Answa here, bringing you the latest scoop from producer/director Naoki Yoshida on the
Full Active Time Event system for Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. FATE will be a
primary system in ARR where sporadic events that start in the open world may be
joined simply by being in designated locations in the map at the right time. Once
joined, you have a set time limit in which to complete the mission parameters in
tandem with other players that are also present. After you’ve fulfilled a certain
criterion (healed your allies for x amount of HP and/or hit target monster(s) for y
amount of damage) the system rewards you appropriately as long as you have not exited
the general area where the FATE occurred (as in, The South Shroud, for example, not
the highlighted location). While the system does not require you to party up with
your fellow combatants, it is designed to inspire a sense of belonging and
camaraderie between those involved by sharing these experiences and interacting
during or after the event.
To aid those that would want to join, the area map will automatically highlight FATEs
once they’ve started. To make it even simpler, you will be able to hover your mouse
over the area to find out its name so you may decide if it’s more your flavor or not
(once you’ve previously been acquainted with them, of course). FATE will feature
integration of the level sync system so that you may participate in lower-level
battles without any stress (presumably so you may party up with your friends and
enjoy the content together!)
There will be many different types of FATE battles, with some having continuance with
subsequent FATEs. Yoshi-P gave us an example where there’s a bandit fort plump for
overtaking as part of a FATE which, once conquered, will be populated by friendly
NPCs. But the bandits won’t take the invasion likely! Soon thereafter, they will
come to take back their home and a FATE battle will ensue which will require its
defense. If won, you get to defend the fort in future battles. If lost, you get to
invade it once more.