Players in MMORPGs all want to be challenged equally. But a developer from Final Fantasy XIV now explains in an interview that you can’t please all players. Because every type of player expects a different level of tasks. And you can’t “invent” a level of difficulty that is equally suitable for all players.
In a conversation with the English-language magazine PCGamer, lead battle content designer Masaki “Mr. Ozma” Nakagawa on the difficulty level in Final Fantasy XIV and how to please all players. And it’s not that easy, the developer explained to the magazine.
Basically, says Nakagawa, it is impossible to design a level of difficulty that is perfect for all players. This is what he says in an interview with PCGamer:
I think it’s simply impossible to design a difficulty level that’s ‘just right’ for all players. Each piece of content should be developed with a specific audience in mind, with a difficulty level that is just right for that audience. At the same time, I believe that the content should also have something to offer for players outside of the primary target group.
That’s why you have to develop your own content for each type of player. And that’s content that casual gamers like, while professionals feel hopelessly under-challenged.
Final Fantasy XIV: Launch trailer for Dawntrail sets the mood for the adventure in Tural
More videos
Alliance raids are for beginners, professionals feel underchallenged
He gives this as an example: In conversation, he is primarily concerned with the alliance raids: This content was developed for players who do not want to take part in end-game content such as extreme trials or wild raids. However, players who are used to the high level of other raids will quickly notice that alliance raids are not particularly exciting, the developer explained.
But there’s also an advantage to having to design all the content differently: by making each content type suitable for slightly different players, rather than trying to please everyone at once, the battles can retain their uniqueness. This would also make every content in the game feel different.
Basically, this also means that players are always dissatisfied with the level of difficulty. Some demand more difficult and harder content, while other players demand simplification.
Some are calling for dungeons and Alliance raids to be easier, while others want 24-player ultimates or content that exceeds the difficulty of ultimates. I think it’s okay for opinions to differ. Whatever your opinions, we respect them and take all player feedback seriously. And of course, we will continue to strive to outdo ourselves and create fighting content that is even better than the last.
By the way, if you want to start playing Final Fantasy XIV again, you should take a look at the free offer of the MMORPG. Because the game is currently giving away almost 100 hours of playing time to returnees: One of the best MMORPGs is currently giving away almost 100 hours of playing time