Final Fantasy 14 director Yoshi-P talked about the AFK timer for the game, noting that players should enjoy “in your own way”.
Earlier this month, Final Fantasy 14 added a 30-minute AFK timer into the game due to the rapid growth of the game. Amidst fears of cutting into leisure activities, Yoshi-P reassures players that they can still enjoy the game.
FF14 gets record-breaking number of players
A new blog on the Lode Stone talks about potentially increasing login caps into the EU data centers. The sudden explosion in the player population is heavily taxing the game’s servers. With that said, they are finding novel ways to reduce the crowding.
Among these solutions, they are moving to stop players from crowding onto certain servers. Another was installing a 30-minute timer that starts when the system detects inactivity.
Players were quick to disdain the latter, as it may cut into the viability of leisure in-game. Within the same blog, Yoshida-P addressed the situation. He encouraged players to make the most out of the situation.
“I myself have played many an MMO, so I know how watching other players bustle past during mealtimes physically and mentally prepares you for challenging dungeons later, and how a spontaneous dance performance can brighten everyone’s day. These are ways of roleplaying, and they are part of the fun of MMORPGs,” Yoshi-P said.
“Therefore, I want you to know that while I deeply appreciate you being considerate, activities such as the above are part of the game too, and you don’t need to show so much restraint that you stop having fun!” he continued.
“We have implemented the automatic logout feature, which will log you out if you do not interact with the game for an extended period, so allowing that system to do its job is enough. Please continue to enjoy FFXIV in your own way, and show our new players how alive its world is with adventurers of all sorts.”
Square Enix should be able to resolve their server issue soon
Yoshi P tried his best to address the return of the AFK timer for Final Fantasy 14. He’s aware that his words might be “at odds with [his] previous message”. Even then, he promised that his team is finding ways to resolve the issue.
A few more solutions should be on their way. The likely possibility is that the game did not expect the level of explosive growth the game had.
Regardless, it remains to be seen how much further Final Fantasy 14 will grow and how Square Enix will address the crowded servers.
Featured image courtesy of Final Fantasy XIV/Youtube Screenshot