(image credit dicebreaker.com)
Final Fantasy 14, the popular MMORPG from Square Enix, is getting a major graphical overhaul for the first time since its relaunch in 2013. The game’s producer and director, Naoki Yoshida, has recently explained the reasons behind this decision, which are not only to attract new players, but also to reassure existing ones and to improve the working environment for the developers.
A Sense of Ease for the Fans
One of the main motivations for the graphics update is to give the fans a sense of ease and confidence that the game will continue to receive support and updates from the developers for a long time. Yoshida said in an interview with Play Magazine that he wanted to show the players that Final Fantasy 14 will still push on and take on new challenges in the future.
A Better Appeal for New Players
Another reason for the graphics update is to appeal to new players, especially the younger generation, who might be deterred by the game’s outdated visuals. Yoshida acknowledged that the game’s age might give some people a notion that the quality of the game is low, and that the important thing with MMOs is to constantly get new players in. By implementing the graphics update, Yoshida hopes to improve the game’s image and attract more players to join the adventure.
A Better Environment for the Developers
The third reason for the graphics update is to provide a better working environment for the developers, who have been using the same graphics pipeline for over a decade. Yoshida said that he wanted to give the artists and engineers a chance to work with more advanced technology and to advance their careers. He also said that the graphics update will bring some efficiencies and new features that will benefit both the players and the developers.
A New Era for Final Fantasy 14
The graphics update is part of the upcoming Dawntrail expansion, which will bring many exciting additions to the game, such as the female Hrothgar race, new jobs, new areas, and new storylines. The expansion is scheduled to release in Summer 2024, and will mark a new era for Final Fantasy 14.