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Final Fantasy XIV Beta Discussion + Media

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Salaadin

Member
Anomarad said:
Man what the hell, I thought they were going to have a improved beta schedule with more hours with the beta. :(

Theyre slowly opening it up:
http://www.massively.com/2010/07/07/tanaka-details-ffxiv-beta-phases/

"In fact, we will have several phases of beta testing. In the first phase, we have a version that will incorporate feedback from our alpha testers [that] will hopefully [be] available this week. At first, it will resemble the alpha test phase, in the sense that each test session [will] last four hours. Then, hopefully by early August, we will open the [third] beta test phase which will remain operational until the game launches," Tanaka said."
 

Arzehn

Member
Salaadin said:
Theyre slowly opening it up:
http://www.massively.com/2010/07/07/tanaka-details-ffxiv-beta-phases/

"In fact, we will have several phases of beta testing. In the first phase, we have a version that will incorporate feedback from our alpha testers [that] will hopefully [be] available this week. At first, it will resemble the alpha test phase, in the sense that each test session [will] last four hours. Then, hopefully by early August, we will open the [third] beta test phase which will remain operational until the game launches," Tanaka said."

Ah, goodie. :D
 

Teknoman

Member
FLEABttn said:
Not really.

714mly.jpg
 
Teknoman said:
Gamepad/Keyboard.

Haven't really been following things, are the KB&M controls any better in Beta per the other improvements?

Guess I'll log in Saturday (for the first time since Alpha 1).
 

Lonestar

I joined for Erin Brockovich discussion
Wee, my new vid card has improved my benchmark ratings:

They were:
800-900 on Low
sub 400 on High

To Now:
2900 on Low
1800 on High


visually, both High and Low were running smoothly enough for play, so now I feel I'm A-OK come launch time.
 

Gromph

This tag is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance...
Staff Member
Lonestar said:
Wee, my new vid card has improved my benchmark ratings:

They were:
800-900 on Low
sub 400 on High

To Now:
2900 on Low
1800 on High


visually, both High and Low were running smoothly enough for play, so now I feel I'm A-OK come launch time.


Congrats!!! :)
 

No45

Member
Trojita said:
So for the guys playing it, keyboard or gamepad?
Playing the alpha with keyboard and mouse was horrible, but I don't have a pad I can use. Hoping it's better for the beta. :(

LaneDS said:
Might be early, but perhaps between Saturday and Tuesday we can coordinate some GAF parties. I imagine most of Saturday will be people getting accustomed to the beta and flying solo.
The servers are assigned randomly on character creation aren't they?
 

No45

Member
Yeah, I'm sure I read it in the beta manual.

*checks*

Aye, it's in the 'Game Worlds' section of the beta manual.
 

Gromph

This tag is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance...
Staff Member
We should meet on Saturday and do partys! :) 5 Starts Guildleves ftw!

I can set-up a ventrilo for saturday .

Also more info.

On Jul. 9, 2010 at around 3:25 (PDT), we have performed a version update of FINAL FANTASY XIV Beta Version. When you start the FINAL FANTASY XIV Beta Version, the version update will be performed automatically.

Even if you already downloaded the installer and finished up to the version update, you may now have to perform the version update step again.

We appreciate your help in making this a smooth beta test, and ask you to perform all version updates until the start of the beta test.
 

Jinko

Member
Some new beta info

Beta testing is almost upon us!

The beta test will see the implementation of many new features, including significant user interface, character creation, and battle system changes based on alpha test feedback. Before beta testing begins, I'd like to take the opportunity to touch upon certain areas that should be considered "under construction" for this next phase.

Disciples of the Hand
Due to internal processing complications, we will temporarily be disabling local levequests for Disciples of the Hand. These issues also prevent us from implementing the Disciples of the Hand tutorial currently available for classes of other disciplines.

This development will make it difficult for anyone attempting to raise an entirely crafting-centric character. Although this goes against one of the basic concepts for FINAL FANTASY XIV, we decided that releasing the beta version and having our testers experience other elements of the game as soon as possible was a higher priority.

In this beta test phase, we will also be introducing a system in which the condition of weapons, armor, and tools will degrade with use. Disciples of the Hand will be able to repair these degraded items. While NPCs can be asked to perform repairs, PCs and retainers will also be able to fix equipment via bazaars. Although it will be difficult to advance in a crafting discipline, we encourage everyone to attempt to repair their own or their companions' gear, or engage in repair-related transactions at least once during testing. Let us know what you think!

The materials and recipes necessary for repairing items will be announced on the Beta Test Site in the near future.

The User Interface
The user interface, or "UI," will see a significant overhaul for the beta version. There are, however, several UI issues that have yet to be fully addressed-in particular, the overall time delay experienced when navigating the item interface. We are aware of the amount of time required to display long lists of items, and hope to resolve this issue before the next phase of the beta test.

There are also cases where rapid input in the various sections of the UI is not properly registered by the server. We are working to resolve this issue, but meanwhile, if confronted with a "???" or similar error, please try waiting a few moments before reattempting the same action.

Recruiting Party Members
In an effort to bring new elements to party play, we decided to introduce a different recruitment method than was available in FINAL FANTASY XI, in which the usual flow was for the recruiter to send an invitation to the prospective party member. Now, however, players can join a party automatically if they meet the conditions designated by the recruiter.

In the future, we plan to add features such as allowing players to join parties based on skills with weapons not currently equipped, or to join a party in a different area. Give the current system a try and tell us what you think.

Teleporting and Warping
As of the beta test, using the Teleport and Return commands will incur a small cost in "anima" (a character's self-replenishing energy). Countdowns will continue to use the same temporary display used during the alpha test. Furthermore, when teleporting, returning, or logging out, you will no longer be able to cancel the action using the same command-you will need to use a different command, such as toggling active/passive mode. In the next beta test phase, we plan to not only add effects, but also allow for easier teleporting/returning when not in battle.

Delayed Features
Unfortunately, the auto-complete/auto-translation feature that allows players to communicate across languages could not be implemented at this stage. We are currently scheduled to introduce this feature in the next beta test phase.

Player macros, a feature required to fully realize the Armoury System, are essential not only for battle situations, but also for switching equipment and setting up action bar shortcuts. We are working to ensure the implementation of a macro system, but regret that this feature will also not be ready for testing until the next testing phase.

There are still many areas with room for improvement, but we have the same dedication and desire to continue building the realm of Eorzea alongside our players. We hope to see the same great level of feedback and support during the beta test!

FINAL FANTASY XIV Director
Nobuaki Komoto
 

LaneDS

Member
Excellent. Tomorrow night will be good stuff, excited to finally try the game (alpha didn't count as far as I'm concerned).
 

Doodlebug

Member
To all: If you're capable of capturing video, please do!

I'm not fussed if it's not high definition, like much of the alpha footage was. Reasonably lower video quality allows for greater duration while maintaining reasonable file size, which would be peachy.
 

Teknoman

Member
How many characters can you make using the alpha/beta client anyway? Just one?

EDIT: I wonder why you would need macros with an action bar? I guess for quick set up of equipment when changing roles and changing action bar settings depending on what you are fighting?
 

Teknoman

Member
Ah, also is there any real difference between the EU and NA client? A guy who go in with an EU account is thinking about letting it be a shared one for now, and i'm guessing the only thing we'll have to worry about is converting timezones?
 

Teknoman

Member
CcrooK said:
What are the EU times converted to US (EST) times anyway? :lol

Going by what Notworksafe posted in the OP:

Europe
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Pacific

So: 1pm - 5pm CST
2pm - 6pm EST?
 

Vesper73

Member
Could someone tomorrow in the Beta crank up the 'Shadow Detail' option to Highest, (it defaults to Standard), on the config screen and see if that turns on dynamic shadows for all objects.

Right now it appears that only characters are casting realtime shadows. Yet, trees, rocks, objects, buildings, terrain, etc. are not.

Thanks all!
 

notworksafe

Member
I sent mine to Gromph for editing. If you've got videos for him to clean up, just toss him a PM. I'd post the info here, but I'm not sure if he wants me to do that.

Also, anyone else want to help clean up vids? I'll add you in the OP so we can get more videos up here!
 

LowParry

Member
Teknoman said:
Just checking in case this whole beta sharing thing works out. Going to take as many videos, shots as possible.


Is fraps good to use for video capture? I'll probably take more screenshots.
 

Teknoman

Member
Another question, are there any more EU GAF testers planning on playing for the time saturday? If not i'll just have to meet people as I go :lol
 

Gromph

This tag is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance...
Staff Member
CcrooK said:
How would you edit names out?

Frame to Frame with Adobe After Effects 5

teknoman said:
Another question, are there any more EU GAF testers planning on playing for the time saturday? If not i'll just have to meet people as I go

I'm EU GAF, but sadly hte beta account i have is NA timezone :(

notworksafe said:
I sent mine to Gromph for editing. If you've got videos for him to clean up, just toss him a PM. I'd post the info here, but I'm not sure if he wants me to do that.

Also, anyone else want to help clean up vids? I'll add you in the OP so we can get more videos up here!

Up to you friend :)
 

Doodlebug

Member
I'd gladly take the time to edit some videos if someone gave me a brief run-down on how to do it. What program is used?

Got distracted while typing that, Gromph answers my question.

Wonder if I could do it in GIMP...
 
Didn't someone post information about how to alter the .dats to change the name that displays on your screen as you're playing? I know someone was doing this in Alpha. Would be a lot easier than going frame by frame after recording.
 

Xux

Member
Version Update:

[Event-related]

The Market Wards in Limsa Lominsa are now accessible via [ 8 - 7 ] on the map.
Note: Map coordinates follow a [horizontal axis - vertical axis] format.

The quest “Treasures of the Main” has been lengthened.

Players can now recruit the services of a retainer at the Drowning Wench, the Adventurers’ Guild in Limsa Lominsa. Retainers are hired on an extendable contract basis, and can be tasked with minding your items and money, and operating bazaars in the Market Wards in your stead.
* During the beta test, employing a retainer will not incur a fee.

The following adjustments and additions have been made to the guildleve system:
The interval for guildleve issuance is now once every two days (Earth time).
The reward given for the successful completion of a levequest now varies based on difficulty and other factors.
Upon successful completion of a levequest, an additional reward will now be given to all participants, even those not in possession of the active guildleve.
* This reward also varies based on difficulty and other factors.
A window displaying levequest rewards now appears when they are awarded. (pictured below)

https://dev-na.ffxiv.com/images/verup01_en01.jpg

Players can now obtain uncollected levequest rewards by examining an aetheryte and selecting the “Initiate levequest” option that appears.
* For the aforementioned additional reward, however, there is a limit in place on the amount reward data that can be stored for later collection.
Party members who are too far away from the aetheryte at the time a levequest is activated will be deemed illegible to participate on it. However, players may join their party leader’s ongoing levequest by seeking out the quest-triggering aetheryte.
During levequests, there is now a small probability of treasure chests appearing in the field.
Players can now use the “favor” they have earned with their Guardian to petition for temporary attribute increases and other bonuses for the duration of a levequest.
Favor increases at a rate of 10 points every 12 hours (Earth time), up to a maximum of 200 points.
“Faction leves” have been added, and are issued in exchange for faction credits.
Players can possess up to a maximum of 200 faction credits.
A new guildleve which serves as a tutorial has been added.
* To have this guildleve issued, speak with the NPC Piralnaut and select the "Tutorial Leves" option. (pictured below)

https://dev-na.ffxiv.com/images/verup01_en02.jpg

New regional guildleves have been added.
Due to adjustments, the issuance of local guildleves has been temporarily suspended.As such, the NPC T’mokkri will no longer appear.

The new game element “Behest” has been added.
“Yellowjacket” NPCs may appear in the vicinity of certain aetheryte crystals and aetherial gates to enlist the aid of adventurers in hunting down monsters molesting the land.

The map screen is now accessible via the class quest section of the journal interface..
Maps opened in this manner will indicate your destination and the NPC you should seek out next.

Using the Return and Teleport commands now consumes anima.
* Anima recovers gradually over time up to a maximum of 100 points.
* The Return command can be used at no cost while KO’d to revive your character.


[Battle-related]

The following classes have been added:
Disciples of the Land: Botanist
Disciples of the Hand: Carpenter / Weaver / Leatherworker

The cap for physical level and class rank has been increased from 20 to 30.

The following adjustments and additions have been made with regards to physical level:
HP and MP now increase automatically when a character gains a physical level.
Elemental resistance points, used to enhance a character’s elemental resistances, have been introduced.
Based on this change, attribute points can now be allotted only to the basic attributes (STR, DEX, etc.).
The interface for the allotment of attribute and elemental resistance points has been consolidated on the same screen. (pictured below)
Players now have an option to undo and reassign allotment points they have spent.
* A certain amount of time must elapse before points can be reassigned.

https://dev-na.ffxiv.com/images/verup01_en03.jpg

New abilities and spells have been added.

The command delay when switching between passive and active modes no longer exists.

When equipping a piece of gear in the midst of battle, the attributes it grants will be halved for a period of 30 seconds.
This measure is in place to deter frequent switches to high-level classes while in combat.

The effect gauge has been removed.

The following adjustments have been made to the stamina gauge:
Actions are now performed by expending stamina, which gradually fills over time.
The amount of stamina consumed varies with the action performed. By allowing stamina to accumulate, it is possible to perform multiple actions in quick succession.
Actions performed with the off hand require more stamina.

https://dev-na.ffxiv.com/images/verup01_en04.jpg

The following adjustments and additions have been made to the action bar:
The number of available action slots has been increased from 20 to 30.
Recast timers for actions are now displayed.
A separate action bar now exists for gathering and synthesis actions, to which actions can be assigned independently of battle actions.
A separate action bar now exists for gathering and synthesis actions, to which actions can be assigned independently of battle actions.
The following main menu option has been renamed:
Actions -> Actions & Traits

New monster varieties have been added.

Monster placement has undergone several adjustments.


[Item-related]

Weapons, armor, and tools are now subject to deterioration through use.
The attribute bonuses of equipment in poor condition will be lessened. A Disciple of the Hand skilled in the appropriate class can restore worn gear to its mint condition. Certain NPCs can also perform emergency repairs for situations where convenience takes precedence over quality.
* Disciples of the Hand can restore an item’s condition to its maximum value.
* NPCs, however, can restore an item’s condition to no more than half its maximum value. Further, only equipped gear can be repaired in this manner.

The following adjustments and additions have been made to synthesis:
A time limit now applies when inputting synthesis commands.
New recipes have been added.
Several existing recipes have been adjusted.
The following synthesis concept has been renamed:
Focus -> Quality

The following adjustments and additions have been made to gathering:
The Log and Harvest commands, usable by botanists, have been introduced.
The miner ability Lithoscan has been removed.
New gathering points have been added, and existing ones adjusted.
The following gathering terms have been changed:
Prospect -> Lay of the Land
Mining Point -> Mineral Deposit
Quarrying Point -> Rocky Outcrop

New pieces of equipment have been added.

Various new items have been added.

The goods stocked by vendor NPCs have been adjusted.

Stackable items are now automatically sorted when obtained.


[System-related]

Up to three characters can now be created per account.

The character creation process has undergone significant changes.

https://dev-na.ffxiv.com/images/verup01_en05.jpg

The following races and tribes are now selectable:
Hyur: Highlander Male / Hyur: Midlander Female / Elezen Male / Miqo’te

The design and layout of the main menu have been changed.

The "Party" option has been added to the main menu.
Players can now indicate their objectives and recruit like-minded adventurers to join their party. In addition, individual players can also seek an existing party that suits their needs.

The "Configuration" option has been added to the main menu. (pictured below)

https://dev-na.ffxiv.com/images/verup01_en06.jpg

The design and layout of the interactions menu have been changed.
Approaching an aetheryte or similar objects will bring up an icon, at which point the Interactions menu will appear above the main menu. (pictured below)

https://dev-na.ffxiv.com/images/verup01_en07.jpg

A comprehensive play guide can now be browsed in-game at an aetheryte crystal (select “The Call of Adventure” after interacting with the aetheryte).

The following adjustments have been made to the camera.
General tweaks have been applied to camera behavior.
The third-person shoulder level camera has been removed.

The current date and time in Eorzea is now displayed alongside the connection status.

The map of Limsa Lominsa now automatically switches between decks based on the player’s location. (pictured below)

https://dev-na.ffxiv.com/images/verup01_en08.jpg

https://dev-na.ffxiv.com/images/verup01_en09.jpg

The display range of the minimap has been adjusted.

Monsters occupying a map level different from the player will no longer appear on the minimap.

Certain changes have been made to the keyboard controls.

The following configuration options have been added to FINAL FANTASY XIV Beta Version Config (pictured below):
Video Settings / Graphics / Sound

https://dev-na.ffxiv.com/images/verup01_en10.jpg
 

Gromph

This tag is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance...
Staff Member
I found this.

Open up your favorite memory editor, select the process that is ffxivgame.exe

Search for text strings that are your char's name.
Modify the text strings to a dummy name of equal characters.

Start your video capturing software such as fraps.

Enjoy video captures that are relatively safe to make.
 

Jinko

Member
Gromph said:
I found this.

Worth mentioning that you need to run the character creation and make a character before you look for the name :lol

Plus being Beta they could have changed it, is unlikely though.
 

Jinko

Member
Too bad the person playing hasn't got a clue, wish I was in the beta is looking really good now.

Combat is many times better.
 
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