Since its launch last September the MMO has been free-to-play because of problems. They offer a ”theme of a story” during the transition. PS3 dated late 2012.
Monthly subscription charges will start up again near the end of November, early December time ending the current free-to-play ‘compensation’ to owners of Final Fantasy XIV. Square plan to make the v2.0 transition a part of the world’s lore it seems.
”Between now and release of the new FINAL FANTASY XIV, we will do as much as possible by way of fine-tuning the game and adding new content. Our focus will be on the theme of a story that can only be experienced in the here and now, and the dramatic changes to Eorzea will be incorporated into that storyline,” said director Naoki Yoshida.
”Each update will deliver an unprecedented and unrepeatable game experience. For those of you continuing to play, I promise that the release of these updates and the eventual transition to the new FINAL FANTASY XIV will both come smoothly and seamlessly.”
The PlayStation 3 version of Final Fantasy XIV will be releasing within the October-December quarter of 2012. A second free period will be given during that time which is joined by a mandatory switch to a new PC client for the presently troubled MMO.
”In the ten months since the FINAL FANTASY XIV team’s restructuring, we have put forth the utmost effort into not only improving the game’s existing features, but also creating a concrete plan to outline the game’s new direction,” said Square Enix CEO Yoichi Wada.
“Today, I am pleased to announce we can confidently present that plan to our customers. We fully realize this is but a single step towards our ultimate goal, and that to meet the high standards set in the plan, more time is required.”
”In the meantime, however, we will not waver in our commitment to bringing players exciting and engaging content, even as the game moves through its evolution.”
Check out the full open letter to the Final Fantasy XIV community from Square.
