03/??/04 - 1up.com interview: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_z ... ziff122492
Notes: Sage Sundi's real name is Keiki Usui. Sony and SE's relationship. It's said that SoE and not SE handles the U.S. GM and call center.
02/13/04 - Translation of interview from Dengeki magazine: http://ffxi.crgaming.com/interviews/vie ... asp?Id=222
Notes: Job changes. No plans to give SMN more avatars. All of the planned ws effects are now implemented. Raising level cap undecided. Details about limbo (dynamis) and PvP.
01/27/04 - Final Fantasy Realm Interview: http://ffxi.crgaming.com/interviews/vie ... asp?Id=209
Notes: Attribute relationships explained; VIT and DEF, DEX and ACC, AGI and EVA, STR and ATK. How Conquest works. Customizing players character requested. Some explanation of graphical constraints are given.
05/22/03 - Gamespy Interview: http://archive.gamespy.com/e32003/inter ... 2/1002683/
Notes: The concept of FFXI is credited to FF creator Hironobu Sakaguchi. FFXI is meant to resemble the older classic FF in nature.
04/14/03 - IGN Interview at E3: REMOVED
Notes: One of the first interviews with SE about FFXI. Very basic info.
Edit: woo thanks for the sticky :)
Updated with retro interviews and Vanadiel Census' 4, 5, and 6.