Q: When is the beta? A: Final Fantasy XIV is currently taking applications! See our Beta Testing page for more details.
Q: People were ecstatic to hear about the beta. Can you tell us anything about it? Will it be a closed or open beta? A: We are planning both closed and open beta testing periods. The schedule is not yet decided.
Q: On the beta process, will current XI players get in? A: As with the actual release date of the game, we don't have a concrete beta schedule yet. We will have a beta and look forward to more information about then shortly.
Ｑ：How much of the game will players be able to experience in the beta? Ａ：We started at about 10% of the final product with the playable Alpha version and are ultimately trying to perfect the underlying game system. The bulk of the game won't be made public until the retail version is out.
Ｑ：What can you tell us about the transition from the Beta to the final version or about world transfers in general? Ａ：Once service starts, we want to make it so you can move along with the friends you make during the Beta to the same world. As for world transfers, that may be a possibility in the future, with some limitations probably.
Release
Q: When is it coming out and when is the beta? A: The game is scheduled to come out in 2010, an exact date has not been specified.
Q: Are you planning a simultaneous worldwide release or will it be released in Japan first? A: Yes. At the launch, this will be a worldwide simultaneous launch on PS3 and Windows PC. English, Japanese, German, and French versions released at launch.
Q: Will Final Fantasy XIV be available on Direct2Drive at launch? A: Because of the estimated size of the game, we are aiming for a package release. However, we are also considering distribution via download.
Q: Will all servers be worldwide or split by territory? A: The current plans are to have worldwide servers that are cross-platform and cross-region. We will do a beta test and look at the balance and player experience. We want to look for a good balance between region and cross-region play.
Q: Will FFXI characters be portable to XIV in any way? A: The game is completely different. There will not be any XI character transfers to XIV. However, the character design is familiar and XI players will be able to create a similar character.We will NOT be using PlayOnline, but friend lists will transfer over.
Does the main story concern the Eorzeans and Garleans battling over the continent of Aldenard? At first, the story will open in Eorzea, that is, the continent of Aldenard and its surrounding islands. However, the Garlean Empire is based on another, larger continent.
What part does the mysterious power (Echo) or the crystals play in the story? They serve as the basis for the whole story. We want you to discover the truth behind this as the story unfolds during play.
Will Chocobos make an appearance? Of course! However, we are still exploring ways for us to use them in a unique way compared with FFXI.
Does the new land of Eorzea hold any connections or similarities to Vana'diel? Tanaka reiterates that while Vana'diel was an fully developed world, Eorzea is simply a region within the world of Final Fantasy XIV. This will, however, be the main region in which players interact, so webmasters who snatched up an Eorzea based URL can breathe a sigh of relief. The world itself will be named ハイデリン (ha-i-de-ri-n), but we have yet to receive an official English spelling of the word. As for differences between the two worlds, Final Fantasy XIV will be a little more "high-tech" in line with the sci fi style of Final Fantasy XIII. However, they still wish to have the foundation of the game's setting based in traditional fantasy.
Q: What do we know about the setting and the story? A: Check out The FFXIV Story section to learn more about the game's story.
Q: Does it have a direct connection to Final Fantasy XI? In some ways, yes it does. Not only does it share the same development team as the FF11, but the game will also allow players to create a character that is similar to their current Final Fantasy XI. Square Enix has also revealed to IGN that it is currently finding a solution that will let you transfer your character's names from FFXI to FFXIV.
Q: What are the ties to Final Fantasy XI, if any? A: While you may have noticed that some of the same type of races appeared in the trailer, the world of FFXIV is different from FFXI. The reason that we made the races similar to the FFXI races is so FFXI players could choose a similar type of race in the new game. For example, in movies, you might have an actor that plays many different roles. Please, think of it that way.
Q: What’s the appeal of FFXIV? A: I would say that the key word for FFXIV is “growth.” We’ve already done the job system in XI, so this time we’re looking at new and interesting concepts for character growth. We hope you like it!: FFXI was built firmly on the premise of the party system, but FFXIV will try to be more supportive of solo play and any of the other varied things that users would like to do.
Q: Give us the highlights on character creation.
:A:We've focused on really allowing the player the freedom to make any kind of character they would like, and designed them to be a much more natural fit with the game world. Depending on your class, even your starting equipment will be different.
Q: Can you change the age of your character? A:There are no age settings, but to some extent you can alter their appearance to look more experienced.
Q:So, your starting equipment changes based on the class you choose? A: Starting equipment does change based on your class? However, the equipment you wear from then on is completely the choice of the player.
Q:How is the magic system? A:Magic is classified by levels and by the school the spell is from. For example, spells that serve the same function (e.g. heal HP) might have a different level of potency, an area of effect, longer casting time or higher MP cost depending on the school of magic the spell is from.
**Translator's note: The answer used very general terminology, but it appears to reference how a healing spell can be classified as Cure I, Cure II, Cure III under White Magic, or at the same time, Pollen under Blue Magic. So there are different levels and different schools that refer to the same function.
Q:Will there be any familiar spells that didn't make their way into FFXI? A:While there will be familiar spells from the Final Fantasy series, a lot of the magic that didn't make it into FFXI simply can't be used in an MMO. If it's too difficult to work in an MMO environment, we can't say it'll appear.
Q: Can classes other than Disciples of Magic use magic? Also, can Disciples of Magic use swords or other weapons? A:Classes are somewhat pre-defined, but that isn't to say there won't be the possibility as you continue to level and grow your character.
Q: Does magic use up TP? A: At this time there are still many things yet to be fully examined.
Q: Are there times when you have to light your way through a dungeon? A: There are places that will be very dark, but at this time we are considering the need for any torches or illumination magic.
Q: Will there be seamless movement between dungeons and fields? A: Yes. Adventurers can travel seamlessly from bright, sun-bathed fields to the deepest and darkest of dungeons.
Q: Will monsters behave similarly to FFXI, with Active and Passive types, different ways to sense players, linking, and all that? A: Of course, there will be many monsters romping around in field zones. The behavior elements from FFXI will be used again, but there will also be other unique elements the can determine a monster's behavior, like herd mentality or environmental factors.
Q: Will Banzoku simply attack any and all humanoid characters without prejudice? A: They are human as well, so naturally there are some who wish for peace, or some who are traitors to their kind. There are some who may even be willing to do business with players.
Q:Are there monsters that will fight each other? A: In the beginning, we came up with something like a food chain system, and it may end up in the game in some form or another.
Q:When you think Final Fantasy, you think summons, so... A: They'll make an appearance. However, they take on a role closer to that of being gods. There will be more than a few hurdles to get over before you can secure their aid.
Q:Do the Banzoku have classes as well? A: Just like humans, they have a unique culture and society, and they will have classes they excel at.
Q:Will we see popular monsters such as the Mandragora? A: You can look forward to seeing more than a few of your favorites from FFXI in the game.
Q: Are there any connections beyond the style of Avatars? Tanaka states that players can go into Final Fantasy XIV expecting no significant similarities. However, they realize some comforts just cannot be abandoned so easily - like friends. Therefore, they are looking at ways to allow names to transfer as well as other methods to keep adventurers together. The main objective here is to make transferring to Final Fantasy XIV as comfortable as possible without providing the advantage of transferring completed characters. The ideal situation is one in which players can choose freely between playing in Vana'diel one day, and Eorzea the next. Tanaka envisioned a new door in one's Mog House that would act as a dimensional portal into Eorzea, allowing players in either game to quickly join their friends wherever they may be. Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, Tanaka was unable to bring this plan to fruition.
Q: If there are no levels, how do characters advance? Although Final Fantasy XIV will eschew the traditional leveling system in favor of something new, there will be parts of the Job System that make it over. Most importantly, they wish to retain the concept of being able to switch roles and work on one job one time and another job the next time. At this time, the developers are unable to give any specifics.
Q: FFXI has evolved a lot over the years, especially in the areas of player accessibility and the ability to solo. Will you carry over features like level sync and other features to FFXIV? A: Yes. All of the knowledge and experience we gained from FFXI will be used in the development of FFXIV. At the launch, we intend to have content for solo players as well as large-scale battles. We want a wide-variety from the start.
Q: What will FFXIV have in common with FFXI? A: The game will be taking place in an entirely new world, but the game’s setting and characters look similar to XI’s. To help players feel more at ease in the FFXIV universe, we specifically chose to model the new characters after the old ones. We will of course be drawing on bits and pieces of FFXI and the lessons learned to guide us, but our greatest resource is the fans. With XI, our original idea was an emphasis on partying. With FFXIV, we’re working to support both solo play and an engaging party system.
Q: How does the leveling system work? A: Square Enix is cagey about how characters advance, but it has confirmed with IGN that growth is not based on experience and that it will work on a different system entirely.
Q: Are Chocobos back? A: Yes, they will return. But Square Enix has told IGN that it is looking at using them in a completely different way than they were used in Final Fantasy XI (where they were used as riding steeds).
Q: What about jobs? A: Jobs will return in Final Fantasy XIV, but they will be much different than the job system present in FFXI.
Q: How important are the weapons? A: Weapons are very important and have a heavy influence on your character and how they succeed in the game world. Square Enix says to look closely at the official FFXIV logo for hints and hidden meanings about how the game will work.
Q: What hidden meanings? A: Square Enix told us that when it approached Amano to do the logo art for FFXIV, that weapons were very important and to think of the concept of a "wheel." Specifically, a wheel of adventurers that has their weapon in front of them and an exposed backside -- which leaves each adventurer to rely heavily on their comrades and their friends.
Q: Anything else about the weapons? A: The team let slip to us that choosing weapons for specific tasks one day versus another could affect how your character develops.
Q: Why did you decide to make a new game rather than continue to evolve FFXI? A: It all comes down to, originally, FFXI was designed for the PS2. It then moved to PC and Xbox 360. A lot of people have asked for a port to the PS3. With an MMORPG of this size, you have to develop new content. Porting to a new technology would take a lot of effort. Instead, we decided to use that time to make something new.
Q: Is there any special element in the MMO genre that you will improve with this game? A: Our plan from the beginning was to make the best Final Fantasy game available. That is our vision for XIV. Then we thought, how can we make the best FF game and we came to the conclusion that it would be an MMORPG. It was decided to make the best FF first, then led to the decision to make it an MMORG and use that genre. However, we are trying to implement a lot of new systems that other MMO's haven't used in the past.
Q: What innovations will FFXIV bring to the MMO genre? A: We’re not particularly looking to revolutionize the genre or anything like that. I think we’re all just focusing on making a fun new Final Fantasy game that is also an enjoyable MMO. Nevertheless, we’ll also be implementing systems that have never been seen in the genre before.
Q: What influence have games like World of WarCraft have on the development of FFXIV? A: As with WoW, we want to aim a bit for the casual user. However, we don't want to make a copy of WoW. We believe we will have things that are unique and will stand out from that game.
Q: What modern day MMOs have influenced the design and direction of FFXIV? A: In addition to the team's original work on Final Fantasy XI, World of Warcraft, Age of Conan and Warhammer Online have been three recent games that have had some pull, but the FFXI community's feedback has been the most important factor in its design.
Q: Will you try to move players from XI to XIV or will they be separate communities? A: It's up to the community themselves. We envision users that will hopefully play XI one day and XIV another. They will be independent, but users are free to play both.
Q: Who's Working on the Game? A: It is produced by Hiromichi Tanaka (Final Fantasy I, II, III, and IX) and directed by Nobuaki Komoto (Final Fantasy IX, XI), with art direction by Akihiko Yoshida (Vagrant Story, Final Fantasy XII) and a musical score from Nobuo Uematsu (Most Final Fantasies ever). Yoshitaka Amano has designed the logo and is pulling additional art duties as well.
Q: Uematsu only did a few tracks in FFXI, how much is he doing for XIV? A: Square Enix revealed to IGN that Uematsu will be doing all the music for Final Fantasy XIV and that it will be composed in a range of different styles and genres.
Q: What platforms is Final Fantasy XIV coming to? A: Currently the game is confirmed for PlayStation 3 and Windows PC. An Xbox 360 version isn't official, but Square Enix is considering the possibility that it could.
Q: How do you plan to manage the servers? A: We’re planning to have global servers again. We’ll try to balance the servers based on users’ trends (server populations, for example).
Q: How will you be managing communities for both FFXI and FFXIV? A: We’re considering handling them separately rather then combining them into one massive community. We find it makes more sense for the two groups to develop independently, and we trust that users will be fine with the division.
Q: How much of the first trailer is in-game versus pre-rendered? A: The debut trailer is actually a mixture of real-time in-game footage and pre-rendered wizardry. The combat scene in particular was created using the in-game engine.
Q: What languages will the game available in? A: The same as Final Fantasy XI: Japanese, English, French and German. FFXIV will also be released simultaneously in all regions that use those languages.
Q: Are there plans to localize the game in Spanish? A: Currently, there is no Spanish version in development. We'll consider it if enough Spanish-speaking users demand it from us. Getting good translators in Japan is hard, but if there's enough demand we will consider it.
Q: I've been seeing information that the title is free to play, is this true? A: No pricing has been decided at this time. It is still TBD.
Q: How will the payment plan look? While Final Fantasy XI runs on a monthly plan through PlayOnline, Final Fantasy XIV will drop PlayOnline and utilize the recently established Square Enix IDs and Security Tokens. The monthly plan is also due for a change, and Tanaka says they are considering a more versatile plan, based on 30-day payment cycles. Some people have been confused by this, but all it involves is altering when a player's plan stops and starts. If you count by days instead of months, you have the freedom to stop and start more freely. This would allow billing to break free from the shackles of the monthly cycle and possibly really help out customers by helping them avoid paying for unused time and lessen the inconvenience of the regularly scheduled billing maintenance.
Q: Will current owners of the Square Enix Security Token be able to use the same token they use in FFXI to secure their FFXIV account? A: Players who have already obtained a SQUARE ENIX Security Token and have been using an OTP for FINAL FANTASY XI will not need to purchase a new one, and will be able to use their current one for XIV.
Q: Will the PlayOnline service be used for FFXIV? A: No. Square Enix told us that the reason it is ditching the PlayOnline system is because it was originally meant as an all-in-one solution to house multiple content types. But as PlayOnline has offered less content over the years, the need for the next online Final Fantasy to us PO is moot. Whatever new service (if any) is used, PC and PlayStation 3 users will still be able to play with each other on the same servers, and Square Enix also confirmed with IGN that you can sign in with a universal ID on either system to pick up where you left off if you own both.
Q: You've confirmed that FFXIV will not be using PlayOnline. Will FFXI continue to be launched through PlayOnline or will it be done away with completely? A: As long as FINAL FANTASY XI service continues, PlayOnline will continue.
Q: Will the servers be named after summons like in FFXI? A: There's no doubt we'll use names familiar to any FF fan, but the scheme will be a little different than FFXI.
A word for Final Fantasy XI players...
Tanaka states his admiration for the players helping Final Fantasy XI to continue all these past seven years and how they helped it mature into such a fantastic experience. While Final Fantasy XIV will take the series in a new direction, Tanaka sincerely looks forward to delivering something that all users can thoroughly enjoy, and hopes you look forward to its release.
Komoto also expresses his fascination at the amazing world that the users have built Final Fantasy XI into. Komoto hopes to continue to develop a place where users can meet each other, make lasting friendships, maintain sporting rivalries, and most importantly, enjoy the experience in any manner they wish. Final Fantasy XIV will be an MMO that provides such freedom, and introduce a new land in which players can accompany their friends and challenge their rivals.
Q: How is the announcement of Final Fantasy XIV affecting the current players? Tanaka realizes that playing both XI and XIV could take up way too much time for the average player. Taking this into account, Final Fantasy XIV is designed to be much lighter on one's schedule and contain a wider variety of content so players can find the best way to enjoy the game for themselves. Final Fantasy XIV definitely will not be as rough on the player, and it is speculated that this will cause as eventual shift of users to the game.
Q: Is this the untimely end of Final Fantasy XI? Updates for Final Fantasy XI are planned out for the next year already, and there is no intention to stop after that. The development team has been divided between both games for some time now, so Tanaka says there is no reason to panic. There is still much more left that the team wants to do. Even within the next two Version Updates, the developers claim there is plenty of content in the works, and it will be tough to get it all in. Of course, this includes the next add-on scenario, "A Moogle Kupo d'Etat" - an addition that all players can look forward to!
Q: If I'm new to the MMO genre, why would I choose FFXIV over other games? A: We believe that players will fall in love with the world & story that we have created.
Q: What would you like to emphasize with this game? What is different from FFXI? A: For FFXIV, the keyword that we've been using is "The Growth and Development of the Character." We will have the same type of storytelling and high-quality graphics. We also want to expand and create new in-game systems. The player can grow & develop in a more natural way without putting too much weight on the player. We will expand the job system to make it fairly different from the one in FFXI. Another very important concept that takes a different direction from FFXI, for FFXIV we want to make it so the player can choose to play solo, in a party, 40 minutes, all-day... there will be content for ALL of those play styles and systems for all of those play styles.
Q: What happens to Final Fantasy XI now that we're moving to FFXIV? Are you going to phase it out or continue to publish new content for XI? How will the development team be split? A: The development for FFXIV started 4 or 5 years ago with primary ideas. Development started a few years ago, while FFXI was still being supported. FFXI will continue to be supported. There is another year of content planned. There are no plans for the near future to stop development on FFXI.
Q: Why did you decide to create a new MMO rather than focus on continuing FFXI? A: The tough thing about developing and maintaining an MMO is the huge amount of date involved. It’s impractical to focus solely on FFXI because the game would always have to be ported to the latest hardware. It would be extraordinarily difficult to manage the data for yet another port, so we decided to simply start fresh with new hardware.
A: It was said that FFXI has another year of content planned. Does that mean that after that year is up that FFXI is done with? No. To be specific, Square Enix has one year of content currently planned but has told us here at IGN that it isn't a mandated end for the series. If fans continue to support the game, then so will Square Enix.
Q: Have you thought about how you want to attract people who have never played an MMO? A: I think that the game’s visual style will attract a lot Final Fantasy fans who have never tried an MMO before.