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GDC 2014: Final Fantasy XIV's Naoki Yoshida explains what tanked it and what saved it
There are many theories about what contributed to the spectacular crash-and-burn of the original Final Fantasy XIV, but perhaps the most insightful is the one from current Executive Producer Naoki Yoshida, who pinpointed the critical flaws that proved Square Enix's undoing. At GDC this week, Yoshida said that the team had an "unhealthy obsession" with graphical fidelity above anything else and was stuck in the development mindset of Final Fantasy XI even as the genre had progressed. He said that A Realm Reborn's saving grace was the team's effort to establish an "optimal design flow" allowing for a rapid overhaul of the title. It's also notable that Final Fantasy XIV has a new dev diary out today covering new gear and visual customizations called glamours that are coming with Patch 2.2.
Check out FFXIV on the PS4 through new screenshots, trailer, and dev video
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is hitting the PlayStation 4 on April 14, 2014, but you don't have to wait until then to get a glimpse of the fantasy game on the console. Square Enix has released a number of new screenshots highlighting this version along with the official PS4 trailer. Additionally, Producer Naoki Yoshida shares his experience with developing the console version in another video entitled "PS4 Conversations with Creators." And we've got them all right here for you. If you own a PS4 and you'd like to test the game out, you can join A Realm Reborn's beta for free. The first phase is currently scheduled for February 22nd through March 3, 2014, and the second test will be April 4 though April 7, 2014. On April 11th, all players who own the game on PS3 will be able to transfer their accounts for free. [Source: Square Enix press release]
Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn to gather PS4 parties on April 14
PS4 users can summon Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn to their fancy new consoles on April 14, A Realm Reborn Producer and Director Naoki Yoshida announced during Square Enix's Letter from the Producer Live event. DualShockers reports that Square Enix will also release a collector's edition, which will bundle content from previous PS3 and PC collector's editions with a Fat Chocobo Mount and a Wind-Up Moogle Minion. DualShockers notes that those who purchased A Realm Reborn's collector's editions on previous platforms will receive the new items for free. While we didn't have have a specific date for A Realm Reborn's transition to PS4 until today, we already knew that the PS4 beta will begin on February 22. Those that started on PS3 can also try out the PS4 beta for free before deciding whether or not to double dip. Hopefully interested players can find a group they work with out of the 1.5 million accounts that have been registered for A Realm Reborn. And if not ... well, there's always Final Fantasy 15.
FFXIV: A Realm Reborn will launch on PS4 in April
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn can truly be called a special game, and it has a "Special Award" to prove it! The fantasy game was recognized at the PlayStation Awards 2013 ceremony for its originality, buzz-worthiness, influence, and performance, taking home the "Special Award" that was created to honor those exact qualities. Currently playable on the PS3, FFXIV: ARR will start beta on the PS4 February 22nd, 2014 and launch officially on that platform in April. Players who want to see the game in action on the new console before the beta can tune into the next Producers Letter Live on December 14th at 7:00 a.m. EST. At that time, Producer Naoki Yoshida will demonstrate the PS4 version as well as highlight The Wolves' Den, Treasure Hunting, and Daily Beast Tribe Quests, three aspects of the new 2.1 content that launches three days later. [Source: Square Enix press release]
Final Fantasy XIV promises 'fairly substantial' first update
Final Fantasy XIV Executive Producer Naoki Yoshida wrote that the upcoming first update for the relaunched title will be "fairly substantial" in several categories. He said that the update will contain more activities for players to do, including daily quests, treasure hunts, new dungeons, primal battles, housing, and the return of the Good King Moggle Mog. Update 2.1 will go on to introduce a character salon, a party search function, changes based on player feedback, an item-sort function, and the return of a character from the old version of the game. Yoshida said that before the update hits, the team will tweak tomestone drop rates to make them easier for players to obtain and fix an issue with the Binding Coil of Bahamut that's keeping players from completing it.
Final Fantasy worlds collide as FFXIII's Lightning joins FFXIV
A good share -- if not most -- of the folks playing Final Fantasy XIV are there because of previous ties to the FF franchise. And that fact is not lost on Square Enix. In fact, the studio just released a new video today showing the heroine of another Final Fantasy game joining the realm of Eorzea. While the title character of Lightning Returns: FFXIII, Lightning also appears and fights alongside players during one of A Realm Reborn's Full Active Time Events (FATE), the successful completion of which will net the player gear and weaponry modeled after those found in FFXIII. On the flip side of this cross-promotion, Lightning Returns players can acquire new Miqo'te costumes as well as weapons and shields themed from the city-states of FFXIV: ARR. Clues for getting the costumes are hidden within the world of Nova Chrysalia and the weapons and shields are obtained by clearing side quests. Check out the new outfit, weapons, and shields for FFXIII in the gallery below and watch Lightning join the FFXIV FATE in the trailer after the cut. [Source: Square Enix press release]
Why I Play: Final Fantasy XIV
I hate two kinds of MMO: themeparks and sandboxes. Much like "nerf," these are two terms that have been beaten into the ground until they no longer have any intrinsic meaning. The original "themepark" game was freaking EverQuest, which is not what anyone thinks of when he uses the term in a more modern sense. There's more concern given to whether or not a game fits into a given category than whether or not it's actually fun to play. And that is a bad thing. Sure, your sandbox features a great housing system, but so does The Sims 3, and the latter doesn't abandon me in a featureless wasteland that eschews actual content in favor of letting me choose my final destination (here's a hint: All those destinations are grinding). Yes, Mr. Themepark, I see you chuckling in the background, but your single leveling path followed by the exact same huge-group gear-grabbing jamboree is not better, just annoying in a different way. That's why I play Final Fantasy XIV. But I should probably elaborate a bit on that.
FFXIV PS4 beta coming February 2014, PS3 players get in free
If you play Final Fantasy XIV's newest incarnation A Realm Reborn on the PlayStation 3, Square Enix has some news just for you: You'll be able to get into the PS4 beta free when it launches February 22nd, 2014. Even better, the studio has also announced that players will not have to repurchase the game to upgrade consoles, but will be able to transition with no additional cost. All character data will be transferred to the new console, so play can continue uninterrupted on your favorite toons upon release. [Thanks to Space Cobra for the tip!]
Final Fantasy 14 PS3 players will be able to play PS4 beta for free [update]
Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn players that begin their quest on the PS3 will be able to play the PS4 version's beta for free, Sony Computer Entertainment Japan announced today. The beta for the PS4 version of A Realm Reborn will launch alongside the console in Japan on February 22. Update: A Square Enix Europe press release confirms players will be able to carry over character data when transitioning from PS3 to PS4. The date noted in the press release is also February 22, indicating the PS4 beta will likely begin globally on that day.
Fix for FFXIV's server load woes includes suspending sales
At what was meant to be a happy and joyous time, Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn's birth was beset by complications -- namely that it was too popular for servers to handle. Players trying to get into the reboot are suffering through significantly long waits, if they are able to make it in at all. In order to fix this issue, Square Enix has announced that the capacity of its data centers throughout Japan, North America, and Europe will be increased. As a temporary stopgap measure to keep the problem from getting worse and allow current players a chance to actually play, all digital sales of A Realm Reborn are suspended. [Thanks to omedon666 and Bartillo for the tips!]
Massively's Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn launch impressions
I failed to save Final Fantasy XIV. Back in November, the launch version of the game had its final event. I was there, fighting against the forces that would ultimately bring Dalamud crashing down upon Eorzea, but all those efforts were for nothing. And I knew it. All veteran players knew that this was a losing fight, that Eorzea could not be saved. The moon fell, destruction rained down upon the land... and the launch version of the game was no more. Now, nine months later, the MMO is relaunching to an unenviable task. Final Fantasy XIV doesn't just have to be a good game; it has be such a good game that its original launch is no longer under discussion. It has to turn itself from a punchline into a praiseworthy title. The end result, much like the launch version, is a game that's not going to be for everyone, but it's going to be just right for a lot of people who might never have expected it.
Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn struggles through early access weekend
Final Fantasy 14 just can't catch a break. Quality issues upon initial release had then-Square Enix CEO Yoichi Wada claiming that the game "greatly damaged" the Final Fantasy brand, and the game was shut down near the close of 2012 to make way for the reworked Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn. Now, with A Realm Reborn's August 27th release date imminent, the game is struggling with full servers during early access weekend. This is pretty common in MMOs, especially ones that have as dedicated a following as Final Fantasy 14; what's not so common is the shutdown of other features, such as character creation, which is preventing players from so much as creating a new avatar, let alone playing as it. A Realm Reborn's director, Naoki Yoshida, apologized to fans on the game's official forums, stating that, unless the simultaneous connection rate decreases, the maintenance crew will be unable to allow the creation of additional characters. Yoshida also asked for players' patience and cooperation as Square Enix works to restore server stability.
FFXIV: A Realm Reborn plans launch party for PAX Prime
Ready to do the Chocobo Shuffle? The Mog Twist? Some Limit Breakdancing? Then you'll need to hightail it to next week's PAX Prime, where the crew of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn will be throwing a two-day launch party. The festivities start on Friday, August 30th and continue through the next day in the Seattle Ballroom at the Red Lion Hotel. The devs will show up to make their grand remarks, followed by autograph sessions, contests, raffle drawings, and hands-on gameplay sessions. It's here that you'll get to see FFXIV, not in the main PAX exhibit hall, so make plans accordingly if you want to be part of the celebration! [Source: Square Enix press release]
FFXIV final beta phase 3 test begins tomorrow
One million beta testers strong, the Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is poised to possibly deliver a comeback story unlike anything we've seen in the MMO genre to date. The rebranded makeover of the flopped 2010 fantasy title is currently preparing for the conclusion of beta phase 3, which has been announced as starting tomorrow. Square-Enix tweeted that the final test for phase 3 of the beta will begin on July 10th and conclude on the 15th. This test will take place for both North America and Europe. Following phase 3, FFXIV will move into phase 4, also known as "open beta." Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn's launch is scheduled for August 27th. We covered the heck out of this title at E3, including its PlayStation 4 plans, a hands-on with its demo, a look at its PlayStation 3 user interface, a video overview of the FATEs system, and our thoughts on its convention appearance. [Thanks to Space Cobraaa! for the tip]
New FFXIV videos continue the tour of Eorzea, demo group finder
Back in February, Final Fantasy XIV fans were treated to a whole slew of great stuff, including a video tour -- composed of both PC and PS3 footage -- of A Realm Reborn's refurbished land of Eorzea. Come May, a second part of this series showed off even more. But not even two videos could cover all there is to see, so today's third installment continues the journey, allowing players to to travel through various areas in La Noscea, The Black Shroud, Thanalan, Coerthas, and Mor Dhona. Square Enix also released its fourth developers' commentary video. In it, Producer Naoki Yoshida and community team member Toshio Murouchi discuss and demonstrate the "Duty Finder," a feature that helps players to find and form balanced dungeon groups even while on different worlds. Once formed, the group will be automatically transported into the instance and then back to each member's original spot once completed. Before you run off to watch fireworks (if that's your thing), watch both the latest installment of the Eorzea tour and the devs' group-finding demo after the cut.
FFXIV: A Realm Reborn screenshot video montage shows off beta
Although sharing sound, music, and video from the Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn beta is still prohibited, testers' thoughts and screenshots from phase three are now allowed. Taking advantage of that partial NDA lift, one creative beta participant has put together a montage of stills in video form to show off the upcoming reboot of the game. Wondering if you can glean what's going on from the screenshots alone? Don't worry -- he also added commentary to explain each shot. The nearly 33-minute montage includes character creation (all races have two genders to select from), the public quests (Fates), menus and the UI, combat, and a look at the updated graphics. Get a glimpse of the game for yourself in the video after the break. [Thanks to Chris for the tip!]
E3 2013: Final Fantasy XIV's A Realm Reborn returns the game to its roots
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn stays true to its name and its lineage: What was originally a failed title, at least according to some players, will soon be revamped into an MMO that harkens back to its hardcore Final Fantasy roots. At this year's E3, Massively nabbed a hands-on experience of the game's reboot in the Square-Enix booth, and as the owner of those very hands, I can say it was a thrilling experience. My demo allowed me to choose between DPS, tank, and healer units. I myself am a lumbering tank in real life, so it felt natural to refill my virtual shoes in an epic battle against Ifrit. Action was quick, incredibly responsive, and a treat. Unfortunately, Ifrit rose into the sky and torched us all, but that's not the end of the story.
Square Enix reveals E3 lineup, teases 'Next generation of Final Fantasy'
Square Enix announced a slate of upcoming games appearing at E3 next week, headed up by a pair of high-profile Final Fantasy releases. Throughout E3, Square Enix will show off Final Fantasy XIII's concluding chapter Lightning Returns, along with the relaunched MMORPG A Realm Reborn: Final Fantasy XIV. The company also teases "a first look at the next generation of Final Fantasy," a statement that does not seem to refer to either FFXIV or Lightning Returns. Further details, however, are not yet available. Other games appearing at Square Enix's booth include Eidos Montreal's Thief reboot and the "mystery thriller" Murdered: Soul Suspect. The Deus Ex series will occupy its share of booth space with the Wii U-exclusive Deus Ex: Human Revolution - Director's Cut and the recently announced iOS sequel Deus Ex: The Fall. The HD remakes Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD ReMIX and Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster will also appear at Square Enix's E3 booth from June 11 through 13. Square Enix's full press release is after the break below. Show full PR text SQUARE ENIX ANNOUNCES E3 2013 LINEUP Diverse Lineup Highlighted by Signature Franchises, Compelling New Properties and Expanding Platforms First Look at the Next Generation of FINAL FANTASY LONDON (June 6, 2013) –Square Enix today announced its broad spectrum of next-generation and current generation console, PC and mobile game products to be unveiled during the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2013, June 11-13 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Booth #1647. The company's portfolio features new games from signature franchises, a re-imagined classic along with compelling new properties. FINAL FANTASY®, one of the most successful game franchises of all time, will have a dominant presence in the publisher's booth with both FINAL FANTASY® XIV: A Realm Reborn™, a stunning massively multiplayer online role playing game that will enable players to create their own FINAL FANTASY adventure, and LIGHTNING RETURNS™: FINAL FANTASY® XIII, the epic conclusion to the series. Square Enix will also unveil the first look at the next-generation of FINAL FANTASY. THIEF™ is the reinvention of a classic franchise that allows players to step into the silent shoes of Garrett, a dark and solitary thief with an unrivaled set of skills. The most challenging heists, the most inaccessible loots, the best kept secrets: nothing is out of Garrett's reach. The mystery thriller Murdered: Soul Suspect™ will haunt attendees as an entirely new game property where the main character travels through both a modern day Salem, Massachusetts and a ghost world to solve his own murder. Square Enix will also introduce DEUS EX®: THE FALL™, the new installment of the award winning DEUS EX series. Additional mobile and tablet games will also be at E3. "Square Enix continues to show its global creative presence like no other game publisher with products from its internal studios around the world as well as key partners," said Yosuke Matsuda, representative director of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd. "As the industry continues to diversify and expand Square Enix is poised to lead that change with products showcased at this year's E3." Along with hands-on demonstrations of many games, E3 attendees will be able to experience exclusive theater presentations for FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn, THIEF and Murdered: Soul Suspect. For the audience not attending E3, Square Enix will host an innovative live online broadcast from its booth, allowing the publisher's passionate community to get a sneak peak at the new titles' content and interact with Square Enix developers. Viewers worldwide will be able to tune in for the duration of the show (June 11 to June 13, 2013) for a unique insider's perspective into Square Enix at the show. For a full schedule please visit: YouTube: www.youtube.com/squareenixpresents Twitter: https://twitter.com/@squareenix Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SquareEnix The announced E3 lineup for Square Enix: Consoles and PC FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn is the first massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) to have been completely rebuilt from the ground up with a focus on all systems, gameplay and player experience. FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn invites players to explore the realm of Eorzea with friends from around the world. Platforms: PlayStation®3 system, Windows® PC Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd. Available: August 27 THIEF THIEF is the reinvention of the classic franchise that allows players to take on the role of Garrett, the Master Thief. As the tide is about to turn in the City, Garrett, takes cover amidst the growing uprising and sneaks into the Baron's manor to steal his most prized possession. Platforms: PlayStation®4 system, Xbox One®, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, Windows PC Developer: Eidos-Montréal (A Square Enix Company) Available: 2014 MURDERED: SOUL SUSPECT The hardest case to solve is one's own murder. Murdered: Soul Suspect takes players into a whole new realm of mystery where the case is personal and the clues just out of reach. When Ronan O'Connor, a detective with a checkered past, gets caught up in a violent burglary, his life is brought to an untimely end by a brutal and relentless killer. Shocked to find himself in the afterlife, his only escape from the limbo world of 'Dusk' is to uncover the truth behind his killer, track him down and bring him to justice using his detective instinct and newfound supernatural abilities. Platforms: Xbox 360® games and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 system, Windows PC Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd. and Airtight Games Available: Early 2014 LIGHTNING RETURNS: FINAL FANTASY XIII As Lightning, it is your mission to save souls so they may be brought to a new world. However, with only thirteen days remaining, not everyone can be saved. Armed with all-new weapons, player customization and battle abilities, you are in a race against time to fully understand your destiny. It all ends here. Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation®3 system Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd. Available: February 14, 2014 KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 ReMIX Fully remastered in high-def, KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 ReMIX is a compilation of the critically acclaimed KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX and KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories titles. Players can now relive the origins of the celebrated franchise with Sora, Riku and the colorful cast of Disney characters, including Mickey, Donald and Goofy. Platform: PlayStation®3 system Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd. Available: September 13 (Europe) DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION® - DIRECTOR'S CUT DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION - DIRECTOR'S CUT is the enhanced return to one of the most critically acclaimed video game franchises of all time. By offering players the chance to advance through the game in multiple and vastly different ways, DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION - DIRECTOR'S CUT provides an experience where every choice has a lasting consequence. Director's Cut features include visual improvements, overhauled boss fights, reinforced combat mechanics and much more making it the ultimate HUMAN REVOLUTION experience. Platform: Nintendo Wii U™ Developer: Eidos-Montréal (A Square Enix Company) Available: 2013 FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster takes players into the adventures of Tidus and Yuna in beautifully remastered high definition. Platforms: PlayStation®3 system, PlayStation®Vita handheld entertainment system Available: 2013 Mobile and Tablet DEUS EX: THE FALL DEUS EX: THE FALL is the next chapter of the award winning DEUS EX series. Developed by Square Enix Ltd. in collaboration with the original DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION team at Eidos-Montréal and N-Fusion, DEUS EX: THE FALL is a story driven action-RPG and the first DEUS EX in the series to be released on mobile and tablet devices. Platform: iOS Developer: Square Enix Ltd./ Eidos-Montréal/ N-Fusion Available: Summer MINI NINJAS® Mini Ninjas is the first mobile and tablet game in the action adventure franchise. Based on authentic ninja values, this beautiful, fast-paced game takes players on an epic journey, free from gruesome violence and high on Ninja fun. Hiro and his Mini Ninja friends run, jump and slash their way through spellbound lands to retrieve the stolen artefact from the dragon. Platform: iOS, Android Developer: Magic Pockets SAS Available: Now About Square Enix Ltd. Square Enix Ltd., a part of the Square Enix Europe business unit, develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories as part of the Square Enix Group. Square Enix Ltd. also has a global network of leading development studios such as IO Interactive™, Crystal Dynamics® and Eidos Montréal. The Square Enix Group boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY, which has sold over 100 million units worldwide, DRAGON QUEST® which has sold over 61 million units worldwide and TOMB RAIDER® which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix Ltd. is a London-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd. More information on Square Enix Ltd. can be found at http://www.square-enix.com/eu/en/.
Final Fantasy XIV's relaunch set for August 27th [Updated with video]
Square Enix has announced today that Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is set for release on August 27, 2013 on both PC and PS3. According to previous reports, the third phase of the relaunched game's beta will begin some time next month. This phase will be the first time A Realm Reborn will be open to PS3 players during this beta. Click past the jump for complete details on pre-order bonuses and the Collector's Edition box contents as well as the new video. [Source: Square Enix press release]
Final Fantasy XIV coming this summer, next beta phase starting in June
Executive Producer Naoki Yoshida has a couple of significant announcements concerning the testing and release of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. He's excited to announce that the relaunch of the title will be happening in "summer 2013," with a more specific date to be announced by the end of May. He also said that details and pre-orders for the collector's edition will be coming this month as well. "The whole team has been working at full throttle to ensure the game will be ready for a summer release," Yoshida said. "It won't be long before you can mark your calendars and begin the final countdown!" Before the launch happens, however, phase 3 of beta testing needs to happen. This will start at the beginning of June, according to Yoshida. Phase 3 is notable in that it will be the first time that the PlayStation 3 version of FFXIV will be included in the beta testing.
