Final Fantasy XIV
News, coverage and analysis tracking Final Fantasy XIV across the outlets.
Popular Online Video Games Right Now (2026)This article discusses the factors contributing to the enduring popularity of online video games in 2026, focusing on competitive balance, social interaction, and continuous updates. It categorizes popular genres like tactical shooters, battle royales, MMORPGs, MOBAs, and co-op sandbox games, offering advice on choosing a game that fits individual preferences and schedules. The piece also touches upon the potential downsides of live-service models, such as pressure from daily rewards and battle passes, and emphasizes the importance of responsible play and time management.- Secretlab Gaming Chairs And Desks Are Getting Big Memorial Day DiscountsSecretlab is offering significant discounts on its gaming chairs and desks for Memorial Day. Select Titan Evo chairs are $100 off, and Magnus Pro desks are discounted by up to $129. The sale also includes accessories and runs until June 2.
- Final Fantasy 11 Team Explores Adding New Areas as Player Count ExplodesFollowing a significant surge in player count for Final Fantasy XI, attributed to a Final Fantasy XIV crossover event, director Yoji Fujito is exploring the possibility of adding new areas and story content to the 24-year-old MMORPG. This renewed popularity has prompted discussions about future expansions for the game.
Once cruelly stolen away, FF14's ultra-cute otter backpack is finally returning for goodThe highly anticipated Senor Otter Pack cosmetic item for Final Fantasy XIV is returning permanently with the Make It Rain 2026 event, which begins May 29. This event, celebrating the Manderville Gold Saucer, will also feature a Senor Otter minion and a 50% boost to Gold Saucer Points earned. The item was previously distributed erroneously in patch 7.5 and subsequently removed.
Running Final Fantasy 14 for 16 years means Square Enix knows live service, former exec says, but it's "used to being slow" and has "failed to bring its IP to a new generation"Former Square Enix executive Jacob Navok believes the company, despite its success with Final Fantasy 14, is too slow to adapt and has failed to bring its intellectual property to a new generation. He suggests collaborations and being present on platforms popular with younger audiences, like Roblox and Fortnite, are crucial for Square Enix to appeal to new players and revitalize its brands.
Destiny 2 was never going to last forever, but that's what made it specialDestiny 2's final content update, Moment of Triumph, launches June 9, marking the end of its live-service era. While the game will remain playable, Bungie is shifting focus to new projects like Marathon, potentially leading to layoffs. The article reflects on the unique value of live-service games and the memories they create, drawing parallels to Destiny's predecessor and contrasting Bungie's approach with Square Enix's handling of Final Fantasy 14.- Final Fantasy XI is expanding its free trial without time limits after realizing new players stick aroundFinal Fantasy XI producer and director Yoji Fujito has confirmed that the game's free trial will be expanded to remove the time limit and allow players to reach level 75. This change comes as the development team has observed sustained player interest beyond initial expectations, particularly following a crossover event with Final Fantasy XIV. An exact release date for the update has not yet been announced.
- Vague Patch Notes: Do you guys not make friends?This opinion piece discusses the historical practice of account sharing in older MMORPGs like Final Fantasy XI and EverQuest, arguing that it stemmed from a need for community and friendship. The author contends that while online interactions can be challenging, MMORPGs provide unique opportunities for players to form meaningful connections and shared experiences, even if it requires effort.
FFXIV Growing Light Soundtrack and YouTube Emojis AppearSquare Enix has released the Final Fantasy XIV Growing Light Original Soundtrack on various streaming services, featuring 93 tracks from Endwalker patches up to 6.5. Additionally, new FFXIV emojis are now available on the game's official YouTube channel for channel members. Final Fantasy XIV is currently available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, with a Nintendo Switch version planned for August 2026.- Perfect Ten: The best jobs in Final Fantasy XIThis article discusses the ten most unique and memorable jobs in the MMORPG Final Fantasy XI, celebrating its 24th anniversary. It highlights how each job, from Red Mage to Dragoon, found a distinct niche within the game's mechanics, even if not always the most powerful.
Main Types of Online Games and Why They Are Popular | Invision Game CommunityThis article analyzes the popularity of various online game types, including MMORPGs, mobile games, online casino games, competitive titles, and browser-based games. It highlights factors like social commitment, convenience, accessibility, and competitive environments that contribute to their widespread appeal and sustained player engagement.
Final Fantasy 11 is still kicking, despite the MMO's boss expecting a "sharp decline" in interest once its Final Fantasy 14 crossover and welcome back campaigns wrapped upDespite expectations of a sharp decline after crossover and welcome back campaigns, Final Fantasy XI has maintained a stable and high player count, exceeding the expectations of director and producer Yoji Fujito. While major developments like new story expansions are challenging due to technical limitations and a short-staffed team, Fujito views the current period as a preparatory phase for future growth.
Final Fantasy 11 expected a 'sharp player decline' once the hype from the FF14 crossover and welcome back campaigns ended, but that never cameDespite expectations of a player decline after crossover events and welcome back campaigns, Final Fantasy XI has maintained a steady player base. Director and producer Yoji Fujito expressed surprise at this retention, noting that the game, originally released on PlayStation 2 and PC, continues to perform well. The discussion also touched upon the potential for new content and the importance of MMO conservation.
Former Square Enix exec says backlash over Final Fantasy 6 AI mock-up shared by the JRPG series' creator "shows how far down the rabbit hole the madness goes"Former Square Enix executive Jacob Navok commented on the controversy surrounding Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi sharing an AI-generated mock-up for a Final Fantasy 6 remake. While Sakaguchi faced criticism from some industry figures, Navok defended his right to explore AI technology. The article also touches on Square Enix's internal use of AI for quality assurance and the broader industry's cautious approach to generative AI in game development.
Ares: The Iron Vanguard Launches Global Early Preview - GameHauntAres: The Iron Vanguard has launched its global early preview on PC, offering free access until May 27, 2026. This sci-fi action RPG from Com2uS Holdings has been rebuilt for Western markets, shifting its focus from its Korean MMORPG origins to a more prominent single-player story experience. The game features a unique four-class suit swap system for combat and offers solo play, co-op raids, and PvP arenas as endgame content.
Final Fantasy 14 Evercold sleuths think they've figured out the MMO's new jobs, and it's thanks to the new expansion's theme that Yoshi-P hoped we wouldn't notice yetFinal Fantasy 14 players are speculating about the new jobs coming in the Evercold expansion, based on clues from director Naoki Yoshida's shirt. Theories suggest a tank job might be a 'Sentinel' or a 'Matador' wielding a hammer, while the DPS job remains more mysterious, with some suggesting a yo-yo-like weapon.- Wisdom of Nym: How different will tanks and melee DPS jobs be in Final Fantasy XIV’s Evolved mode?This analysis speculates on how Evolved Mode in Final Fantasy XIV will alter existing tank and melee DPS jobs. It examines Paladin, Warrior, Gunbreaker, Dark Knight, Dragoon, Ninja, Reaper, Monk, Samurai, Viper, and Pictomancer, predicting which will feel similar and which will undergo significant changes due to the new system.
The Best PC Games To Play In 2026This guide highlights the best PC games available in 2026, spanning various genres and including both recent releases and enduring live-service titles. The list emphasizes games that run well on PC, with considerations for hardware and accessibility, and notes that many titles are also playable on devices like the Steam Deck.- MMO Week in Review: The Only Way to the Cradle of WarThis week's MMO news roundup covers major announcements from EVE Online's Cradle of War expansion and Star Citizen's alpha 4.8 Tactical Strike. Guild Wars 2 launched The Only Way update, while Amazon's Lord of the Rings MMORPG fate remains uncertain. NCsoft and Pearl Abyss reported strong financial quarters, and various other MMOs like Farever, EverQuest Legends, and Subnautica 2 were discussed.
What would be your go-to gaming soundtrack to recommend to a non-gamer?This article discusses which video game soundtracks would be best recommended to non-gamers, exploring tracks from games like Final Fantasy 10 and L.A. Noire. The author shares personal experiences and asks readers for their own recommendations to introduce people to the world of video game music.