Missed the top 8 due to timing, but interesting results:
Also,
new interview from Dengeki with Shimbori. From what I got with google translate:
General stuff
- he's now focusing on his producer role rather than director since the game is out, easier to deal with all the feedback coming
- they acknowledge their mistakes with the costumes drop rates, thought it wouldn't be as repetitive during development (was done because they thought players would enjoy going from task to task), and are glad players are happy with the new drop rate.
- thinking about how to use the "owner points" (not sure if they're talking about costume pieces or coins) in the future, potentially with free costumes or at least a way to get paid costumes (paid costumes will still be the main thing like in DOA5 due to its success).
- "new season passes will add characters expected by Team NINJA fans". Don't want to confirm when SP2 will happen (my guess is just second half of the year).
F2P and lobbies
- F2P version was supposed to be released at launch. Development issues led to the delay. They wanted it out asap so casuals/beginners could play together from the start. They acknowledge the bad communication around it (would have been better if it was said on the official site rather than in an interview).
- Considering boosting the number of "owner points" earned depending on the number of characters you own.
- Over 500k downloads of the F2P version so far, similar growth to the free version released with DOA5U.
- They're really sorry about the lobby mode delay, and glad it's finally out. They had to add staff from other projects to help on it. Main issues were bugs, and certifications to be sure it released on all platforms at the same time.
- Unable to start spectating a match when it has already started (unlike DOA5) because they've noticed it was adding lag to players.
- Text chat will be a full text chat as usual, and not a symbol/quick message chat like in other fighting games out there.
Balance updates
- focus for now is about the sidestep complaints. Mostly appreciated by beginners and westerners, but many people complaining about it too.
- balancing characters is always hard, and hope people don't take it badly if something is nerfed, as it's taken in consideration with a large amount of players in mind.
- esports stuff mostly about the world tour rather than anything else
Final message
Thank you for always playing this work. I think that up until now, everyone's wishes and their goals have deviated, and there have been times when the transmission of information has not been sufficient, causing everyone to feel uncomfortable or anxious. I firmly accept the opinions from all of you, and I will use this work as a source for making the work more interesting and extending in the future.
It will be a long-running title, including updates and competitions, so please play plenty. Thank you for supporting this work from now on.
Skipped some bits as usual, check the link for more details.
edit: the FSD forum's reactions to this interview are pretty shitty.