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New Players and Server BalanceFollow

#1 Jan 29 2013 at 9:12 AM Rating: Decent
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Hello all, I know nobody really knows the answer to this question but I wanted to float the idea around and see what peoples opinions are. So we know that old players will not be able to change servers and that new players will be given the option to join a new server with new people or join an older server with established players. I think alot of newer players will choose to be in a fresh server so as not to be behind everyone else, but perhaps some will choose otherwise.

Do you think Square should give some type of small incentive to those who join older servers? The main reason I ask is because I remember my server being very low population wise and I am curious as to how 2.0 will help fix that if many of the newer players will opt to be on new servers. I dont have nearly as much accomplished as many of the other players, just 2 level 50s with the AF gear, 30 something Alchemy and some lower jobs, so I am still considering whether or not to start over myself, though im leaning towards not doing so. My main concern though is how they will revive older servers low populations when, atleast for me, I would rather join a newer server if Im just joining rather than an older one and feel like Im left behind. Opinions?
#2 Jan 29 2013 at 9:16 AM Rating: Excellent
I think server population during 1.0 can't be counted on, I imagine those who left and want to try the game again will try it again with their existing characters. That could be wishful thinking, but in my own circle of friends at least 10 people will come back who stopped playing before the game's subscription started, so there will be 10 more people on our server that weren't there for quite a while during 1.0.

I can't think of an incentive that wouldn't have those on new servers screaming their heads off to be honest.
#3 Jan 29 2013 at 9:50 AM Rating: Excellent
I wouldn't be surprised if the old servers were further collapsed and combined before 2.0 is officially released.
#4 Jan 29 2013 at 6:04 PM Rating: Good
catwho wrote:
I wouldn't be surprised if the old servers were further collapsed and combined before 2.0 is officially released.


As long as you over-achievers stay off my fresh server, I iz happy panda! Smiley: grin

EDIT: ^I know old chars can't join new server, was just being goofy. I'd totally be down to see some of y'all in game on some new characters.

Edited, Jan 29th 2013 7:05pm by IKickYoDog
#5 Jan 29 2013 at 6:57 PM Rating: Good
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3,825 posts
IKickYoDog wrote:
catwho wrote:
I wouldn't be surprised if the old servers were further collapsed and combined before 2.0 is officially released.


As long as you over-achievers stay off my fresh server, I iz happy panda! Smiley: grin

EDIT: ^I know old chars can't join new server, was just being goofy. I'd totally be down to see some of y'all in game on some new characters.

Edited, Jan 29th 2013 7:05pm by IKickYoDog


Actually old players HAVE to be allowed to join new servers, otherwise their self-segregating (er.... lag reducing) global servers are for naught. Me personally, I'm going wherever my friends decide to go. I'd like to stay on Durandal, honestly I'd like to stay on a server that has a good global population since I move around the globe alot... but I'm going to go where my friends are, and if they choose a US based server, then so be it.
#6 Jan 29 2013 at 7:02 PM Rating: Good
Perrin wrote:
IKickYoDog wrote:
catwho wrote:
I wouldn't be surprised if the old servers were further collapsed and combined before 2.0 is officially released.


As long as you over-achievers stay off my fresh server, I iz happy panda! Smiley: grin

EDIT: ^I know old chars can't join new server, was just being goofy. I'd totally be down to see some of y'all in game on some new characters.

Edited, Jan 29th 2013 7:05pm by IKickYoDog


Actually old players HAVE to be allowed to join new servers, otherwise their self-segregating (er.... lag reducing) global servers are for naught. Me personally, I'm going wherever my friends decide to go. I'd like to stay on Durandal, honestly I'd like to stay on a server that has a good global population since I move around the globe alot... but I'm going to go where my friends are, and if they choose a US based server, then so be it.


By new I mean "fresh" servers.
#7 Jan 29 2013 at 7:32 PM Rating: Excellent
Perrin wrote:
IKickYoDog wrote:
catwho wrote:
I wouldn't be surprised if the old servers were further collapsed and combined before 2.0 is officially released.


As long as you over-achievers stay off my fresh server, I iz happy panda! Smiley: grin

EDIT: ^I know old chars can't join new server, was just being goofy. I'd totally be down to see some of y'all in game on some new characters.

Edited, Jan 29th 2013 7:05pm by IKickYoDog


Actually old players HAVE to be allowed to join new servers, otherwise their self-segregating (er.... lag reducing) global servers are for naught. Me personally, I'm going wherever my friends decide to go. I'd like to stay on Durandal, honestly I'd like to stay on a server that has a good global population since I move around the globe alot... but I'm going to go where my friends are, and if they choose a US based server, then so be it.


Most of us are on Durandal and will be staying there regardless of geographic location. You do know that existing characters can't transfer right? I'm assuming you're talking about making a new character on a different server should that be what your friends decide on.
#8 Jan 29 2013 at 11:21 PM Rating: Good
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Durandal FTW!!!!
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#9 Jan 30 2013 at 2:29 PM Rating: Decent
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Wint wrote:
You do know that existing characters can't transfer right? I'm assuming you're talking about making a new character on a different server should that be what your friends decide on.

Have they confirmed this yet? From what I've seen, they've done nothing but dodge this question ever since people have brought it up. Also, there's really no evidence that suggests that the servers that existed at the end of 1.x will be around at launch, not to mention beta character transfers. There's just far too many unanswered questions to be definite on this issue yet.
#10 Jan 30 2013 at 6:20 PM Rating: Excellent
TurboTom wrote:
Wint wrote:
You do know that existing characters can't transfer right? I'm assuming you're talking about making a new character on a different server should that be what your friends decide on.

Have they confirmed this yet? From what I've seen, they've done nothing but dodge this question ever since people have brought it up. Also, there's really no evidence that suggests that the servers that existed at the end of 1.x will be around at launch, not to mention beta character transfers. There's just far too many unanswered questions to be definite on this issue yet.


The roadmap states beta chars will be ported to the launch barring any issues, I imagine you are stuck with the server you get, which would almost have to be a legacy server.

The latest word on server transfers:

http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threads/59874-NA-EU-JP-server-No-transfer?p=947649#post947649

Bayohne wrote:
I know you are asking about what will happen to version 1.0 characters, but we're currently working on finalizing the plans and will need to wait until it has been decided on before we can share details. Once that's done, we'll be sure to let you know.

As for server transfers in general, we are planning to implement the ability to change servers and we'll share more information as soon as it becomes available.


Regarding server transfers for legacy accounts, I think this is pretty clear (emphasis mine):

http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threads/59874-NA-EU-JP-server-No-transfer?p=944375#post944375

Bayohne wrote:
The portion you quoted is specifically referring to the fresh "New Player" servers that we plan to introduce and that only fresh starting new characters will be able to join (whether that's a completely new player, or a brand new character of a returning player) and this restriction will be in place for a specific period of time (not yet finalized).

It goes on to say that new players will be able to join existing/established worlds as long as there is room on the world, but that old, returning players cannot move to the brand-new "new player" worlds.

Hopefully that clears it up!
#11 Jan 31 2013 at 3:23 PM Rating: Excellent
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Wint wrote:
Bayohne wrote:
The portion you quoted is specifically referring to the fresh "New Player" servers that we plan to introduce and that only fresh starting new characters will be able to join (whether that's a completely new player, or a brand new character of a returning player) and this restriction will be in place for a specific period of time (not yet finalized).

It goes on to say that new players will be able to join existing/established worlds as long as there is room on the world, but that old, returning players cannot move to the brand-new "new player" worlds.

Hopefully that clears it up!


This confuses me.

This part makes it sounds like old players can make a new character on a fresh start server:
Bayohne wrote:
The portion you quoted is specifically referring to the fresh "New Player" servers that we plan to introduce and that only fresh starting new characters will be able to join (whether that's a completely new player, or a brand new character of a returning player) and this restriction will be in place for a specific period of time (not yet finalized).


But this part makes it sounds like old players can't join a fresh start server no matter what (at least until the restriction is lifted):
Bayohne wrote:
It goes on to say that new players will be able to join existing/established worlds as long as there is room on the world, but that old, returning players cannot move to the brand-new "new player" worlds.


So now I don't know what to think. Smiley: oyvey
#12 Jan 31 2013 at 3:32 PM Rating: Good
"Cannot move to."

It didn't say they can't create a new character, they just can't move a character. That's how I read it anyway.
#13 Jan 31 2013 at 5:38 PM Rating: Good
IKickYoDog wrote:
"Cannot move to."

It didn't say they can't create a new character, they just can't move a character. That's how I read it anyway.


That's the correct reading of it. You can make a new level 1 character on any server. You cannot transfer a level 50 character to one of the newbie only servers, but you can create a new level 1 on the newbie server even if you have a level 50 on one of the oldbie servers.

So, you can still have a slight knowledge edge against the scrubs on a newbie server, but you'll have to start out with 100 gil and a pat on the butt like everyone else.
#14 Jan 31 2013 at 7:10 PM Rating: Excellent
I don't imagine legacy characters (not players) will ever be allowed on new servers, or it would be so far along in the game's life cycle that it wouldn't matter to anyone anymore.
#15 Jan 31 2013 at 8:02 PM Rating: Good
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Wint wrote:
I don't imagine legacy characters (not players) will ever be allowed on new servers, or it would be so far along in the game's life cycle that it wouldn't matter to anyone anymore.


So much for my Legacy Hunter PvP Clan Smiley: laugh

In all seriousness you may be right. As cool as it would be to live side by side I would fear a few bad apples on both sides might stir issues and complaints :-(
#16 Jan 31 2013 at 8:10 PM Rating: Excellent
I don't think it would hurt to ask for legacy transfers to legacy servers. I imagine that might be possible at some point. I think Catwho was right though that there will probably be a bit of server merging on the legacy servers depending on the populations.
#17 Feb 01 2013 at 5:06 AM Rating: Good
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catwho wrote:
IKickYoDog wrote:
"Cannot move to."

It didn't say they can't create a new character, they just can't move a character. That's how I read it anyway.


That's the correct reading of it. You can make a new level 1 character on any server. You cannot transfer a level 50 character to one of the newbie only servers, but you can create a new level 1 on the newbie server even if you have a level 50 on one of the oldbie servers.

So, you can still have a slight knowledge edge against the scrubs on a newbie server, but you'll have to start out with 100 gil and a pat on the butt like everyone else.

It would have been easier to understand if they just separated it into character creation and character transfers.

Character Creation
Unrestricted.

Character Transfers
Servers are classified as 'New' or 'Established' servers.

You may transfer freely between the same server type as follows:
new <-> new
established <-> established

Players transferring between server types are limited to a one way transfer from a 'new' server to an 'established' server
new --> established

Once a player transfers from a new to an established server, they are free to transfer to other established servers provided there is available space on the server and they have exceeded the cooldown period.
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cocodojo wrote:
Its personal preference and all, but yes we need to educate WoW players that this is OUR game, these are Characters and not Toons. Time to beat that into them one at a time.
#18 Feb 01 2013 at 4:04 PM Rating: Decent
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I just hope that they don't give to many options to us new guys as to what new servers we choose. Like maybe two options to begin with, until those servers get full. Would suck to have 10 new servers to choose from, and all the new players were spread over the 10 new servers leaving many servers kind of empty.

It would seem smart to flow all newcomers to a certain server until it was full, and then start adding more servers. Don't you think?
#19 Feb 01 2013 at 4:32 PM Rating: Good
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Define "full"

Also you have to spread new players over several servers to avoid some servers feeling overcrowded and others feeling dead, depending entirely on when the particular character was created.

The trick with this is to not grossly overestimate the number of servers you're going to need and to also allow enough buildup of players on the servers you do launch with to accommodate those players that don't stick around.
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#20 Feb 01 2013 at 4:57 PM Rating: Decent
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Yeah you pretty much hit the nail in the coffin. I wasn't really meaning full to the point you can't have any more players, but just a good amount of users before opening more servers.

You know, just in case there were like 15 servers we could choose from, and on opening day, people are all spread out thin on new servers. By the way you put it though, I shouldn't have a worry. I'm just worried of being on that server that has problems with population, and not enough hard core committed players. Cause I'll be starting new on a fresh server.

What would you suggest? Wait a couple days before I join a server? I would prefer not to do this, because I plan on hitting the ground running day one lol...

But I'm probably just over thinking the situation.

Edited, Feb 1st 2013 6:01pm by SirLuciousLeftfoot
#21 Feb 01 2013 at 5:14 PM Rating: Good
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Wint wrote:
Most of us are on Durandal and will be staying there regardless of geographic location. You do know that existing characters can't transfer right? I'm assuming you're talking about making a new character on a different server should that be what your friends decide on.


I know that, I'm going where you guys go duh ^.~. But I'm pretty sure that ALL characters will have to be offered a transfer because of the regional servers. If they didn't, there would be a poo storm of people saying they were forced to decide between lag and their prior achievements.
#22 Feb 01 2013 at 5:58 PM Rating: Excellent
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148 posts
I'll be one of those scrub newbies on the new server :D Who's with me!?

Wonder what kinda char I should make.... Man I'm in a good mood right now! ^^

Not for this. Had a great night. Well yea for this too I guess. I'm random I know...

Randomness part 2 - Mass Effect 3 kicks so much ***!

More brewski time! Have a great night all :)
#23 Feb 01 2013 at 6:14 PM Rating: Excellent
Perrin wrote:
Wint wrote:
Most of us are on Durandal and will be staying there regardless of geographic location. You do know that existing characters can't transfer right? I'm assuming you're talking about making a new character on a different server should that be what your friends decide on.


I know that, I'm going where you guys go duh ^.~. But I'm pretty sure that ALL characters will have to be offered a transfer because of the regional servers. If they didn't, there would be a poo storm of people saying they were forced to decide between lag and their prior achievements.


My guess is the legacy servers will be split between the different regions, perhaps by most population.

You guys act like lag is going to be a huge issue, but I think for every day play we aren't going to have problems. I know if I end up on a JP server I'm not going to be crying about it.
#24 Feb 01 2013 at 8:10 PM Rating: Decent
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SirLuciousLeftfoot wrote:
Yeah you pretty much hit the nail in the coffin. I wasn't really meaning full to the point you can't have any more players, but just a good amount of users before opening more servers.

You know, just in case there were like 15 servers we could choose from, and on opening day, people are all spread out thin on new servers. By the way you put it though, I shouldn't have a worry. I'm just worried of being on that server that has problems with population, and not enough hard core committed players. Cause I'll be starting new on a fresh server.


Always better to have too many than too few. Although I don't see XIV running into the issue of too few, I'm sure most people would agree that they'd rather feel like their server hasn't reached critical mass yet than weather ungodly long queue times at login.

People usually spread out across servers. Not always evenly, but there probably won't be any issues with huge imbalance and even if there was, it's something that could be remedied easily. Just pick a server you want to play on and go for it. Maybe you'll get access to the beta and make some friends that you agree to a server with.
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Rinsui wrote:
Only hips + boobs all day and hips + boobs all over my icecream

HaibaneRenmei wrote:
30 bucks is almost free

cocodojo wrote:
Its personal preference and all, but yes we need to educate WoW players that this is OUR game, these are Characters and not Toons. Time to beat that into them one at a time.
#25 Feb 02 2013 at 5:04 AM Rating: Good
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Quote:
You guys act like lag is going to be a huge issue, but I think for every day play we aren't going to have problems.

I KNOW lag was a pretty big issue fo people outside Japan.
#26 Feb 02 2013 at 1:41 PM Rating: Excellent
If I'm given the option, I want to be an an EST server. Balmung was fun and all, but...

It's really a problem when you're in a group with PSTers who don't understand why you're saying "I'm sleepy" at what they perceive as 8:30 PM at night.

Edit: Lag was a pretty big issue for people even inside Japan. It was the game engine and client, not just distance latency.

Edited, Feb 2nd 2013 2:42pm by catwho
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