Check out the hottest discussions from the previous week in the FFXIV General Forum.

As we near the arrival of the long-awaited battle system patch, we've needed few reminders of just how important this update could be for the long-term future of the game. Many (former) FFXIV players on this forum and others have indicated they plan on returning to Eorzea depending on the promise they see from the battle system revision and other large-scale changes to the game. So, if this update impresses, a surge of people may return to give the game a second chance -- and that could be just what the game needs to begin making a comeback.

On the other hand, a lackluster patch -- or a patch riddled with errors, glitches and frustration -- could be the straw that breaks the non-existant chocobo's back.

Three of the past week's most interesting threads highlight the angst felt by those left in the game. And make no mistake, I'm not making light of anyone's mood. The longer the game goes without being fixed, the more of a chance the game has of failing. Let's hope the real fixes aren't already too late.

On with the links:

Title: Plea for Hospitality

Not only is being a FFXIV player rough in the game, but it's not easy on our own fan forums, either. Hurting the cause is the fact that when new players post on the forums, it can be difficult to determine whether they are actually new, or bitter FFXIV veterans (or WoW players) just looking to cause some grief. You know things are bad when we have to plead on the forums for the masses to not act horribly toward new players. I still believe the heavy trolling of this game is partially due to the decision to make it temporarily free to play; but knowing now how long SE has needed to get its ducks in a row, free play was the only real option.

Title: Why it won't work no matter what

With the game on the cusp of some big-time improvements, the OP of this thread writes that even a Golden Patch can't save the game now. The OP's main concern is that too many people have simply stopped caring about their characters. Why log in to test out the new update if you don't even care to begin with? The OP brings up a very good point -- in fact, it was not caring anymore that caused me to temporarily leave FFXI when FFXIV launchyed. Then, in a strange twist of irony, it was the dismal state of FFXIV that eventually caused me to start caring about FFXI again. So just because people stop caring about FFXIV now doesn't have to mean the game is doomed, but a widespread lack of interest definitely won't make a comeback any easier.

Title: Sadly, I'm done (for now).

Of all the "I quit" threads I've ever read, this one is right up there with the best. Hopefully the development team realizes that many of us who are still playing want this game to survive, and we want to be able to immerse ourselves in Eorzea -- but even we have breaking points. Again, that's why the upcoming patch is so important. It's time for SE to put up or shut up.