For every video game and specifically MMO that is released, there will always be constant updates and patches that are distributed to improve and extend the quality of life of a video game. Whether the title receives small fixes or massive story expansions, there is always something that fans will either love or hate for an update.
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is a title that has been around for almost ten years and is no stranger to changes, both big and small. Its most recent update, Reflections in Crystal, brings in multiple new additions and surprises for fans; however, there was almost a massive change that would have changed the entire story progression of the game!
During an interview with game director Naoki Yoshida, it was revealed that early changes proposed for the game would have included the reductions of quests entirely! Yoshida stated, “This is because it would make it easier. However, this had major drawbacks, such as players losing the opportunity to meet NPCs and find out about the lore if the quests were removed completely,”. Thankfully, this was not entirely followed through, and the team persevered by streamlining certain quests without diminishing the world-building, as stated by Yoshida here; “This did not leave many quests that could be removed completely, so we had to make individual adjustments such as changing less important main scenario quests to side quests and reducing the number of steps required in each quest."
It sounds like the team took a potentially negative and made it an incredible positive for new players! Are you happy with the latest changes? We would love to hear your thoughts in the usual spot!
Final Fantasy XIV takes place in the fictional land of Eorzea, five years after the events of the original 2010 release. At the conclusion of the original game, the primal dragon Bahamut escapes from its lunar prison to initiate the Seventh Umbral Calamity, an apocalyptic event which destroys much of Eorzea.
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is available now on Xbox One, Playstation 4, and PC!