Summary
In a recent interview,Final Fantasy 14producer and director Naoki Yoshida expressed his intent to make the critically acclaimed MMORPG more challenging in the future but stopped short of saying what he would exactly do. WhileFinal Fantasy 14developed a reputation as a stress-free experience duringEndwalker, Yoshida stated that he and the developers had gone a bit far in that regard, and wanted to dial it back.
The interview took place as Yoshida and Creative Business Unit 3 continued their work onDawntrail, the fifth expansion forFinal Fantasy 14due out this summer. While the Viper and Pictomancer Jobs, and the continent of Tural, are among the major highlights of the expansion,Dawntrailwill also bring aboutFinal Fantasy 14’s first major graphical updatesinceA Realm Reborn. With resources dedicated to improving the texture quality of character models and the game’s various environments, the graphical update was done to ensureFinal Fantasy 14’s longevity.
Yoshida Wants To Give Final Fantasy 14 Players A Challenge
ThoughFinal Fantasy 14has enjoyed success since its relaunch, Yoshida also admitted some regrets he had about the development of the game. Ina Famitsu interviewwith Shimoda Shouta, which was later translated by Reddit user MKlby1998, Yoshida said that he wants to keep surprising players inDawntrailand beyond. During the discussion, Yoshida was also reminded of a regret he had, which was that he and the developers made the game more stress-free over time. Yoshida clarified his view that video games should have some degrees of stress as part of it, but admitted it was difficult to balance. Though he stated in a previous interview thatthe endgame ofDawntrailwould differ fromEndwalker, Yoshida did not say what he would precisely do to add stress to the game.
Yoshida went on to compare the lack of stress inFinal Fantasy 14to a side-scrolling platformer without bottomless pits and said that the lack of stress also amounted to a lack of fun. Although each expansion release has challenging forms of content, such as Savage and Ultimate Raids,Endwalkeralso made it easier for players who want to gear up quickly, withthe Manderville relic weaponsbeing a recent example of an endgame activity that was designed to be easier compared to its predecessors.
Although Yoshida expressed wanting to make parts ofFinal Fantasy 14more challenging and fun for players, it remains to be seen what that will entail. But betweenthe upcoming 14-hour broadcastand a panel at PAX East,Final Fantasy 14players can expect to hear more from Yoshida aboutDawntrailin the weeks ahead.
Final Fantasy 14 (2010)
WHERE TO PLAY
Begin your adventure in FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm RebornCreate your very own Warrior of Light and embark upon a quest to deliver the land from an eternity of Darkness.Take to the skies in FINAL FANTASY XIV: HeavenswardTake your first steps in the reclusive nation of Ishgard, locked in a seemingly never-ending struggle with dragons.Rekindle the fires of hope in FINAL FANTASY XIV: StormbloodJourney to the East and rise up against the might of the Garlean Empire.Become the darkness in FINAL FANTASY XIV: ShadowbringersTravel to a world where light ushers all unto oblivion. But hope is not yet lost, for where there is light there is shadow.Journey to the very stars above in FINAL FANTASY XIV: EndwalkerA great calamity has been building - a second advent of the Final Days. The Warrior of Light must journey ever higher and stand firm as hope’s last bastion.Set forth for new horizons in FINAL FANTASY XIV: DawntrailBlue seas, clear skies, and boundless possibilities await! Explore uncharted territories with familiar faces as hope’s light dawns once more.
