After the recent Benchmark test for Final Fantasy 14, players were left disappointed with the graphical overhaul that was showcased. Many players found that their characters, known as Warriors of Light, appeared cursed with lifeless eyes in the new graphical update. Game director Naoki Yoshida acknowledged the less-than-stellar results and pledged to make improvements based on the feedback received from players.
During a recent Letter From the Producer broadcast, Yoshida announced that Square Enix is actively working to implement feedback on character models from the Benchmark test. These improvements will not only be reflected in the Benchmark software itself but also in Final Fantasy 14 when the major 7.0 update is released alongside the Dawntrail expansion on June 28. The primary focus right now is to have these improvements incorporated into the Benchmark software by May 30, with the understanding that delays are possible due to the amount of work still required.
Addressing Lighting Difficulties
Yoshida explained that the issues with character appearances in the Benchmark test were primarily due to lighting difficulties rather than flaws in the character models themselves. For instance, certain characters’ smile lines appeared abnormal due to lighting, prompting Square Enix to not only adjust the lighting but also rebuild parts of the characters’ mouth to enhance their facial expressions and overall appearance.
One specific issue that players had with the graphical overhaul was the reduction in the size of Miqote characters’ teeth. However, following the improvements, players will be pleased to see that the Miqote teeth have been resized to be more prominently displayed. Despite this positive change, players will not have the ability to manually adjust the size of Miqote teeth when customizing their Warriors of Light in Final Fantasy 14, as Yoshida explained that this feature was not feasible given the extensive work already put into revamping the character designs.
Upcoming Update and Expansion
The 7.0 update for Final Fantasy 14, which includes the graphical overhaul and character model improvements, is scheduled to launch on June 28. This date coincides with the release of the Dawntrail expansion, which will be available for early access on the same day and fully launched on July 2. Yoshida also reassured fans that Dawntrail is in the final stages of development and will not face any delays like the previous expansion, Endwalker.
Square Enix is actively incorporating player feedback and making significant improvements to character models in Final Fantasy 14 following the underwhelming results of the Benchmark test. With the upcoming 7.0 update and Dawntrail expansion, players can look forward to a more polished and visually appealing gaming experience when customizing their Warriors of Light in the world of Eorzea. Yoshida’s commitment to addressing issues raised by the community demonstrates the dedication of the development team to delivering a high-quality gaming experience for Final Fantasy 14 players.
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