Currently, the Final Fantasy series is enjoying a bit of a renaissance. Although Final Fantasy VII Remake is dominating sales charts and public attention, Final Fantasy XIV is the game in the news due to an unfortunate announcement. Recently, the game’s producer and director, Naoki Yoshida, announced that Square Enix was canceling the annual Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival.
In a letter to the Square Enix forums, Yoshida explained that while the North American Fan Festival wasn’t until November, but that they were canceling in advance. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Square Enix concluded that it needed to cancel because it ultimately “could not guarantee the health” of attendees and staffers. However, Yoshida said that he and the developers were looking to hold another North American festival “in the first half of 2021.” Due to public safety restrictions, Square Enix is also looking into hosting digital events instead. The Japanese and European Fan Festivals (in December and next February respectively) are still on schedule.
As for Final Fantasy XIV’s 5.3 patch, Yoshida said there would be at least a month-long debate. However, the producer/director said that the development team was operating at “90% capability,” and promised to keep the delay as brief as possible.
Although this announcement will disappoint Final Fantasy XIV fans, Square Enix’s choice is for the best. Thankfully, the series developer has shown the proper concern for public safety, and the understanding players probably need. For example, the developer allowed lapsed Final Fantasy XIV fans to return to the game for free. Despite this cancellation, it’s clear that Square Enix will take care of its community.
Final Fantasy 14 is out now for PC, PS4 and Xbox One.
Source: Square Enix
