Found Freshly Picked Summary (in Japanese)

The recently held press conference was an opportunity to reveal our newly-planned project to the masses, and I would like to take this time to discuss in more detail about the announcements by answering some of the major questions we've been receiving.

To start off, I'd like to explain the reasoning behind why we will no longer be implementing major version updates and why we will be stopping service for both the PlayStation 2 version and the Xbox 360 version. As we've explained on various occasions, the game was developed originally as a PlayStation 2 game, and it has been developed while performing maintenance in a development environment from over ten years ago. We've done everything we can to procure development equipment for PlayStation 2, and the FFXI development team has just about managed to secure nearly all of the equipment from around the world. This equipment is limited to a couple dozen machines, and we have been carefully using these development machines to continue performing version updates on PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, and PC.

In the midst of these conditions, we had to consider how we would continue the development and operation of FFXI, and it was largely split into two different plans: a plan to boost revenue and a plan to reduce spending. The former plan would require adjustments to the pacing of battle, quest lines, and various other adjustments in order to increase the amount of new players coming into the game. Furthermore, as I previously mentioned, if we were to fix the aspect of relying on the PlayStation 2 and prepare a new system, the resources and costs would essentially be the same as developing a new MMO from the ground up. I feel that using these resources would not really result in a world that everyone who is enjoying FFXI at the moment would get into.

After releasing Seekers of Adoulin, we decided to change directions to focus on our currently active player base. Additionally, in order to keep the game running, we decided to develop plans so that players who were taking a break from the game would return. Before we migrate over to a plan to reduce spending, we'd like to deliver a spectacular ending to all of our players that honors the FINAL FANTASY name and wraps up the story while all of the core members of the FFXI development team are together. After deciding to deliver this ending, we knew we had to let everyone know that it would be the end, and we felt the need to inform everyone at an early stage. This is why we decided to hold a press conference to announce this ending as well as the new titles that will be made which are set in the world of Vana'diel.

In regards to the PlayStation 2 development equipment I mentioned about just before, when we asked Sony Computer Entertainment the difficult question of how long we would be able to continue on PlayStation 2 since FFXI is the only service that was being continued, they responded that they would wait for the right time and ignore the business aspects. Microsoft has also treated us very kindly and has made exceptions for this project time and time again. Additionally, in regards to questions about whether we can port FFXI to different hardware, it was made playable on Windows and Xbox 360 based on that which was made for the PlayStation 2. Many of the resources can only be made in integrated environments, and since the PlayStation development equipment is at the core of this, if the PlayStation 2 tools can no longer be used it will not be possible to continue development.

(0:09:51～)
Q: FINAL FANTASY Grandmasters and the native application will be development by other companies, but how will our personal information be handled?
A: FINAL FANTASY Grandmasters is a completely new and separate title, so there will not be any kind of data transfer. On the other hand for the native application, we're thinking about giving special bonuses to people who had been playing FFXI, but we would need everyone to agree to transfer their data, so this is something that we are looking into. To be honest, we are not thinking of transfering personal information. In the event that character data becomes necessary for in-game bonus item distribution, we would only extract the necessary data. At the moment the native application hasn't come into full shape yet, and while I can touch on the general idea and policies, we're not at the point to where we can talk about the specifics.

(0:12:25～)
Q: Will we be able to transfer our character and item data over to FINAL FANTASY Grandmasters and the native application?
A: We’re thinking about preparing special bonus items in some way for transferring data, but essentially it will not involve directly transferring your character data over, so it’s best to think that a new, separate account and character will be used to play FINAL FANTASY Grandmasters and the native application.

(0:14:07～)
Q: Why did you decide to end support for PS2 and Xbox 360?
A: The decision was related to the termination of hardware support, but until now we've also maintained game quality by implementing measures for memory reduction; however, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to maintain a level of quality service, and this is why we decided to end support for the PS2 and Xbox 360. We would like everyone to play and enjoy Rhapsodies of Vana’diel as well, which is why we decided to end support for these platforms after it concludes.

(0:15:46～)
Q: Why are you ending major version updates?
A: Considering that we would like everyone to continue playing the game as long as possible, we have to adopt the aforementioned plan to reduce spending. We would also like our development staff to focus on new projects, and in order to continue running the game with a compact team, we have no choice but to stop major version updates.

(0:17:07～)
Q: After stopping major version updates, besides bug fixes and balance adjustments, will you continue to implement new content, features, spells, and such?
A: Essentially what we will be doing is data adjustments. Adding new content, for example Dynamis II or such, would be difficult. However, it's possible to make additions that do not rely on development tools. We have yet to specifically decide on what we will be doing in terms of updates, but we are thinking about easing and eliminating restrictions for content that is limited by congestion countermeasures. Additionally, we are planning to fix bugs and make balance adjustments based on player feedback. Instead of focusing resources towards the addition of new content, we will be focusing all our power on making current content easier to get into. We’d like to create a world that players will be able to return to any time.



(0:22:33～)
Q: Will players who have not reached level 99 or do not possess item level 119 weapons still be able to take part in Rhapsodies of Vana’diel and see the ending?
A: In the grand scheme of things, ultimately you’ll want to be level 99 with item level 117-119 equipment. From the beginning you won’t need to be level 99, and at the start you’ll be told to head to areas that were added in Rise of the Zilart, so you should be around that level. Afterwards, you can gradually level up and procure your equipment to continue onwards. The quest line was made so that players returning after quite some time and even new players can follow it and grow their characters.

(0:24:50～)
Q: What are the requirements for participating in Rhapsodies of Vana’diel? Do we need to have all the expansions and add-ons installed?
A: My explanation might have been bad and caused some confusion, but in order to clear this content you will need all of the expansion packs (Rise of the Zilart, Chains of Promathia, Treasures of Aht Urhgan, Wings of the Goddess, and Seekers of Adoulin). While at the start it won’t be necessary, you’ll eventually need the expansion packs. Throughout Rhapsodies of Vana’diel you’ll be told to go to certain areas such as those that were implemented in Wings of the Goddess. However, Rhapsodies of Vana’diel is not an add-on scenario, and it will be provided through a regular version update.

As I’ve heard that PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360 players have been quitting because their discs are not being read and they are unable to play, we are thinking about providing all the necessary data in a version update. Additionally, in the event you have not purchased an expansion such as Seekers of Adoulin, we will be making it possible to play the expansion on the PlayStation 2 by purchasing the Windows version registration code.

Furthermore, for those who are joining us new and playing from the beginning as well as those who have stopped playing since Chains of Promathia, we are planning to hold a discount campaign in May. We'd be thrilled if you rush out to buy everything now, but if you don’t need it right away I suggest you wait for the sale to begin. We’ll be announcing the details on the Goddess’s Gala teaser site that is scheduled to open in the coming days.

(0:31:11～)
Q: It was said that various content with attractive rewards is planned for “Rhapsodies of Vana’diel,” but specifically what kind of rewards are you planning?
A: We may have exaggerated it a bit too much. When talking about rewards people think of it as items, but it could be adjustments to some system restrictions like instead of being able to call out three alter egos, we’d make it possible to summon one or two additional alter egos. Another example would be how players are currently mentioning that the capacity points are hard to earn, so perhaps giving some bonus to that. One of the base concepts for “Rhapsodies of Vana’diel,” is to be able to earn various bonuses by progressing through it.

(0:32:47～)
Q: Regarding job points, do you have any plans to release higher ranks for job points as well as make adjustments so they’re easier to be obtained by the final major update in November?
A: Along with what has been mentioned earlier, we are planning to add the final categories for job points in the May version update. Additionally, we’re planning to increase gifts so that they’ll ultimately be increased to 20 by November’s update. As for easing how they are obtained, from the March version update, players can gain bonuses by completing a specific task from Records of Eminence totaling to a number over 50%. We’ll continue to observe the situation and make adjustments as needed.

(0:34:41～)
Q: Will the quests for obtaining alter egos from ciphers be released in “Rhapsodies of Vana’diel?”
Will new alter egos be introduced in “Rhapsodies of Vana’diel?”
A: We will introduce new alter egos. As for the quest, this is something else and we currently have no plans to release this untold story as a part of “Rhapsodies of Vana’diel.”

(0:35:43～)
Q: In “Rhapsodies of Vana’diel,” will players be able to enter restricted areas that were not available in the past? For example the restricted areas inside the Bastok Mines, the cave up north of Batallia Downs, or the silver spoon in eastern Adoulin.
A: We currently do not have any plans to introduce these areas in “Rhapsodies of Vana’diel.”

(0:37:05～)
Q: Can’t you remake FFXI as a brand-new MMO and continue service?
A: MMORPGs were originally games that were played on PCs; however, we wanted to make this playable on the console and this was what started FFXI. Just like how we challenged ourselves when people voiced their concerns about a FINAL FANTASY MMO, we would like to continue pushing the boundaries of FFXI to release the game for iOS or Android devices in order to expand Vana’diel.

(0:38:58～)
Q: Is there any possibility to release an offline version of the game?
A: We have talked about plans for an offline version several times; however, every time we start looking into the cost it is too high and we end up dropping the plan. We do want to make it available, but it is impossible to make the entire FFXI game something that is playable by one person, so we would have to take away specific parts. For these reasons we currently have no specific projects for this.


(0:41:26～)
Q: Can you please explain to us your plans after the final major version update, such as how long operation will continue for the PC version?
A: We cannot answer how long the operation will continue. At the current stage, we do not have any plans to end, and we would like to continue operation as long as all the players continue to log into Vana’diel. As for the version update intervals, we are thinking about having one every one to three months.

(0:42:45～)
Q: If the player population increases in future, although it’ll be less frequent than now, is there any possibility to change the plans so you will continue releasing major version updates for the PC version?
A: This is difficult. While this would solve the business standpoint, it wouldn't be a solution to the development environment issue. For example, if we’re short on people we can cover this, but because the development environment is in a tight spot, we would be limited when making new content. We would like to come up with something, but we can’t simply say we’ll do it without thinking it through.

(0:44:06～)
Q: Do you have any plans to decrease the amount of time required for content such as mythic weapons?
A: We do not have any plans to make any adjustments that’ll lower the value of weapons such as relic weapons, mythic weapons, and empyrean weapons. However, as I mentioned earlier, we are considering removing restrictions such as instances where you can only challenge content once every three days. We’d like to increase the amount of times you can challenge content. With these changes it should make it easier to obtain these weapons than the current situation. However, we won’t make any adjustments where it’ll suddenly become an item that can be obtained from a login campaign.

(0:46:09～)
Q: With the PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360 versions coming to an end, do you have plans for a transfer campaign to move players from PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360 over to the Windows version?
A: We’re currently distributing the PC version’s client for free, so players playing on PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360 can transfer to the PC version for free. You will be able to play on the PC version once you download the PC software.


(0:47:28～)
Q: Are there plans to merge servers due to the declining player base?
A: At least until the completion of “Rhapsodies of Vana’diel” in November 2015, there are no plans for merging unless something major comes up. After completion, we do have some plans in the event that players are giving feedback about not being able to form parties and more players voicing their requests for server merges. As far as how we’ll merge, we’ll be looking into how to handle this such as merging two Worlds into one World, or transferring players from one World to a World of their choosing.

(0:49:03～)
Q: Will there be any changes to the monthly fee with the end of service for PS2 / Xbox 360 versions?
A: Since it has been run this way for a long time, there are currently no plans to change it.

(0:49:36～)
Q: With service ending for the PlayStation 2 / Xbox 360 versions, what will happen to PlayOnline?
A: The question is a bit unclear, but PlayOnline will continue to operate while the PC version remains. This is because PlayOnline is intertwined with the key systems of FFXI, so FFXI would not be able to run by itself. However, the PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360 versions of PlayOnline will end with the end of service.

(0:50:31～)
Q: What will happen to the forum after the major version updates end?
A: We may revamp some of the categories, but we’ll continue to operate the forums. There won’t be any changes to the basic activities such as players making posts and having comments from Producer Matsui.

(0:51:15～)
Q: Will the official forums also include “FINAL FANTASY Grandmasters” and the native application in the future?
A: No, we're thinking that the titles should be operated separately in a style best suited for each one.

(0:52:08～)
Q: Will “Freshly Picked Vana’diel” continue even after the major version updates for “Rhapsodies of Vana’diel” finish?
A: This all depends. If there are a lot of adjustments or details that are unclear, we’ll put these out as special editions. “Freshly Picked Vana’diel” started off as a public reading of version update information, so we’ll continue to hold them with this goal in mind.

(0:53:19～)
Q: Will we be able to go to the Orc Empire, the Mithra homeland, or to the far-east?
A: In terms of whether or not you’ll be able to go to these locations, you probably won’t be able to, but you should take a close look at the image of the woman with the polearm. I've been told not to say anything further, my apologies. We understand players' desire to go to these lands, so we’ll be putting tons of effort into developing “Rhapsodies of Vana’diel” to try and meet these expectations.

(0:56:10～)
Q: We understand that the native application will be playable on mobile devices, but will it be playable on portable devices such as the PS Vita?
A: While we created a vague idea by saying “mobile devices,” currently the application is being made for iOS and Android. If we’re to consider including as many people as possible, those two choices are the best way to do it so far. But if the environment surrounding FFXI changes and a portable gaming device that can bring the game to more people is released, then we’d look into expanding it further.

(0:57:24～)
Q: Will the native application be a completely separate game from the Windows version of FFXI that will continue even after March 2016?
A: As far as accounts go, this will be a separate game, but it will be the same game in the sense that it continues the enjoyment of FFXI. What we’d like to clear up is that the native application won’t take over the current FFXI operations, but Square Enix will continue to operate and manage the current FFXI, and the native application will be developed as a new FFXI.

As far as content goes, even with the sheer volume of playable content in FFXI we won't be able to discuss this too concretely, but we think we won't start service with a lot of content lined up. We want to try and get this out to customers as fast as possible, and while it'll take some time, we'll eventually implement a good deal of content. There will definitely be restrictions on content and jobs at the start, such as only implementing up to Chains of Promathia. There are possibilities for expansive content exclusive to the native application as well. Players will eventually be able to play Rhapsodies of Vana’diel, so we'll be putting in a ton of effort to try and match or even surpass the PC version.

(1:01:25～)
Q: Is the FFXI development team going to be involved with the development of the native application as well?
A: Basically, they will take part in ways that make the game "FFXI-like" such as planning, how the game works, lore, and editorial supervision.

(1:02:23～)
Q: What kind of payment method are you planning for the native application?
A: We're not at the point where we can answer that question yet. We would like to have as many people play as possible, so we believe it will be a system that will allow players to participate with ease. You could say that it depends on the business environment at the time of launch. For example, when considering that a method of payment is unimaginable at the stage we're currently at might be proposed, it is not possible to make a conclusive decision.

(1:03:42～)
Q: Are there any plans to release official art, resource books, or a CD set compilation of all the songs?
A: At this current point in time, there are no specific plans. The details are fairly vague, but we would like to release various items. If there are any specific requests for things that players would like to have, it would be possible for a plan based on those requests to be devised. If players have any such requests, please let us know. Furthermore, we're not yet at a stage where we can speak openly about it, but there are already a few projects underway.

(1:04:53～)
Q: Will there be other projects besides the ones that have been announced?
A: This announcement was not to forcibly push everything Vana'diel out, but to show the power of what we built up together in 14 years from the start of service that led to collaborating with Crooz and NEXON. We anticipate it'll continue like this in the future as well. As previously mentioned, the development teams are working away at new projects, and we'd also like to continue spreading Vana'diel as well, so please look forward to that in the future.