While we’re all sleeping, the boys over at Zam translated an interview with Tanaka and Komoto from Famitsu. Although I’m not in the Alpha test myself, I’ve read numerous that is in the alpha test that said the server is crashing and data corruption is happening a lot, so it was nice to see these points addressed in that interview. Here’s a few highlights.

What is causing the server instability?

Tanaka: We have the same amount of testers in each region, but from our experience beta-testing FFXI, we figured only 50% of players would be logging in at the same time. Additionally, the testers in Japan were all selected as passionate FFXI fans, so they are eager to play, and the percentage of them logging in is extremely high. The servers don’t crash as often during North American and European tests.

For the April 15th update, we extended the amount of time between logins required to remain in queue to 10 minutes and introduced a system to display your place in that queue. It allowed people who were waiting to get in to have some visual indication of their progress, and it let us organize the traffic better.

Komoto: As for the test itself, we sincerely apologize that everyone has not been able to enjoy the game to their satisfaction. We are also extremely grateful for all the feedback and opinions we have received so far. (Good to know at least they are trying to fix it as well as improve the “wait” experience!)

Really! (laughs) Would we know it was your character if we saw it?

Will you move on to the beta phase once you have fully examined the growth rate?

Tanaka: Currently, the alpha test takes place on a single World. The next step is to increase the number of Worlds, which will multiply the number of testers. That will be the start of what we call Beta-1, or perhaps Alpha-2. (Good news  I guess more testers will be needed later on!)

Is the general framework of the world complete?

Tanaka: The basics are pretty much done. Like I mentioned, it’s mostly cosmetic changes that are left. (laughs) System-related things like the user interface, or additional quest material are still being worked on. If we consider how FFXIV has been in development for 5 years, we’re probably in the final 10% of its development cycle, which accounts for 50% of the game. (Um… time to pick up the pace if we are to play this game this year!)