I'm i reading this right, they are giving everyone another 30 free days ?
I think so...
Free Trial Extension Details
Eligibility
All users who registered a FINAL FANTASY XIV service account and purchased a character by October 25, 2010 will be eligible.
*Character purchases must have been carried out no later than October 25, 2010 at 23:59(PDT).
*Accounts terminated due to User Agreement infractions are ineligible for extension.
*Holders of multiple service accounts may receive extensions on all accounts.
I mean, that looks pretty clear, but like you, I can hardly believe it. It even looks like they may give it to people that already cancelled.
Is this an MMO first? Giving away a free month to everyone right out the box.
“It's unwise to pay too much, but it's worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money - that's all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do. The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot - it can't be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run, and if you do that you will have enough to pay for something better.”
Is this an MMO first? Giving away a free month to everyone right out the box.
Definitely a knee-jerk reaction. There's no way they planned on making so many changes immediately after releasing the game. SE had the $$ to not be forced into early release like other MMO.
For everyone looking forward to the change, they should be extremely grateful for all the negative posts/reviews which drowned out the fanboi love.
Just another example of why loyal fans should not try to tell dissatisfied players to STFU & dissappear. No way this MMO gets so much love so quickly without the massive amounts of negative press.
Well if this is true and they patch it up to an at least playable experience , I will purchase it then , will be really interesting to see the reactions on this forum when they do though !
Its seems they are at least taking notice of the torrent of feedback they must be inundated with , which is quite strange because according to alot of posters on various forums , communication with their customers is appalling .
You know it's bad when they offer another free month of play as compensation.
Yes, it is an admission that their players do not feel that they are getting their money's worth and an admission that when it comes time to pay for the next month's fee that many players will opt out. Extending a free month to current subscribers is a smart move as it will keep most of those players around and if they deliver on the improvements hopefully they will then become paying subscribers.
This is the case for me but I'm not sure how much more I will play the game but I will take a look in a month's time and if things have improved who knows but I am not too worried since Cataclysm will be released in about a month.
As a previous poster already pointed out, this patch does not add content into the game. Sure, the play mechanics will be easier, but the core of the game shall remain the same. That core is just a boring grind fest with no content outside slaughtering fireflies and crafting. You can't patch fun into a game, which is why I think this attempt to stem the flood of unsubscribers will prove fruitless.
You know it's bad when they offer another free month of play as compensation.
You know they're dedicated to making ffXIV a better game when they offer another free month of play. Honestly, even though the launch has been crap (only like 3 weeks which is nothing in mmo time), I think SE has demonstrated that their intentions are now in the right place, and we'll probaby see a similar scenario to when FFXI was released in Japan. Sure, the start was bad, but I'm not one to judge people on their past failings and SE decision to release when they did is probably one of them. I will be judging them on their future promises though. Until then I remain optimistic and send plenty of feedback when I notice something wrong.
Because SE have demonstrated that they listen to feedback, I hope more people are emboldened to send it.
The free month is nice. They're basically saying, "We know our game sucks. Please don't leave yet." The problem with that is now they've set up the expectation that the game will stop sucking by the middle of November, which it won't. I still see no fix for the terrible input lag in sight, so that's pretty much a dealbreaker for me.
The patch today was lackluster. No real performance improvements. The market ward change is pointless. People still just congregate in one spot to afk bazaar. Shrugs, GW2, Cataclysm and TOR are coming out. SE picked a bad time to release a terrible MMO.
I still see no fix for the terrible input lag in sight, so that's pretty much a dealbreaker for me.
Taken from lodestone:
"Server Lag
Notable lag has been observed in certain areas of the game, particularly when a large number of players are gathered together. To combat this, such areas will be divided into multiple "sections" for the purposes of server-side processing, thereby reducing concentrated loads and subsequent lag on individual World servers."
Originally posted by Jamel-Irief Originally posted by Zookz1 I still see no fix for the terrible input lag in sight, so that's pretty much a dealbreaker for me.
Taken from lodestone: "Server Lag Notable lag has been observed in certain areas of the game, particularly when a large number of players are gathered together. To combat this, such areas will be divided into multiple "sections" for the purposes of server-side processing, thereby reducing concentrated loads and subsequent lag on individual World servers."
This won't fix the fact that all of the game servers are in Japan only. Only way to really fix the lag/latency issue is to open servers in other parts of the world. But yeah, doubt that will happen.
I still see no fix for the terrible input lag in sight, so that's pretty much a dealbreaker for me.
Taken from lodestone:
"Server Lag
Notable lag has been observed in certain areas of the game, particularly when a large number of players are gathered together. To combat this, such areas will be divided into multiple "sections" for the purposes of server-side processing, thereby reducing concentrated loads and subsequent lag on individual World servers."
Thats what Open Beta was for back at the beginning of Sept. Not something to be fixed in late Nov lol
Anything in regards to servers and lag should not be a huge issue at this point and should not be something that is addressed another 1-2 months later.
Actually the real problem isn't even the servers being in Japan- it's the fact that the UI requires server side confirmation for everything and the netcoding is horrible. They would need to change the way that stuff is coded (presumably they did it to fight RMT, about as dumb as requiring draconian DRM to fight pirates. The gil sellers will still ply their trade and everyone else gets fucked by the UI lag).
I still see no fix for the terrible input lag in sight, so that's pretty much a dealbreaker for me.
Taken from lodestone:
"Server Lag
Notable lag has been observed in certain areas of the game, particularly when a large number of players are gathered together. To combat this, such areas will be divided into multiple "sections" for the purposes of server-side processing, thereby reducing concentrated loads and subsequent lag on individual World servers."
Thats a bit scary though, if I had noticed that part earlier I would have commented on it. What worries me about this is are they saying they will be instancing the zones ala CO and GW?
Because SE have demonstrated that they listen to feedback, I hope more people are emboldened to send it.
After ignoring the beta testers for more than one year that reported exactly the same stuff. Yeah, SE will be known for listening to customers, for sure! Besides that the miracle patch will not add entertainment to the game, it will maybe fix some smaller issues. I guess the auction house will become a running gag, hehe.
Game still needs an auction house of sorts, the market system is total garbage I don't care how much they add to it.
"An MMORPG could be completely diffirent from WoW. Just look at games like Dofus, Wizard101 or EVE. But as it is, most of the Western MMOs are trying to succeed by out-WoWing WoW. It's like an army of 10 sports games made about same sports, and barely none about other sports. WoW clone is an accurate description of those games, it manages to convey much information with only two words." -Poster on mmorpg.com
Rift: World of Warcraft clone #9321 Nothing special to see here move along.
I still see no fix for the terrible input lag in sight, so that's pretty much a dealbreaker for me.
Taken from lodestone:
"Server Lag
Notable lag has been observed in certain areas of the game, particularly when a large number of players are gathered together. To combat this, such areas will be divided into multiple "sections" for the purposes of server-side processing, thereby reducing concentrated loads and subsequent lag on individual World servers."
Thats a bit scary though, if I had noticed that part earlier I would have commented on it. What worries me about this is are they saying they will be instancing the zones ala CO and GW?
No, that means that they will split one big zone into multiple smaller ones. It will be interesting to see what happens when you fight near the borders of such "sections".
So if I'm getting this correct if you say activate a free trial on 24th october you get an additional 30 days added with your 30 days?
Also say if you got a collectors addition game and you use the free trial first then when the days run out could you activate your original key to continue playing making you get 60 days instead of 30 free? (With the free 30 days of the message would make it 90 days if it works)
So if I'm getting this correct if you say activate a free trial on 24th october you get an additional 30 days added with your 30 days?
Also say if you got a collectors addition game and you use the free trial first then when the days run out could you activate your original key to continue playing making you get 60 days instead of 30 free? (With the free 30 days of the message would make it 90 days if it works)
Thanks.
First part Yes.
Second part - dunno to be honest. I am guessing that it goes by the registration key (the buddy key is listed as a trial key in their systems while the registration key isnt). So I would probably say no it wont work...
Maybe someone should ask SE for a bit of clarity on that.
There are 3 types of people in the world. 1.) Those who make things happen 2.) Those who watch things happen 3.) And those who wonder "What the %#*& just happened?!"
I still see no fix for the terrible input lag in sight, so that's pretty much a dealbreaker for me.
Taken from lodestone:
"Server Lag
Notable lag has been observed in certain areas of the game, particularly when a large number of players are gathered together. To combat this, such areas will be divided into multiple "sections" for the purposes of server-side processing, thereby reducing concentrated loads and subsequent lag on individual World servers."
Thats a bit scary though, if I had noticed that part earlier I would have commented on it. What worries me about this is are they saying they will be instancing the zones ala CO and GW?
No, there will not be instancing zones. Everything will be exactly like it is right now. This change is completely server side. This is SE pulling another Blizzard right here.
Remember the database lag from the WoW launch. That's because the initial back-end database design for WoW was very stupid, rigid and not scalable. For those who does not realize that WoW also have an incredible long closed beta and a very big open beta. Yet, they still let that design went into release. So, at that time, Blizzard had to perform database splits and scale up on their live database which results in extended downtime and crashed for months (almost 2 months for some servers). They basically throw hardware at the problem to work it out.
SE is doing the same thing here. They are throwing hardware at the hot spot to absorb the blow. Eventually when those areas nolonger are hot spot, they will take the hardware away.
Hardware acquisition and deploy are never fast. From vendor to data center, it would take several weeks or months. That's why it would not happen right now.
Actually the real problem isn't even the servers being in Japan- it's the fact that the UI requires server side confirmation for everything and the netcoding is horrible. They would need to change the way that stuff is coded (presumably they did it to fight RMT, about as dumb as requiring draconian DRM to fight pirates. The gil sellers will still ply their trade and everyone else gets fucked by the UI lag).
This. If the input lag is here to stay, then I am out. It kills me when I have to navigate through four menus to sell a single item all the while dealing with 10 second delays at each menu. It's atrocious. I just can't imagine SE being happy with it the way it is, but I've not seen them say a word about it. I'm okay with playing a slower paced game, but it needs to remain responsive.
Comments
I think so...
Free Trial Extension Details
Eligibility
All users who registered a FINAL FANTASY XIV service account and purchased a character by October 25, 2010 will be eligible.
*Character purchases must have been carried out no later than October 25, 2010 at 23:59(PDT).
*Accounts terminated due to User Agreement infractions are ineligible for extension.
*Holders of multiple service accounts may receive extensions on all accounts.
I mean, that looks pretty clear, but like you, I can hardly believe it. It even looks like they may give it to people that already cancelled.
Yeah, because that is the only way they see to keep a few people playing...
Did he mention somewhere, why the did not read the alpha/beta forums, where exactly the same information is stored that costs them now their jobs?
Currently playing: EverQuest
Waiting for Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen
As long you setup your account and characters before October 25th, that seems to be the case.
Is this an MMO first? Giving away a free month to everyone right out the box.
--John Ruskin
Definitely a knee-jerk reaction. There's no way they planned on making so many changes immediately after releasing the game. SE had the $$ to not be forced into early release like other MMO.
For everyone looking forward to the change, they should be extremely grateful for all the negative posts/reviews which drowned out the fanboi love.
Just another example of why loyal fans should not try to tell dissatisfied players to STFU & dissappear. No way this MMO gets so much love so quickly without the massive amounts of negative press.
As someone else said: It's too little too late for many players. They should have waited till this update was already in their game. Oh well.
Well if this is true and they patch it up to an at least playable experience , I will purchase it then , will be really interesting to see the reactions on this forum when they do though !
Its seems they are at least taking notice of the torrent of feedback they must be inundated with , which is quite strange because according to alot of posters on various forums , communication with their customers is appalling .
You know it's bad when they offer another free month of play as compensation.
Yes, it is an admission that their players do not feel that they are getting their money's worth and an admission that when it comes time to pay for the next month's fee that many players will opt out. Extending a free month to current subscribers is a smart move as it will keep most of those players around and if they deliver on the improvements hopefully they will then become paying subscribers.
This is the case for me but I'm not sure how much more I will play the game but I will take a look in a month's time and if things have improved who knows but I am not too worried since Cataclysm will be released in about a month.
As a previous poster already pointed out, this patch does not add content into the game. Sure, the play mechanics will be easier, but the core of the game shall remain the same. That core is just a boring grind fest with no content outside slaughtering fireflies and crafting. You can't patch fun into a game, which is why I think this attempt to stem the flood of unsubscribers will prove fruitless.
You know they're dedicated to making ffXIV a better game when they offer another free month of play. Honestly, even though the launch has been crap (only like 3 weeks which is nothing in mmo time), I think SE has demonstrated that their intentions are now in the right place, and we'll probaby see a similar scenario to when FFXI was released in Japan. Sure, the start was bad, but I'm not one to judge people on their past failings and SE decision to release when they did is probably one of them. I will be judging them on their future promises though. Until then I remain optimistic and send plenty of feedback when I notice something wrong.
Because SE have demonstrated that they listen to feedback, I hope more people are emboldened to send it.
The free month is nice. They're basically saying, "We know our game sucks. Please don't leave yet." The problem with that is now they've set up the expectation that the game will stop sucking by the middle of November, which it won't. I still see no fix for the terrible input lag in sight, so that's pretty much a dealbreaker for me.
The patch today was lackluster. No real performance improvements. The market ward change is pointless. People still just congregate in one spot to afk bazaar. Shrugs, GW2, Cataclysm and TOR are coming out. SE picked a bad time to release a terrible MMO.
Taken from lodestone:
"Server Lag
Notable lag has been observed in certain areas of the game, particularly when a large number of players are gathered together. To combat this, such areas will be divided into multiple "sections" for the purposes of server-side processing, thereby reducing concentrated loads and subsequent lag on individual World servers."
"Server Lag
Notable lag has been observed in certain areas of the game, particularly when a large number of players are gathered together. To combat this, such areas will be divided into multiple "sections" for the purposes of server-side processing, thereby reducing concentrated loads and subsequent lag on individual World servers."
This won't fix the fact that all of the game servers are in Japan only. Only way to really fix the lag/latency issue is to open servers in other parts of the world. But yeah, doubt that will happen.
Thats what Open Beta was for back at the beginning of Sept. Not something to be fixed in late Nov lol
Anything in regards to servers and lag should not be a huge issue at this point and should not be something that is addressed another 1-2 months later.
Actually the real problem isn't even the servers being in Japan- it's the fact that the UI requires server side confirmation for everything and the netcoding is horrible. They would need to change the way that stuff is coded (presumably they did it to fight RMT, about as dumb as requiring draconian DRM to fight pirates. The gil sellers will still ply their trade and everyone else gets fucked by the UI lag).
Thats a bit scary though, if I had noticed that part earlier I would have commented on it. What worries me about this is are they saying they will be instancing the zones ala CO and GW?
After ignoring the beta testers for more than one year that reported exactly the same stuff. Yeah, SE will be known for listening to customers, for sure! Besides that the miracle patch will not add entertainment to the game, it will maybe fix some smaller issues. I guess the auction house will become a running gag, hehe.
Currently playing: EverQuest
Waiting for Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen
Game still needs an auction house of sorts, the market system is total garbage I don't care how much they add to it.
"An MMORPG could be completely diffirent from WoW. Just look at games like Dofus, Wizard101 or EVE. But as it is, most of the Western MMOs are trying to succeed by out-WoWing WoW. It's like an army of 10 sports games made about same sports, and barely none about other sports. WoW clone is an accurate description of those games, it manages to convey much information with only two words."
-Poster on mmorpg.com
Rift: World of Warcraft clone #9321 Nothing special to see here move along.
No, that means that they will split one big zone into multiple smaller ones. It will be interesting to see what happens when you fight near the borders of such "sections".
Currently playing: EverQuest
Waiting for Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen
So if I'm getting this correct if you say activate a free trial on 24th october you get an additional 30 days added with your 30 days?
Also say if you got a collectors addition game and you use the free trial first then when the days run out could you activate your original key to continue playing making you get 60 days instead of 30 free? (With the free 30 days of the message would make it 90 days if it works)
Thanks.
First part Yes.
Second part - dunno to be honest. I am guessing that it goes by the registration key (the buddy key is listed as a trial key in their systems while the registration key isnt). So I would probably say no it wont work...
Maybe someone should ask SE for a bit of clarity on that.
There are 3 types of people in the world.
1.) Those who make things happen
2.) Those who watch things happen
3.) And those who wonder "What the %#*& just happened?!"
For all the negative haters out their, lighten up! SE could drop a bag of gold in your lap and your ignorance would still shove it off.
I think it can be said that all mmo's release are to soon and have issues, so ff14 is not the first!
At least SE can hold there hands up and offer us a extended month. Along with letting us know they plan to fix the issues.
But as you have said, its to late for you... I suppose you wil have to wait for the next premature release to hate on.
No, there will not be instancing zones. Everything will be exactly like it is right now. This change is completely server side. This is SE pulling another Blizzard right here.
Remember the database lag from the WoW launch. That's because the initial back-end database design for WoW was very stupid, rigid and not scalable. For those who does not realize that WoW also have an incredible long closed beta and a very big open beta. Yet, they still let that design went into release. So, at that time, Blizzard had to perform database splits and scale up on their live database which results in extended downtime and crashed for months (almost 2 months for some servers). They basically throw hardware at the problem to work it out.
SE is doing the same thing here. They are throwing hardware at the hot spot to absorb the blow. Eventually when those areas nolonger are hot spot, they will take the hardware away.
Hardware acquisition and deploy are never fast. From vendor to data center, it would take several weeks or months. That's why it would not happen right now.
This. If the input lag is here to stay, then I am out. It kills me when I have to navigate through four menus to sell a single item all the while dealing with 10 second delays at each menu. It's atrocious. I just can't imagine SE being happy with it the way it is, but I've not seen them say a word about it. I'm okay with playing a slower paced game, but it needs to remain responsive.