I'd like there to be rwards based not only on Loyalty ranks but other things like joining early beta/Mordus private trials, Mystery code owners (from second decade collectors) perhaps templar code owners too, whether it be SKINs or something in merc quarters like statue/plaque.

Perhaps 5-10% of SP carried over or perhaps SP carried over could/would be related to loyalty ranks, 1% per loyalty rank for example.

If someone actually gets angry enough, there is enough material for a false advertisement lawsuit on the grounds that Rouge claimed all meaningful progression would transfer during FF14. A lot of people invested heavily specifically for that reason.

5% would be a slap to the face. I imagine even 50% would.


The best way to fix this situation would be to take the amount of SP someone has now, and backload passive and active SP gain for them in the future so that they acquire SP at a rapid pace until its all caught up to its original amount. That way everyone starts off on even ground, but there is a clear advantage in progression for those who already invested heavily. If someone new wants to keep pace with them, they can invest in boosters.

Think of it like having triple omegas on all the time until you hit a certain amount of SP.

I think we can safely guarantee that the new game will be match-based in some way when it releases. Deeper integration and "open-world" stuff will probably be later.

Actually, they do have a place to merge well with each other if done well.

Here is an example of how I interpret to be a very good blend between lobby shooting and open world gameplay. You will notice the similarity it has with Eve Online's PvEvP mission setup where you can run an NPE mission but can get disrupted by a third party who has no business being there because somehow they scanned down your mission site.

https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1RS-BGbH0RXPVPBx034j4GAInnoW8a8cBfjL5XnO2eiU/edit?usp=sharing

I made some modification to the layout recently so as to include an uninvited & disruptive 3rd party whose only focus is to steal as much loot from the contracted mercs as possible. Contracted mercs can defend themselves and the loot they salvaged should any of it get stolen which can cause the 3rd party to be flagged as criminals.

https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1U6hArz8JY-QD3ZEGYxqXepq2v43ymPmP_-7eaZ9C0ic/edit?usp=sharing

Or something to that effect. It will have a sense of lobby shooting but it's still MMO in nature. Arenas where two sides compete for glory can be something that is offered as an additional option if the player is not in the mood for an MMO setting. Eve Online has a duel system in place where two players can send a duel request to each other and safely fight in high-sec without anyone interfering and without the need for any complicated war decs. Eve Online does have its own annual tournament hosted by CCP as well. In fact, one will be underway at Fanfest later this year if I remember correctly to see which qualified set of players will come out on top to determine the next emperor or empress of the Amarr Empire. The Amarr Championship.