While 2016 brought the high profile arrival of Final Fantasy XV, its predecessor is still very much in progress and relevant to series fans. The MMO has, like so many online games in its genre, spanned across multiple console generations; it was only this week that the Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood expansion launched.
It's one of the longer-term titles at the heart of Switch speculation too, going back to the NX days. With the game very much back in the spotlight thanks to the Stormblood release, Kotaku caught up with producer Naoki Yoshida to talk about the game. When asked about versions for Nintendo Switch and Xbox One, he stated that they're still on the agenda, but that he needs a 'handshake' on infrastructure to support the online title's requirements, not only in terms of cross-platform play but in broader terms.
I’ve said this on several occasions, but it hasn’t changed. We would love for as many players to be on FFXIV as possible.
Conversations have been had with Mr. Phil Spencer of Microsoft, and the upper management teams of Nintendo. But I have proposed a condition every time I speak with any platform manufacturers. It’s that the game has to have the capability of cross-platform play.
Of course with an MMORPG, once it launches and starts going into live services and operations, there will be a community. No matter how small it dwindles down to, we have to be responsible for taking care of those communities. It would become an obstacle if the first-party or manufacturer changed how patches are being implemented or online regulations. Some of our external parties’ regulations don’t have MMORPGs in mind in terms of how they’re regulating their online activities. Those can become a hurdle when we consider operating FFXIV for an extended period of time, and so when I talk to those first-party companies, I ask them, ‘Do you have the capability to prepare for that, do you have the resolve that you’re going to make sure to take responsibility and take care of those, do you have that willingness?’
If we are able to come to some sort of agreement, a handshake so to speak, or if it does end up being that unfortunately we can’t do a handshake with Final Fantasy XIV, either way we’ll make sure to communicate with our players. But we have been tenacious—we’ve been trying to keep at it and be persistent about our conversations.
It'd be interesting to see this on Switch, but clearly key agreements are still needed before it can make progress; would you be keen to dive into its world?
With thanks to SLIGEACH_EIRE for the heads up.
[source kotaku.com]
Comments 101
And if for whatever reason this doesn't happen it's all on Nintendo not a 3rd party!
How about telling us about project "octopath traveler"
Would buy.
Be interesting how they get the game running properly. I think if the game is switch bound it will definitely be docked only and 720p with 30FPS i'd imagine.
I haven't played ant of the main Final Fantasy games since VIII. Final Fantasy VI was my favorite so far. I should just play through that one again. Such a good game.
I wonder, how would we talk in a console MMORPG?
I mean, it's a big part of the game, as it is a MMO.
If we have to point a a screen with letters, it would be impraticle as it would take a lot of time just to say little things.
@Moms-Meowth isn't this game on ps3 as well? Surely the Switch would handle it fine
@Juma009 that's all I was thinking too
It would be nice to play a true Final Fantasy game on a Nintendo home console after the series skipping 4 generations(N64, Gamecube, Wii and Wii U) of Nintendo home consoles.
I'd rather them focus on a FFVII remake port.
@Mopati The Switch works with USB Keyboards
Hmm, last Final Fantasy game i liked was X, tried to play others but didn't like them. So would be cagey about this, would give it a go though.
I guess this is encouraging
Much as I want to play Final Fantasy on a Nintendo system again, I really wish it wasn't an MMO. I've never been a fan of the genre, I prefer it as a single player experience, or at most 2 to 4 player co-op. Not-so-massive either way.
But if this does come to the Switch, I might still check it out regardless just to support the idea of Final Fantasy on Nintendo consoles again.
This is the type of 3rd party sh*t I'm into!
I can't imagine why Nintendo wouldn't want cross-platform play. After all, one of the biggest questions when purchasing a game like this is, "Which platform will have the best and most enduring online community?" Cross-platform play eliminates that concern. Plus, Nintendo has shown to be open to CPP with Rocket League. No, there's more to the delay than simply Square Enix insisting on CPP.
It could be as much of an issue with Sony as with anyone else - since they have the game first and we know how they feel about cross platform play at the moment
Will buy it day one!
And i love the sound of playing with other users from microsoft and switch alike
Would love to have it.
FFXIV works amazing with a controller and it runs rather well on the PS4 family. They've stopped PS3 support with the last expansion for obviously more than this one reason I'm gonna mention now, but it's supposedly holding back the potential of the game for the other platforms. So the question is if their view on a nintendo switch version wouldn't be the same, due to the hardware limitations it has?
Eh, I don't know. The NS is more powerful than a PS3, which has discontinued support, so it can fulfill the minimum requirements technically. But the game was originally designed around Sony and PC platforms, much like FFXI before it. Like Yoshi-P said, the DNAS handshake is really tough to replicate on other protocols than originally intended. Who knows how much of that process had to be brought over from the wreck that was FFXIV 1.0? It would be nice to see it happen, just don't hold your breath.
Also, it wouldn't be practical to play in portable mode, since you'd have no good way of talking to others except for potentially Discord or something if you bring a phone with you. Plus, you'd absolutely have to stay near a WiFi router, otherwise you'd DC, which is a cancerous setback to whoever you'd be playing with. Not to mention the console underclocks itself in portable mode, introducing further lag.
NS players would be viewed as too much of a potential liability for the high end raiding and dungeons. It would only work out while docked, preferably with a USB to Ethernet adaptor, that's how MMORPG's are. Even then, many players would be suspicious of NS users. Quite frankly, I would be suspicious of them too.
Bring the FF XII The Zodiac Age & FF X/X-2 HD Remaster to Nintendo Switch, SquareEnix !
I will Gleefully jump from PS4 version to Nintendo Switch version.
I will be all over Final Fantasy 14 on the Switch. I really do hope this comes to be.
I've played ffxiv on PS4 and PC, and I like the controller better for game play, but chatting is definitely more difficult on console. Not impossible, just takes a bit longer.
@Anti-Matter oh man, me too. I'd betray my PS4 so fast if XII came to the switch
Ball's in your court Ninty, don't drop it. A portable MMO? Heck yeah.
@PlywoodStick Yeah I know it should be possible looking at the minimum requirements, the question still remains if it can handle all aspects of the game, fx raids which can get the ps4 lagging in certain cases (which is why they added the 720p mode for ps4).
With that said, I've played FFXIV on the go with my PSvita through remote play and it works really well on a handheld, I'd love to be able to do that on my Switch.
Can we get info on DQXI on Switch, a game that was already announced then went silent, before we start the wishlist Squenix?
Just can't see this working on a handheld unless Nintendo releases a true successor to the Wii U they won't get 3rd party support unfortunately but looks like Nintendo has pulled out the home console market altogether sadly.
I was thinking about grabbing the PS4 version, but I talked myself out of it because of the subscription fee. If it came to Switch, no pep talk in the world could talk me out of buying it.
If they bring it I'll try it. Is Switch getting DQX?
@Moms-Meowth I think it would be far more likely that we just never see this game on Switch, than getting a docked only version. There's no way they would eliminate the Switch's major selling point.
@wizzgamer Trust me, it's very playable on a handheld. Like I mentioned I played it a lot on the PSvita which is smaller and doesn't have left/right triggers, you gotta use the rear touchpad which isn't ideal, but it was still doable. Since you got all the buttons you need on a Switch and a bigger screen I don't see a problem when it comes to that.
Mark my words and mark them well :
THIS WILL NEVER HAPPEN.
I'm still hoping the FFVII remake comes to Switch 😀
Argh, I want this on Switch so badly. I enjoy it on the computer, but its tech requirements aren't high and it would foster the same kind of community atmosphere that the Switch has been going for. I wonder if there could be some UI hurdles, of course, since you have less screen real estate and FFXIV presents way too much info onscreen without modification.
@Ryu_Niiyama September in Japan
@nysombamf Thing about Remote Play is that the PS4 is still doing all the heavy lifting, the Vita just streams the action onto itself. Plus, you can't stray too far from the PS4. (Not to mention most people absolutely would not want anyone in their group playing on a Vita when things get serious.) Meanwhile, the NS does all of it's own work in portable mode.
However, as we know, the NS underclocks itself to conserve battery life, which means you would likely lag even on 720p... Everyone running FFXIV is using close to or above 2.0 GHz on each core. The NS is even further than normally below that in portable mode. So even with minimum settings, with the new requirements for Stormblood, the game would chug. No one wants a teammate who's a constant liability if they decide to get cute and pull their NS out of the dock.
My mind would explode if this happened.
@CorvoRevo Sigh. I'll bet they will still block ip adresses not originating from Japan. I will import but I refuse to use a proxy.
Sounds like a matter of time, then. Nintendo and Square Enix already have DQX running through three generations, with Switch version arriving in autumn; FFXIV could be a good start to expand that to multiplatform MMOs.
It does require its own subscription, but I will definitely consider it if it comes to Switch. The free trial on PS4 is charming and brimming with content, but I'm not eager to pay a monthly extra on a platform where my gaming activity remains at the mercy of mobile connections and data plan spendings. If either were to fail me for an extended period, I could end up with a wasted subscription period unless the game allows suspending (before you ask, PS Plus is no such concern - the cloud storage and games are still a benefit even if I lose access to the console for a week or more).
@gokev13 haven't played any since 8? You should really give 9 and 10 a blast.
Actually just tried to play the free trial on my PS4 and it failed to update both times. Not promising.
That aside I would really like to play either FFXIV or DQX on Switch.
I would love to play on Switch too!
Wouldn't mind seeing MMOs hit the switch. Right now I'm enjoying Elder Scrolls Online, which I wouldn't mind seeing on the Switch as well. I could probably go for FF XIV on the Switch, and probably some DQ X as well.
I'd be way more interested in seeing the remake of Final Fantasy 7 and Final Fantasy 15 making it on to the Switch.
It's probably not possible, but it's still what I'd care more about.
I play FFXIV mostly on PC, but also sometimes on my PS4. It would be very interesting to see it on my Switch, but I'm assuming that the graphics settings would be toned down considerably. However, with the artstyle of this game, you don't need hyper-realistic settings. It's a very anime-esque art.
@nysombamf I never even though to use my Vita =(
How about that FF7 remake on Switch, sounds great to me.
@PlywoodStick But you could still do quest and solo content portably while raiding docked. Still would be awesome in my book.
@DrJoson The ps3 support got dropped in the new expansion. The ps3 version didn't run that great to be fair and the original ps4 struggles to maintain a consistent frame rate
@CorvoRevo I tend to agree, I doubt a monthly subscription fee-based game would do well on the Switch.
Day one purchase for me. I tried this on ps3 then ps4 and porting to switch would bring me back in a heartbeat, even if I had to start over. Its a good mmo and the controls with a gamepad are excellent. I'd happily double, er triple dip this one on switch.
Defo more to this than CPP. It's on ps4 right? PC too? Maybe Sony paid a bucket load so it wouldn't go to other home consoles or something? And we know now Sony's stance on CPP, Minecraft. Xbox dept and Nintendo, I don't think, are the problem
"It’s that the game has to have the capability of cross-platform play."
Sounds like Sony being involved may prevent a Switch and Xbox One version of FFIXV from happening, even if Nintendo and Microsoft strike a deal with Square Enix.
@zionich Potentially, if the NS underclocking itself doesn't kill the frame rate. But a lot of people would still be paranoid about NS users trying to play portably during high level dungeons and raids. The only way to prevent that is to force the game to not function while portable. Which introduces a whole bunch of other potential problems...
I'll take anything that has the words "Final Fantasy" followed directly by a Roman numeral that's released for the Switch, but it feels so foreign and unlikely. I'll be genuinely shocked if it ever happens (much like I was when Nintendo announced the Cloud DLC for Smash Bros.).
I read the headline and thought it said FFXV and got excited. Until I read the words MMORPG and re-checked the title.
Nothing to see here, carry on....
@PlywoodStick Have you actually tried to USE PSN? I'm not worried about portable Switch bandwidth issues....
@westman98 @readyletsgo "Blame Sony"
Lol it's getting as ridiculous as "blame the Russians." Yoshi-P himself mentioned that the network handshake (through DNAS) is a huge barrier for cross platform. It was managed with the X360 for FFXI about a year after the X360 released, so it's probably not impossible for the XB1, but again, the handshake protocol isn't there from the get-go.
I'm not a fan of MMORPG but a Final Fantasy XIV seem like a good addition though I doubt we'll see it.
@NEStalgia I agree about PSN being a suboptimal platform for MMO's, which is why I would go for the PC version any day... (I have the original FFXIV collectors edition )
The bandwidth wouldn't be any problem for the NS. It can support gigabit connections, too! The issue is, well... The specs in relation to the new Stormblood requirements. FFXIV 2.0/2.1, no problem, PS3 was running it and therefore NS would have no problems. FFXIV 4.0, though? Now that's a challenge.
PS3 support was discontinued because it couldn't keep up. Portable NS can't keep up with a PS4, which puts it in between the two, fulfilling the bare minimum requirements. Sacrifices would have to be made, holding back the game just like PS3 did. I doubt the existing player base wants that to happen just to accommodate NS owners.
@PlywoodStick Well Squeenix's bloat and optimization inefficiency isn't really Nintendo's problem. I'm sure, Deep Down, you know it's true
@NEStalgia Believe me, I saw the abomination that was FFXIV 1.0 in action. I didn't know it was possible to screw up an MMO by default so badly until I played that. FFXIV 2.0 was completely redone and cobbled together from broken pieces. It just wouldn't work as well as DQ X on NS. Just goes to show that Squaresoft and Enix were better off separately. FFXI was much better coded back in the end times of the Squaresoft days...
@PlywoodStick I think a doc requirement from the game on raid content would be fair but not nessicary for the whole game.
100% would buy for Switch. I played FFI on NES, IV & VI, (released as II & III in the west), on SNES, VII on PC, and IX, X, & XII on PS2. I would love for Final Fantasy to come home to a Nintendo console.
@zionich Well, it would be interesting to see in action, in any case. Can't say I'm not curious. I just feel like DQ X would be a better candidate for first JP MMORPG on NS.
"No matter how small it dwindles down to, we have to be responsible for taking care of those communities."
Wow, that's really a commendable and exemplary stance. It's especially significant since more and more many studios with a lot of tradition/history seem to care less about their players (and their communities).
I'm not a FF player myself, but I'm happy to hear about something like that for once. Definitely increases my respect the series.
And regarding crossplay: if it's only about MS and Nintendo, I'm sure they can find a solution as they did with Rocket League and Minecraft.
As long as Sony isn't in the mix, it's fine. ^^
And yet still no mention of Dragon Quest 10??? NINTENDO WHY!?
@Mopati
Touch screen, just like a cellphone.
@CTMike I would love to keep going but since I have only bought Nintendo systems in the past so it is harder for me to play Final Fantasy now.
FFXIV is actually a really good MMO. They had a good system for getting PUG going and made it easy to complete group content. That said, the last leg of leveling up like so many MMOs became a grind, and not the fun kind. They may have fixed that since, but it was a pain. Still, a good game.
Honestly would like to see Elder Scrolls Online instead on the Switch. It's an MMO I never grouped with anyone once on and played all the main story archs. I didn't feel like I missed out by not doing the group areas. And the story actually felt personal. Good game
@Spoony_Tech Nintendo needs to work with third parties if they want them on Switch. It really is that simple. Seriously this company has such outdated policies that I seriously question sometimes how they have survive this long. That is one hell of a fanbase I guess.
Cross-platform play would mean the capability to release weekly patches and updates without any QA or input from Nintendo. Their servers need everyone on the same client version to play together, so any delay at all would prevent play.
@readyletsgo I wouldn't be suprised if Sony done that with a few devs to stop third party support.
I feel like Sony's anti cross platform play stance is going to torpedo this.
It's time for a New Online Final Fantasy game. Using FF 11 gameplay mechanics which is 10x better.
@Biff_ARMStrong You think so? In this day and age it wouldn't work as it's too menu heavy and gamers don't like that these days.
@Moms-Meowth FF 11 isn't menu heavy at all. All the menu's are easy to learn and understand. It's all basic. Also, once you learn macro's you don't need to use Menu's at all. The reason Final Fantasy 11 is still around today because many people from 14 come back to it and admit it was done much much better
@Biff_ARMStrong I must admit your right about it being easy once you get used to it. I often find myself coming back to it every so often to get a few bits done with my Mithra. Which server you play on?
@Moms-Meowth I play on Cerberus. I just cancelled my subscription right when I bought a Switch. lol. I do still have my account existing so I can come back whenever I want. Now that I think about it, you're right about it being menu heavy, but I do find it easy to learn.
I haven't played since Final Fantasy 3 (American version). Loved it. Might buy it.
As much as I'd like to see an MMO work on the Switch, I really don't care too much for FF XIV. Its a great game, but if Im going to play it Ill just play it on my PC. I think something like DQX would be a better choice, especially given that we in the West still need it. I think in terms of FF they need to give us new content. How about a FFVI remake exclusive for Switch? Prettyyyy please SE.
Yes please?
I've played every numbered Final Fantasy game EXTENSIVELY, and I can easily say 11 and 14 are my absolute favorites, (specially Heavensward) I played 11 for over a decade then I jumped to 14 and it just improved on the formula, they're the best work Square has done imho, if this came to the switch that would be the version of Stormblood I would play hands down.
Definitely want to see this on Switch. It would prove to me that Nintendo is finally serious about big time online play. But Square wants cross compatable for everyone and Sony has already made it clear they don't want any other systems on their networks even though they share FFIV with PC Players. I hope this Makes it to Switch. Would love to see how the Switch can handle the game which is pretty stunning
I am not certain how much time I woukd have to play a MMO but I would sure love to see it on Switch!
The only FF I enjoyed is FFVI (which is masterclass).
But, I'd really like to see the switch have FF support.
I've not had any interest in a Final Fantasy game since the PS1. I'd even struggle to go back to the PS1 games given all that FMV!
All I think of with FF games now is MMORPGs and a naff boy band driving around in a car:
We all know Luigi's car is better though. They know it too:
@gokev13 PS3 would be a good choice for raiding the back catalogue (inc FFs) for cheap. I'd say it's worth it just fir FFIX & X. Apparently the mobile port of FFIX is decent though I've never tried personally.
It's interesting to look back on how SEGA and Nintendo made Phantasy Star Online happen on the GameCube through sheer willpower all those years ago, but now that the payment models and technology are all really here, very few MMOs seem to be on the table.
@subpopz One of the finest MMO ever made.
I just more news on octopath traveler
@CTMike Yah I might have to seek it out but the reason I haven't yet is that I have had such a backlog of games for so long. I want to play Final Fantasy IX in particular but every time I think about it I look at the games I already have that I haven't played and then look at the games coming out that I want and it just gets hard for me to justify purchasing another console just to play it unless I find one at a garage sale for a ggod price or something. I might look into the mobile version though, but I tend to avoid mobile games. It's not a bad price though so perhaps I will do some research. Thanks for the heads up.
@gokev13 I'm the same, I can't handle touch controls for the most part. Might work alright given it's turned-based though. Worth putting up with for the story and charm though, I assure you
It won't happen.
@CTMike Looks like Steam has it on sale. I don't play games a whole lot on PC either but I have made exceptions in the past so I will probably pick it up now and then get around to playing it later. Why not add one more game to the backlog eh?
Still waiting to hear about the DQ games, then there's the want of other FF games, KH games and info on Octopath. At least we're hearing that talks are happening. But there's still the hurdle of cross-play and the fact Sony don't want to play ball. There's only 5 ways I can see this going:
1. Convince Sony to cross-play
2. Ignore only Sony with cross-play, like with Minecraft/Rocket League
3. Consoles cross-play only with PC and not with other consoles
4. Don't have cross-play at all
5. Don't bring FF14 to any other console at all because Sony won't support cross-play
Well i don't think cross-play is a big deal, never stopped games from been released before, also it ain't a THING yet and probably won't be. Switch probably won't get many games that use it anyhow, maybe Ninty can release all their top games on other systems and have cross-play, yep can't see that happening. I don't buy games thinking I can play against other players on different hardware nor do I care and let's face it ps4 don't need it not with the size of its userbase and still growing
Frankly I'd sooner have the FF12 HD port on the Switch.
What's the point of porting an MMO to the Switch?
As soon as a game requires a constant internet connection it loses the portable aspect that is a major selling point for the Switch.
Pretty much any other Final Fantasy game would be a better choice for release on the Switch rather than XIV.
@Mopati It's already on PS4 so that's irrelevant.
Would love this so much. Had to cancel my PS4 subscription because I just didn't have enough time to play. If I could play in my lunch break every day I'd be back on there in a heartbeat. Fantastic game, really hope Nintendo work to make this happen.
This game is wonderful! Take a look at https://theanxiousgamer.blog/for similar articles.
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