While players are the primary focus, Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail’s visual revamp also serves to support the career advancement of its developers, according to director Yoshi-P.

The upcoming Dawntrail update for Final Fantasy 14 promises a fresh look, featuring enhanced lighting, revamped models, and an overall polish for a game that has surpassed its 10th anniversary. In a recent interview with Play magazine (thanks, GamesRadar), Naoki Yoshida, also known as Yoshi-P, shed light on the team’s motives behind the upgrade.

Yoshida emphasizes the importance of reassuring long-time players about the game’s future: “With Endwalker, we were able to bring one big saga to a close … I think they would be happy to have seen that conclusion, but I think they probably must have also been a bit concerned about what will happen moving forward.”

Investing in a fresh visual aesthetic for the modern era signals continued support and love for players’ favorite game. “When players see the graphics updates, they will realize that Final Fantasy 14 will continue to evolve … I think it would give players a sense of reassurance, so they would not need to worry about that.”

Additionally, Yoshida expresses concern that players, particularly younger ones, may perceive FF14 as outdated compared to newer titles, potentially hindering its appeal. “But the important thing with MMOs is that we need to constantly attract new players; otherwise, the overall scale of our game would shrink … by implementing the graphics updates, we can actually enhance the appeal of 14 to those types of players.”

While addressing player concerns is crucial, Yoshida also considers the well-being of the developers. “A Realm Reborn was released back in 2013, and when we look at the graphics pipeline, it’s now two generations old. The artists who are working on Final Fantasy 14, I wanted to provide them with a better environment.”

Although older technology and limited resources can still yield impressive results, Final Fantasy 14’s aging tech may restrict the creative visions of its artists. Yoshida highlights the significant improvements in lighting showcased in early previews of the 7.0 graphics overhaul.

“There’s a benefit for both players and our team, as players can enjoy higher quality graphics, while our artists and engineers can leverage more advanced technology to advance their careers.” Despite acknowledging the challenges of the graphics overhaul, Yoshida emphasizes the team’s commitment to delivering the best possible results.