For the first time in Tokyo Game Show history, the FINAL FANTASY XI development team held four talk sessions over three days, in which they spoke of the future of the game, revealed exciting new features scheduled for future patches, and took questions from the audience.

New Features in the Next Version Update
Some of the new features to be added in the next version update are a variety of massively multiplayer battle areas much like those used in Assault, Beseiged, and Dynamis. A total of four new areas are to be introduced and have been designed to test the teamwork of alliances of up to 18 adventurers. Only groups who have refined their strategies will be able to proceed through these challenging areas. In addition, players will be drained of certain abilities or attributes, such as the ability to cast magic or use weapon skills, upon entry.

Miscellaneous
Question: Will there be more chances to obtain relic equipment or abjurations in the future?
Matsui: We are currently planning to increase the number of opportunities players will have to obtain abjurations. As for relic equipment, we are planning to release similar equipment in the Aht Urhgan areas.

Question: Can you make it so a fellow does not depart when changing areas? Also, will there be any follow-ups to the fellow-related quests?
Ogawa: The programmer in charge of the fellow system is currently working hard on this issue. Hopefully he will have something soon. As for the quests, most of our planners are busy writing new Aht Urhgan content. It may be difficult for them to make new fellow material until the upcoming quests and missions are finished.

Question: How do you obtain the Parade Gorget?
Matsui: You'll first need to make a Goblin Drink (culinary skill of around 80 required). Then you'll need to trade that to a ??? in Oldton Movalpolos. To make the Goblin Drink you'll need 8 items - Gysahl greens, La Theine cabbage, and... we'll tell you the rest over the next two days! See if you can't figure out the recipe yourself!

Regarding Chocobo Raising
1. We feel that chocobos' attributes are not growing quickly enough within the current system. The system will be adjusted in the near future.

2. Question: My chocobo won't wake up. Is there something wrong?
Answer: Chocobos "resting" for indefinite periods of time is not a system bug. However, we realize that tending to a chocobo that is always asleep is not the pinnacle of excitement. We tend to address this issue in the next version update.

Finally, we will be introducing two new chocobo colors in the next update--red and...??? Also, the outward appearance of chocobos will change depending on their attributes.

How to Enfeeble Absolute Virtue
The regen effect will be cut in half by defeating as many of the Ru'phuabos, Qn'xzomits, and Qn'hpemdes summoned by the Jailer of Love as possible. In addition, using an elemental based attack that corresponds to the current day of the week (i.e. using Fire spells on Firesday) will stop the remaining regen effect.

Regarding Job Adjustments
[ Warrior ] - Weapons experts capable of using a variety of different weapon skills
Adjustments Planned: Changes to the number of equippable weapon types as well as an increase in the type of professions that are compatible as support jobs.

[ Monk ] - Melee experts known for their large amount of HP and quick attacks.
Adjustments Planned: Making the job more useful in a variety of situations.

[ White Mage ] - Experts in healing and support magic.
Adjustments Planned: Increasing the benefits of using white mage as a main job as well as increasing the number of ways white mages can contribute to parties.

[ Black Mage ] - Experts in dealing damage with powerful black magic spells.
Adjustments Planned: Making it so black mages are more effective when partied up with other jobs.

[ Red Mage ] - Enfeebling experts.
Adjustments Planned: Will continue to find ways to put red mages in positions where they are required to be ready for anything.

[ Thief ] - Experts at tricky attacks
Adjustments Planned: Adding elements that will allow thieves to increase the potential of their parties.

[ Paladin ] - High defense makes them experts at defending their parties
Adjustments Planned: Improving the performance of paladins when fighting in continuous battles.

[ Dark Knight ] - Powerful attackers with the ability to drain their opponents' abilities.
Adjustments Planned: Increasing power when equipped with a scythe.

[ Beastmaster ] - Experts at taming and controlling the most powerful of beasts.
Adjustments Planned: While there are no plans on adjusting aspects of solo play, adjustments are underway to widen the possibilities for party play.

[ Ranger ] - Attackers with the potential of dealing deadly damage from afar.
Adjustments Planned: Making adjustments to accuracy rate and damage based on distance from target. Look forward to these changes in the next version update!

[ Samurai ] - Experts at storing TP and carrying out powerful weapon skills.
Adjustments Planned: In addition to re-evaluating Overwhelm's calculation method, two new job abilities will be introduced at levels 25 and 35. The keyword here is "two-handed weapon." We want players to have the option of choosing to take either an offensive role or a defensive one. Finally, we are working hard to make samurai a more attractive choice for support job. Please look forward to seeing these changes in the next version update!

[ Ninja ] - Dual-wielding masters of ninjutsu, also capable of protecting a party from damage.
Adjustments Planned: There are no plans to strengthen the job of ninja, only make it more useful in a variety of varying situations.

[ Dragoon ] - Attackers known for their impressive jumping abilities and their trusty wyverns.
Adjustments Planned:
1. Super Jump recast will be reduced to 3 minutes.
2. Empathy ability will provide both dragoon and wyvern with stoneskin effect.
3. Spirit Surge will have an added effect with the ability to reset the recast time of all jump abilities.
Please look forward to seeing these changes in the next version update!

[ Summoner ] - Powerful mages with the ability to use their mana to call forth mighty avatars.
Changes regarding summoning magic skill:
1. Blood Pact recast time will now be based on the type of special attack used--healing/enhancing or damage dealing.
2. Summoning magic skill may increase not only when summoning an avatar, but also while using Blood Pact.
3. Blood Pact special attack bonuses may be earned while equipping items that give summoning skill bonuses.
Please look forward to seeing these changes in the next version update!

[ Corsair / Blue Mage / Puppetmaster ]
Adjustments Planned: There are still many things that we are planning to adjust as well as implement. We should have most of these ready by late December.

*** The next two ingredients in the Goblin drink recipe are frost turnips and wild onions.

The Importance of Economy in MMORPGs
When inflation becomes a problem, players new to the game often find it difficult to purchase items. While a little inflation is normal, massive inflation can be detrimental.

Inflation in FINAL FANTASY XI
We are currently experiencing a slight drop in inflation as a result of measures taken to reduce actions not in accordance with the official rules of gameplay (RMT, etc.). This, in turn, has resulted in a drop of gil in circulation within Vana'diel.

Once inflation has stopped, we can take the next step to returning the Vana'diel economy to normal levels.
* Dealing with NM camping
* Dealing with fishing macro problems

Policy
In October we will be forming a special task force to concentrate solely on locating those players violating the user's agreement. This team will be separate from the GMs and will work directly with the development team.
Since we realize it is often difficult to convict a player based on in-game evidence alone, we will continue to search for new ways to prove someone has been involved in restricted activities.
We promise that we will continue to work diligently to rid Vana’diel of all players using illegal tools and plug-ins.

*** The next two ingredients in the Goblin drink recipe are one San d'Orian carrot and one thundermelon. We won't tell you the final two ingredients, but we will give you a couple of hints.
With a name like Goblin drink, you have to assume that the items are going to be a little on the crazy side. However, the first of the two is not what you may think it is--Movalpolos water. It is in fact, just normal water. The final item is something a little (a lot) bit stranger. We'll let you figure out that one for yourself!