Yoshi-P thinks Final Fantasy XIV might be too stress-free and easy

Final Fantasy XIV is a pretty relaxing game for MMORPG players but it might be too relaxing, at least according to Director Naoki “Yoshi-P” Yoshida. While many fans do enjoy just chilling with their friends in the game, Yoshi-P feels that some challenge is needed to keep the game fun.

Speaking with Famitsu (via GamesRadar), Yoshida talked about finding the balance between challenging and relaxing, opting to minimize the stress players face in the game. However, the Game Director feels that they may have made it too easy, worried that they may have taken too much of the challenge away.

"I have once again realized that we must continue to provide players with surprises that go beyond their imaginations," he told Famitsu. "In that sense, I actually have some regrets... As we continue to operate FF14, we have tried to make it more comfortable and stress-free for players to enjoy, but when I think back on the past 10 years, I think we may have gone a bit too far in that regard."

This is an interesting take from the Final Fantasy XIV Director, as most fans don’t tend to talk about the game’s challenge. Based on fan reception, it seems like most gamers like the MMO’s ongoing story and beating up bosses with their friends. Making the game a bit harder might not be a bad thing, though Yoshida does say that a balance between both is needed.

Yoshi-P has been a busy bee lately, working on the upcoming expansion for Final Fantasy XIV and additional content for Final Fantasy XVI. The latter is receiving DLC on PS5, the first of which is already available, while the second pack comes out this year. Square Enix also said that the PC version of Final Fantasy XVI is coming out sooner rather than later.

Final Fantasy XIV is readily available on PS4, PS5, Xbox Series, and PC. Don’t expect the game to run out of expansions anytime soon, as this continues to be Square Enix’s biggest money maker.