ziv is not a videogame
it is a cutscene/following orders simulator
there is no freedom of any kind
go from point a to point b
even combat follows this, you use your rotation in the same way every time just follow the balance dictated order of correct ability use
fight design is the same just stand where the devs expect you to stand because thats le heckin hard just like dark souls instead of making interesting open-ended fights where players are able to solve it in different, unique ways you just follow the guide 1 to 1 because there is literally no other solution
if you didn't quit after shadowbringers you're a fool and if you didn't quit by last patch you're an absolute cuckold

The /xivg/ (Final Fantasy XIV General) community on 4chan is often criticized for fostering a toxic, insular, and often hostile environment that can be alienating to newcomers and veterans alike. One of the primary issues is its tendency to devolve into relentless negativity, where actual game discussion is frequently drowned out by trolling, gatekeeping, and off-topic drama. Constructive criticism of Final Fantasy XIV is rare, often replaced with inflammatory hyperbole or deliberately antagonistic bait designed to provoke and escalate arguments rather than engage in meaningful discourse.

The general is also notorious for its obsession with e-drama and ERP (erotic roleplay) scandals, which hijack threads and shift focus away from gameplay, story, or community content. Instead of being a welcoming place to exchange tips or share enthusiasm for the game, /xivg/ often becomes a breeding ground for gossip and personal attacks. Certain posters cultivate notoriety, seeking attention through controversial or offensive opinions, knowing the culture rewards outrage.

Memes and in-jokes dominate discussion to such a degree that any real inquiry or insight is often ignored or ridiculed unless couched in the community’s idiosyncratic language. This creates a barrier to entry for outsiders, reinforcing the echo chamber effect. In addition, the cyclical nature of the general, with threads reaching post limits quickly, causes repetition and burnout in discourse, leading to a pervasive jadedness.

In short, while /xivg/ may have once been a hub for FFXIV fans, it's become a place where cynicism and performative toxicity overshadow any sincere enthusiasm for the game. Its worst traits—elitism, drama obsession, and meme addiction—make it one of the least productive or welcoming FFXIV communities on the internet.

What could 8.0 to bring people back, exactly? Whatever big expansion feature will be pushed back an entire year and be some retread of what they've already done. New jobs don't mean shit because most of them play the same, and I doubt whatever reworks they've talked about will be anywhere close to as substantial as they claim. The story could do a complete 180* and be good again which would be enough for some, but speaking purely gameplay wise they've basically well since exhausted whatever creativity or options they have in the engine nobody knows how to properly code for anymore. They'd have to pull a Legion like WoW did and introduce multiple new systems if you want people to look at an MMO that's had its day.

That said, I honestly believe that it's mostly that FFXIV has a skeleton crew after Endwalker. Did you really think everyone in CBU3 that was put on FFXVI went back to FFXIV when it launched? No fucking way. They're probably working on FFXVII which will be a successor to FFXIV in regards to being a live service online game, although likely not a traditional MMO in this day and age.

Played for ~2 months.
I had a fun time with my FC, and became even more degenerate with mods, which is a ton of fun.
But man, i don't feel god staying subbed for the time being when i am playing through Stellar Blade, Wukong, Nioh 2, Lies of P, and various patched games.
I enjoyed paying with friends, but the content matter just had a horrible after taste on recollection. I got my Blackjack finally, among other older mounts from content. But like, with how FUCKED Tower felt to actually try to play, it creates a bad impression. Which is sad, cuz those fights in there are fucking amazing.

Played for ~2 months.
I had a fun time with my FC, and became even more degenerate with mods, which is a ton of fun.
But man, i don't feel god staying subbed for the time being when i am playing through Stellar Blade, Wukong, Nioh 2, Lies of P, and various patched games.
I enjoyed paying with friends, but the content matter just had a horrible after taste on recollection. I got my Blackjack finally, among other older mounts from content. But like, with how FUCKED Tower felt to actually try to play, it creates a bad impression. Which is sad, cuz those fights in there are fucking amazing.