Disclaimer: This is a fan translation. As such, there may be inaccuracies, mistranslations, or things that do not translate well at all. Please keep this in mind when you read any translation that is not official.
I also left out a few references to Dragon Quest, mostly because I know nothing about it and can’t translate it.
Here's a short interview Famitsu did with Yoshi-P recently. Enjoy!
Fami: If you had to sum up FFXIV in a sentence…
YP: A world that engulfs you in its ; a place where you can really “live”. We’re working hard to make it live up to the Final Fantasy name.
Fami: What is the particular charm or appeal of the game?
YP: Among MMORPGs, definitely the graphics!
Fami: It’s been half a year since you took over the reins of producer. How has it been so far?
YP: It’s as if I was tossed straight into a washing machine and tossed about; definitely a frenzied half year. Sleep has become a bit of a commodity, but the staff and I are working hard and having fun.
Fami: What are the plans from here on out?
YP: The battle reform is the hot topic as of late, but other big things to come from patch 1.19 and on are crafting recipe revision and materia crafting. Materia crafting takes the “affection” a player has developed toward a piece of gear and crystalizes it, becoming the foundation of an even more powerful weapon or piece of armor.
Fami: Let’s talk a little about the Lodestone forum.
YP: From subtle UI issues that only the players could notice to the exchange of ideas and opinions among many difference age brackets, it’s become indispensible in the development of an MMO. After the forum opened, there was a thread asking for what parts of the game people really liked. That really encouraged us! There are a lot of strong opinions and criticisms, but we hope to continue getting everyone’s feedback from here on out.
Fami: Is there a release date for the PS3 version yet?
YP: I still can’t give a date, but I can assure you we are making steady progress. I’m really sorry we have to keep everyone waiting.
Fami: What do you want players to get out of FFXIV
YP: I want players to experience adventures that make them fall madly in love with Eorzea.
About SE:
Fami: Do you know any secrets about Square Enix?
YP: In the refresh room (translator’s note: where employees go to recover their MP??) on the 7th floor, there’s an arcade controller for fighting games that I bought!
Fami: What are your favorite SE titles?
YP: Dragon Quest VIII and Finaly Fantasy VII.
Fami: Which SE developers do you look up to the most?
YP: Ichimura Ryuutarou, Maehiro Kazutoyo, and Gondai Mitsutoshi.
Fami: Tell us something good and something lacking from SE.
YP: If you have ideas and initiative, there are plenty of opportunities.
Fami: If you were president of SE…
YP: I’d build my own personal dining area and basketball court, haha.
Fami: What do you think FF20 might be like?
YP: FF20… an open world where the hero can jump between the previous 19 FF worlds; a tribute to the entire series?!
Fami: What job from FF do you see yourself as?
YP: Definitely a paladin. I’m a glutton for punishment!
Fami: Which FF character do you resemble the most?
YP: Cecil. I have a dark and a light side to me. That’s not to say I look anything like him, though…
Fami: Which FF magic do you wish was real?
YP: Curaga. Pretty much any healing magic!
More...
I also left out a few references to Dragon Quest, mostly because I know nothing about it and can’t translate it.
Here's a short interview Famitsu did with Yoshi-P recently. Enjoy!
Fami: If you had to sum up FFXIV in a sentence…
YP: A world that engulfs you in its ; a place where you can really “live”. We’re working hard to make it live up to the Final Fantasy name.
Fami: What is the particular charm or appeal of the game?
YP: Among MMORPGs, definitely the graphics!
Fami: It’s been half a year since you took over the reins of producer. How has it been so far?
YP: It’s as if I was tossed straight into a washing machine and tossed about; definitely a frenzied half year. Sleep has become a bit of a commodity, but the staff and I are working hard and having fun.
Fami: What are the plans from here on out?
YP: The battle reform is the hot topic as of late, but other big things to come from patch 1.19 and on are crafting recipe revision and materia crafting. Materia crafting takes the “affection” a player has developed toward a piece of gear and crystalizes it, becoming the foundation of an even more powerful weapon or piece of armor.
Fami: Let’s talk a little about the Lodestone forum.
YP: From subtle UI issues that only the players could notice to the exchange of ideas and opinions among many difference age brackets, it’s become indispensible in the development of an MMO. After the forum opened, there was a thread asking for what parts of the game people really liked. That really encouraged us! There are a lot of strong opinions and criticisms, but we hope to continue getting everyone’s feedback from here on out.
Fami: Is there a release date for the PS3 version yet?
YP: I still can’t give a date, but I can assure you we are making steady progress. I’m really sorry we have to keep everyone waiting.
Fami: What do you want players to get out of FFXIV
YP: I want players to experience adventures that make them fall madly in love with Eorzea.
About SE:
Fami: Do you know any secrets about Square Enix?
YP: In the refresh room (translator’s note: where employees go to recover their MP??) on the 7th floor, there’s an arcade controller for fighting games that I bought!
Fami: What are your favorite SE titles?
YP: Dragon Quest VIII and Finaly Fantasy VII.
Fami: Which SE developers do you look up to the most?
YP: Ichimura Ryuutarou, Maehiro Kazutoyo, and Gondai Mitsutoshi.
Fami: Tell us something good and something lacking from SE.
YP: If you have ideas and initiative, there are plenty of opportunities.
Fami: If you were president of SE…
YP: I’d build my own personal dining area and basketball court, haha.
Fami: What do you think FF20 might be like?
YP: FF20… an open world where the hero can jump between the previous 19 FF worlds; a tribute to the entire series?!
Fami: What job from FF do you see yourself as?
YP: Definitely a paladin. I’m a glutton for punishment!
Fami: Which FF character do you resemble the most?
YP: Cecil. I have a dark and a light side to me. That’s not to say I look anything like him, though…
Fami: Which FF magic do you wish was real?
YP: Curaga. Pretty much any healing magic!
More...