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While Final Fantasy XIV has recently re-introduced its subscription model, free-to-play isn’t off the cards altogether for the MMO.
Speaking to VideoGamer.com, the game’s producer Naoki Yoshida stated the studio is interested in looking at numerous alternate business models to potentially follow in the future, including free-to-play.
“We keep a very close eye on all of the different business models and options available to us, and a subscription model is the business strategy that makes the most sense for FFXIV in the current market,” he explained.
“However, I do think creating a hybrid from different business models is an interesting proposition, and this may be something we investigate further down the line.”
Responding to whether he believed the subscription model may drive away the fanbase FFXIV had grown through the free model, Yoshida stated:
“Of course I am very interested in F2P as an alternative business plan, and I will continue to look into it.”
The MMO, however, is not currently designed to support this model.
“Adopting a F2P model means changing certain aspects of the game design in order to fit to the model since the prices customers have to pay for F2P are different to those they pay for subscription-based games. Therefore, if we do decide to change the business model in the future, it will also be necessary for us to adjust the game design so that it works accordingly.”
Take a look into our full analysis of why Final Fantasy XIV dropped its free-to-play model.
