When it comes to MMOs, I have no problem with dungeons requiring groups, sandbox MMOs where the game is best played with groups of people or with clans, or even when the best gear is only obtainable by running dungeons. I have a problem with Final Fantasy XIV’s use of forced grouping, however, in the main scenario quest series. There are several quests around level 15 which require you to use the duty finder to complete a dungeon in order to progress through the main story. After sitting in the duty finder for well over an hour, I checked the tool only to see that I was the only person waiting in line. Two hours later, still the only person in line.
In any other game this wouldn’t be as big of a problem. You might miss an achievement or a vanity pet or something of the like, but ultimately the quest can be glossed over. For Final Fantasy XIV, not being able to find a group for this duty means not being able to progress through the main quest, which means not being able to complete the quest to receive a retainer, which means not being able to sell anything on the market. It means not being able to pledge yourself to one of the three grand companies and to rank up to receive a chocobo license. No access to selling on the market, no access to mounts, and probably other content that I’m just not aware of yet. After more than two hours of waiting, I left the game.
But that’s just my opinion, I could be wrong.
MMO Fallout 