Hiromichi Tanaka at Japan Expo (July1~4)

[Kaylia]

Seems like they are mini games to prevent RMT from position warping and mining... maybe?

Warping to your target location is one thing, but the minigame itself should be hackable like the fishing minigame in FFXI.

[Darkrift]

Warping to your target location is one thing, but the minigame itself should be hackable like the fishing minigame in FFXI.

let me dream!

[Cutriss]

Interview is on JeuxOnline is live:

http://www.jeuxonline.info/actualite...romichi-tanaka

http://translate.google.com/translat...ka&sl=fr&tl=en

I'm cutting/pasting it up now. Good stuff.

Spoiler: show

JeuxOnLine: Can you tell us more about "Linkshells? Do you plan something new compared to those of Final Fantasy XI ? Maybe something as distinctive tabards or emblems?

Tanaka: As Linkshells, you will have the opportunity to play for "Company," which lets you communicate more easily. You'll have more details about "companies" very soon.

(At this moment, our reporters have begun to despair of a question, misunderstanding and / or a very partial response, it was a bad sign.)

JeuxOnline : How will the system of "Servant"? Is it will be fully customizable by the player? Has it been established to address the lack of hotel sales?

Tanaka : They are there to keep your belongings, but you can also turn them into "market" where you will be offline. The "Servants" will also be linked to the system of "Company," is something you can experience yourself very soon.

JeuxOnline : The world of video games has been much debate about the output that is very close, but JeuxOnLine was particularly surprised by this announcement: the return of the alpha test have they helped so much as to have a beta too short?

Saori : You mean an imminent beta or beta short?

JeuxOnLine: Short.

Tanaka : The alpha test was very useful, it helped us to test the stability of the servers and we were able to adapt in the meantime. But in fact, we will have several phases of beta testing. In the first phase, we have a version that will incorporate feedback from our alpha testers who will, hopefully available this week. At first, it will resemble the alpha test phase, in the sense that each test session lasted four hours.

But if things go well, the beta 2 will follow shortly, which will allow players to access the game 24 hours 24. Then, hopefully, by early August, we will open the beta test phase 3 which will remain operational until the game launches

JeuxOnLine: It will be open?

Tanaka: No, closed.

JeuxOnLine: There will be no open beta?

Tanaka: After Phase 3 of the beta, we have an open beta will be available just before the release of the game, but we can not guarantee this last phase opened.

JeuxOnLine: At the E3 , we could see faction points as rewards in Money Guild. Can you tell us more about that?

Saori : "faction points? In terms of guild?

Tanaka: There are no points for action in terms of Guild ...

Saori: You mean the combat system, action points?

JeuxOnLine: No, no faction points given as a reward to the accomplishment of a mandate Guild.

Tanaka: Yes, currently in beta, this feature is not yet integrated. But depending on how you carry out the mandate of Guild, the answers you get from the NPC will be different. So you can sometimes discover mandates Guild that you could not otherwise see ... * hesitates * Saori Uh ... that's it huh [NdR: she said in French]? You will get a varying number of points depending on how you accomplished your mandate.

JeuxOnLine: So ... About the PS3 out, do not you think that players who are scheduled to play Final Fantasy XIV on PS3 are extremely disappointed since the announcement of a staggered release?

Tanaka: * laughs * Yes, it's a shame. We understand the wrath of players and developers are sorry because they did everything they could to have a simultaneous release date, but unfortunately they have encountered many technical problems on the development of the game PS3. We strive to release the game as soon as possible.

JeuxOnLine: The announced date of March 2011 would therefore not final?

Tanaka: If possible, we would publish the game sooner, we would like to start as soon as possible the beta on PS3.

JeuxOnLine: This is good news!

JeuxOnLine: At the E3 , we saw a version 3D the game .. Do you think that you will use 3D technology one day?

Tanaka: If you have equipment such as those offered by nVidia, you can admire and play Final Fantasy XIV in 3D. Of course, we received quite a helping hand from NVIDIA, and we try to make a 3D version very clean, but other technologies that use 3D is also being considered, we have already started explore other possibilities.

JeuxOnLine: Okay, so for now there are only nVidia?

Tanaka: We did not specifically designed for nVidia hardware, but we can assure you that if you own a nVidia appropriate, you can enjoy the game in 3D, or any other game until there is a game based on polygons, such as FF 11 , you can see in 3D if you have the proper equipment.

JeuxOnLine: The minimum prerequisite that appears on pre-orders are very different from those required for alpha testing, but they are insufficient to achieve a correct score at Benchmark. How can you explain such a drop of prerequisites?

Tanaka: Because it is a MMORPG , we have maximized the quality of the game so that players benefit long term. Over time, I'm sure you can have a high score but Benchmark is perhaps not yet, at present, of equipment to obtain the maximum scores in Benchmark, it has been somehow it on purpose. But because technology evolves rapidly, you're in the very near future able to reach a high score with an average computer.

JeuxOnLine: Many questions were asked about the differences between the two versions (standard and collector), especially about their bonus item. Can you tell us clearly the differences between the two versions? For example, do the glasses Garlond have limited use?

Tanaka: * * long speech

Saori: * laughs * Do you remember the name of the object?

JeuxOnLine: You mean, the bonus item?

Saori: Yes, the bonus item.

JeuxOnLine: The glasses Garlond.

Tanaka: Oh! There are indeed two different versions of objects that offer very useful for the beginning of the game, but it is more aesthetic objects than anything else. We did not want to create too large disparities between those who had a particular purpose and those who did not. We have therefore imposed certain limits on their usefulness, making sure you do not make them indispensable. Take the example of Onion Helmet, for those who ordered the collector version. This is a hat which can reduce the penalty on the dead because players tend to die easily at the beginning of the game regarding the glasses, they allow players to more easily catch those who have started one week in advance: it is faster for them to develop their talents.

JeuxOnLine: The glasses have really only made to catch up then.

Saori: Yes, yes.

JeuxOnLine: A more general question about SQUARE-ENIX ... Recently, SQUARE ENIX, began to pay more attention to European customers * nods * Tanaka, first by launching the alpha Final Fantasy XIV in German in Cologne in August 2010 world exclusive, but we also making fun of the presence of Mr Tanaka in Paris today. However, when it comes to news and information in general, the European press is often neglected and must retrieve the information directly from Japanese magazines such as Famitsu and Dengeki. Is it that things will change in the output of the fourteenth album? SQUARE ENIX, will pay much attention to Europe and the United States or Japan?

Tanaka: We try to give information to the press at the same time, we do not believe that the Japanese press to be more advantaged than others ...

JeuxOnLine: However, the non-disclosure agreement is still valid, and in this respect, they are mainly Japanese magazines that have the right to publish screenshots of the game and neither the European press or the American press have that chance, so we ask the question.

Tanaka: * * long speech ... Can you translate (write to Saori)? * Laughs *

Saori: Now that the beta is considered more open, we'd love to call you or the American press to publish content about the game and what happens in Japan does not come from our sources, they are rather Where they choose to publish their own particular article, it's not as if we gave them exclusive information that they publish their articles.

JeuxOnLine: So in fact, Famitsu and Dengeki are not really allowed to post the screenshots?

* Discussion Saori Tanaka and two editors of Famitsu and Dengeki about the "permission" *

Saori: In fact, the rules are handled differently by region, their screenshots have been approved and there is a special process for the Japanese media. (NdR: our records, this part is not very clear, so please do not jump to conclusions: we made it clear that the Japanese media were receiving special treatment, but there is nothing to prohibited the establishment of such relations with the Western media)

JeuxOnLine: Just one last question! Do you have something to say to the French community?

Tanaka: This time we were at the Japan Expo and we were really surprised by the French public, we would like to submit more to France and we hope you enjoy this content.

JeuxOnLine: I think we appreciate.

Saori: Thank you very much for coming.

Tanaka: Thank you very much.

JeuxOnLine: Thank you very much.

[sruon]

I like the question where they ask about AH but SE doesn't answer.

4 hours Betas to start with, then 24/7 for 2nd phase.

No Open Beta

Says they had difficulties with PS3 version and would like to launch it earlier.

It says goggles is mostly for players to make up the 7 days advance and that both item will be really limited(mostly for esthethics.), they're mostly for early levels.


That's all there is important in this itw...

[Jinn]

linkshells are now companies?

[Kuya]

They said that open beta is not a sure thing.

[sruon]

They said that open beta is not a sure thing.

Yeah idk, on the first question he's pretty conclusive on the fact it will be closed until release and then he says there MIGHT be one.

But when SE says that it generally means "lolu"

[Hyan]

Tanaka: * laughs * Yes, it's a shame. We understand the wrath of players and developers are sorry because they did everything they could to have a simultaneous release date, but unfortunately they have encountered many technical problems on the development of the game PS3. We strive to release the game as soon as possible.

Maybe ZAM will finally shut the fuck up about this.

I gotta say it has become the most retarded XIV forum ever. Including eorzeapedia. Like some unholy alliance of cynicism and circle jerking.

[Destinye]

Maybe ZAM will finally shut the fuck up about this.

I gotta say it has become the most retarded XIV forum ever. Including eorzeapedia. Like some unholy alliance of cynicism and circle jerking.

This is true for every forum, just for varying reasons. Well the last bet for those wanting to get in on the test is to get invited then, or hopefully they'll allow those of us in it to invite someone since a lot of online games had 'friends of friends/family' sessions before it goes live.

[Hyan]

This is true for every forum, just for varying reasons.

The rating system just makes it awfully lot worse there.

Especially when the "sages" are retards. Bad combination.

I don't think BG is that cynical tbh. I expected a lot worse reception from this place as far as XIV goes, but that award goes to ZAM easily.

We'll see what happens when Kerberoz and the likes start posting here. I might just end my life at that point.

[Mistress Stowastiq]

Seems like they are mini games to prevent RMT from position warping and mining... maybe?

Miner can also throw rocks at adept skill and what looks like bomb making to use on his foes/ aid party.

And the Blacksmith apparently can loot and he can kill metallic based mobs.

So more than an mini-game,the website is defining each disciple role, both in and outside of combat situations. (the ones updated late june)

BTW thank you for the posts sruon

[Kirb]

JeuxOnLine: It will be open?

Tanaka: No, closed.

Tanaka, let me in on the closed beta, you wily son of a bitch.


Company-based Retainers, eh? I guess a guild-bank system would definitely be much more reliable and safe than a linkshell mule.

Like some unholy alliance of cynicism and circle jerking.

Cynicism and circle jerking, yeah, BG sure isn't notorious for that.


That being said, I don't go to Alla anymore.

[Hyan]

Cynicism and circle jerking, yeah, BG sure isn't notorious for that.


That being said, I don't go to Alla anymore.

Not this forum, surprisingly. If there are complaints they are mostly reasonable and not just plain cynical bitching.

XI section however..

[Vimes]

Damn, they asked good questions. Here is my crappy translation. There's a bit more in it that what sruon already translated.

It's also very funny sometimes

-----------------------

<When asked about Linkshells>
Tanaka: Just like Linkshells, you will have the possibility to play in a "Company", which will allow for easier communication. You will have more details on "Companies" soon.

<When asked about Retainers>
Tanaka: They will be there to hold your items, but you'll also be able to "transform" them into a store while you are offline. The "Retainers" wil also be linked to the "Company" system, it's something you'll be able to experiment with very soon.

<They wonder if the beta will be short, with the release date coming up so soon.
Saori asks if they mean "imminent" or "short", with regards to the beta. They say "short".>

Tanaka: The alpha has been very useful and has helped us test the stability of servers and have allowed us to adapt the servers. But actually, there will be several beta test phases.
First phase, will have the alpha testers return, hopefully available this week. In the beginning it will resemble the alpha test, in terms of playtime (4 hour sessions).
But if all goes well, beta 2 will follow very shortly, that will give players access 24/24. After that, we hope around the beginning of August, we will launch beta 3 that will remain operational until the release of the game.

JeuxOnline: Will it be open?

Tanaka: No, closed.

JeuxOnline: No open beta?

Tanaka: After beta 3, we might have an open beta that will be accessible up until release. But we cannot guarantee this phase of the beta.

<They ask about faction points in the Guild Leves>

Saori: "Faction points"? In the guildleves?

Tanaka: There are no action points in the guildleves...

Saori: Do you mean in the combat system, the action points?

JeuxOnline: No, no, FACTION points given at the end of a guildleve.

Tanaka: Ahh yes, at this point, in the beta version, that function is not yet implemented. But based on the way you accomplish your Guildleve, the reponse of the NPC will be different. So you will often discover Guildleves that you weren't able to see otherwise... *Saori hesitates* Uhmm... it's that isn't it [She said it in French]?
You will obtain a number of points, it depends on the way you accomplish your leve.

<They ask about PS3 and if they think about the PS3 users that are dissapointed>

Tanaka: *Laughs* Yes, it's very unfortunate. We understand that players are upset, and the devs are very sorry as well because they've done everything in their power to have a simultaneous release.
Unfortunately however, they've encountered too many technical problems during PS3 development. We're doing our best to get the game out on PS3 as fast as possible.

JeuxOnline: March 2011 for PS3 is not a final date then?

Tanaka: If possible, we'd like to get the game out sooner, because we'd like to start the PS3 beta test as soon as possible.

JeuxOnline: That's good news!

<They ask about 3D and if they think about using it one day>

Tanaka: If you have the right equipment specified by nVidia, you can already enjoy the game in 3D.
Of course, we've had the help from nVidia and we're trying to make a polished 3D version, but we're also looking at other technologies that allow 3D.
We've already started exploring those possibilities.

JeuxOnline: OK, so only nvidia for now?

Tanaka: We didn't make it specifically for nvidia, but what we can guarantee is if you have the right nvidia equipment you can enjoy the game in 3D, or any other polygon-based game, like for example FFXI, which you can view in 3D with the right equipment.

<They ask why the minimum sys requirements for beta are so low and that those requirements don't allow you to get a "good" score on the benchmark>

Tanaka: Because it's an MMORPG, we've maxed the quality of the game so players can enjoy it for a long time.
With time, we're sure it will be able to get a higher score on the benchmark that is impossible at this moment, because the hardware to get a max score doesn't exist yet.
We kinda did that on purpose. But because technology evolves so quickly, you will soon be able to get a high score with a medium PC.

<They ask about bonus items and specifically Garlond Goggles, if it will have a limited number of uses>

Tanaka: *Long talk in JP*

Saori: *Laughs* Could you remind us of the name of the item?

JeuxOnline: You mean, the bonus item?

Saori: Yes, the bonus item.

JeuxOnline: Garlond Goggles.

Tanaka: Ah! Actually there are 2 different versions that offer different bonus items that are very useful in the beginning of the game,
but if anything they are more aesthetic items. We didn't want to create too much difference for people that have object X or Y and people that don't have those.
So we've added certain limitations to their use, by making them dispensable. For example, Onion Helm, for the CE version.
It's an item that will reduce weakness after KO because players might easily die at the beginning of the game.
As for the goggles, they will allow players to catch up easier with those that have started a week earlier: it will thus be easier to develop their skills.

JeuxOnline: So the goggles are really made to let players catch up a bit.

Saori: Yes, that's right.

<Long question about media attention and the fact that JP press get more articles etc. than EU>

Tanaka: We try to give information to the press at the same time, but we don't think the JP press is more advantaged...

JeuxOnline: Nevertheless, with the NDA still in effect, it are mostly JP magazines that get the right to publish screenshots.
And not the EU press, or the NA press get that chance. That's why we asked this question.

Tanaka: *long JP disccusion* ...Can you translate (addresses Saori)? *Laughs*

Saori: Now that the beta is considered more open, we'd like to encourage you or the NA press, to publish content about the game and to talk about the game.
What happens in JP doesn't come from our sources, it's more that companies decide themselves if they will publish this or that article.
It's not like we give them exclusive information so they can publish their articles.

JeuxOnline: So actually Famitsu & Dengeki didn't get your permission to publish those screenshots?

*Discussion between Saori, Tanaka & 2 people from Famitsu and Dengeki on the subject of "permission"*

Saori: Actually, the rules are a bit different depending on the region, their screenshots have been approved and there is a special process for Japanese media.
(Note from JeuxOnline: To us this part wasn't entirely clear, and we seem to understand that Japanese media get a special treatment, but nothing to indicate that this will
also happen with the western media).

JeuxOnline: Just a last question! Anything for the FR community?

Tanaka: This time we've been to Japan Expo and have been really surprised by the French crowd.
We would like to submit more to France and we hope you enjoy this content. (Don't know how to translate that).

JeuxOnline: I think we'll enjoy it.

Saori: Thanks for having come here.

Tanaka: Thanks.

JeuxOnline: Thank you.

[BlackheartX]

Not this forum, surprisingly. If there are complaints they are mostly reasonable and not just plain cynical bitching.

XI section however..

SE needs to showcase the game far better than they have. Fan bait isn't going to cut it in this hit or miss climate. No more point and click adventure demos.
(Cynical bitching or reasonable critique?)

[Loaar]

Thanks for the full translation Vimes.

[Hyan]

SE needs to showcase the game far better than they have. Fan bait isn't going to cut it in this hit or miss climate. No more point and click adventure demos.
(Cynical bitching or reasonable critique?)

I can see where you're coming from, but it's not convincing enough.

I mean, how can you be sure if it's going to cut it or not?

It is easy to be biased in this case especially. "I want to them to do X, so they should do X". Reality may not have much to do with it.

Which is another reason why ZAM is as shitty as it is. People there have figured out everything about the game already. And on top of that they're Sages, how could they be wrong? Unpossible. Disagreeing results in sub-default, because come on now, they're Sages.

[arus2001]

I can see where you're coming from, but it's not convincing enough.

I mean, how can you be sure if it's going to cut it or not?

It is easy to be biased in this case especially. "I want to them to do X, so they should do X". Reality may not have much to do with it.

Which is another reason why ZAM is as shitty as it is. People there have figured out everything about the game already. And on top of that they're Sages, how could they be wrong? Unpossible. Disagreeing results in sub-default, because come on now, they're Sages.

Posting under the assumption that everyone else is wrong doesn't really win you much respect, for whatever that's worth. It's actually funny seeing those who troll there come here to whine about karma even though they maybe said something factual. Delivery is important, like it or not, and not everyone uses the internet as a veil.

Just based on our arguments here, you don't need long before you start dipping into know-it-all territory, yourself. I can't profess total innocence here, but I'd like to think I'm focusing on the perspective that emphasizes accessible entertainment in the game as opposed to punishing time sinks. I am cynical. FFXI has burnt me out. I want XIV to succeed, if only by virtue of taking what XI did right and expanding on it while leaving out the shit that sucked. Enter opinion, but I'm more inclined to believe the grievances of a majority deserve attention over a vocal minority defending said issues. This doesn't mean SE can't do their own thing, but I don't think people are gonna be as tolerant this time around, hence an increased desire for communication that you've also publicly scorned as nothing more than fluff.

That said, there's still far too little we know about the bulk of the game. I've done my share of headshaking at the PS3 ragequitters, as anyone with half a brain should know that development doesn't always go as planned. It is unfortunate if that was their only option for playing at present, but short of SE fucking up hard, the game will still be there in March, or even sooner if that interview above means anything positive. Any "advantages" people will have will likely be related to limited resources like (H)NMs. Dunno about you, but such things are in the camp of "leaving out shit that sucked" that I mentioned earlier. Instanced/Popped or GTFO.

[Cutriss]

BTW thank you for the posts sruon

Damn, they asked good questions. Here is my crappy translation. There's a bit more in it that what sruon already translated.

It's also very funny sometimes

Thanks for the full translation Vimes.

Sooo...I guess none of you clicked on the Spoiler tag to see that I had actually posted the full trans in my post? >.>

[Hyan]

Just based on our arguments here, you don't need long before you start dipping into know-it-all territory, yourself.

I sure have done that in the past, but the big difference here is that there is no horde of mindless zombies encouraging me to act that way. As long as "the Sage" is saying something the majority and the "Sage = God" people agree with he can get away with it. It might actually even encourage him to look down on the opponent, since his opinion(?) is Excellent.

I am cynical. FFXI has burnt me out.

That's also their problem. They are cynical towards everything and no matter what kind of bitching comes out of their mouth they are Sages so their opinion is Right. No matter how far from reasonable criticism said opinion might be.

I'm more inclined to believe the grievances of a majority deserve attention over a vocal minority defending said issues.

So their #1 priority right now should be... Jumping function. Also Male Miqo'te.

If only the majority's grievances wouldn't be so shitty and meaningless like above I would agree. People aren't that smart.

Sure something good could come out of it but also lot of shit.