Final Fantasy XIV’s Dawntrail Benchmark and Character Creator: A Closer Look
Earlier this week, Final Fantasy XIV fans had the opportunity to download the Dawntrail benchmark, a preview of the upcoming graphic update for the game. This benchmark allowed players to test how well their rigs could handle the updated graphics before the expansion’s launch. Alongside the benchmark, a character creator was also made available. However, many fans expressed their disappointment with the results.
The lighting and ambiance of the character creator were cited as the main reasons for the lackluster appearance of the characters. In response to the overwhelming feedback, the Final Fantasy XIV subreddit attempted to address this issue by providing tips on adjusting the lighting settings for better results. The comments and discussions on this topic were so widespread that the game’s producer, Naoki Yoshida, felt the need to address the concerns.
Yoshida acknowledged the dissatisfaction among players regarding the character creator’s visuals and shared some insights into why they might look less appealing. He explained that the character creator was originally designed over 10 years ago when the game was known as “A Realm Reborn.” This means that the unique lighting used in the character creator is not present in other parts of the game. Additionally, the backlighting used to showcase the characters became a hindrance with the graphical update.
Despite the characters receiving a graphical upgrade, the environments surrounding them remained unchanged, leading to a mismatch in visual fidelity. Yoshida assured the community that the development team is working on reworking the environments and light sources in the character creation process for both the actual game and the benchmark. Once these improvements are complete, the current benchmark will be replaced.
With these changes in place, players can expect a more accurate representation of their characters’ appearance in the upcoming Dawntrail expansion. Yoshida highlighted three key areas that the team aims to address with these improvements: the eyes lacking expression, the facial contours needing refinement, and the absence of realistic glass or excessive gloss caused by weather conditions.
As Final Fantasy XIV fans eagerly await the release of Dawntrail, there are several events to look forward to in the meantime. The Yo-Kai Watch collaboration will make a return on April 24, followed by the Moogle Treasure Trove on May 14. On May 15, the Make It Rain Campaign 2024 kicks off, and on June 5, players can participate in the Breaking Brick Mountains event.
In conclusion, while the initial reception of the character creator in the Dawntrail benchmark was disappointing for some players, Yoshida’s response reassures the community that improvements are already in progress. With the upcoming graphical updates and refinements, players can expect a more visually appealing experience when they venture into the world of Dawntrail.