The director of Final Fantasy 14, Naoki Yoshida, has recently expressed regret over the stress-free nature of the long-running MMO. In an interview with Famitsu, he emphasized the significance of finding the right balance between stress and enjoyment in the game. Yoshida mentioned that over the years, Square Enix has made efforts to reduce stress and discomfort for players, but now he fears that the game might lack sufficient challenge.
Yoshida acknowledged the necessity of incorporating stress into video games, as it adds an essential element to the overall experience. He noted that finding the proper balance in handling stress in games is a complex task that requires careful consideration. In the context of Final Fantasy 14, he compared the current experience to a side-scrolling platformer without any consequences for missing a jump, highlighting the potential loss of both stress and fun in such a scenario.
While Yoshida did not specify the exact areas where he believes Final Fantasy 14 has become too relaxed, he emphasized the need to restore a sense of risk and reward within the game. He expressed his desire to provide players with surprises that exceed their expectations, suggesting a shift towards a more challenging and engaging gameplay experience.
Looking back on the past decade of Final Fantasy 14’s development, Yoshida acknowledged that the emphasis on comfort and stress-free gameplay may have inadvertently detracted from the overall enjoyment of the game. He highlighted the difficulty of managing stress levels effectively in a video game and stressed the importance of striking a balance that resonates with players.
Overall, Naoki Yoshida’s reflections on the stress levels in Final Fantasy 14 serve as a reminder of the complexities involved in game design. By reevaluating the current approach to stress in the game, Yoshida hopes to reinvigorate the gameplay experience and create a more engaging and rewarding environment for players.
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