As per Yoji Fujito, the mastermind behind Final Fantasy XI as both producer and director, the game’s support might have concluded in 2024. However, due to strong player engagement, Square Enix opted against ceasing its support for the MMO. In fact, anticipate a lineup of fresh updates this spring and summer.
Initially released for PlayStation 2 in Japan on May 16, 2002, Final Fantasy XI was the inaugural MMO in the enduring RPG series. Since then, ongoing live-service support has been provided, making it playable on PC. Reviewed by TopMob as far back as 2003, this game has persevered through Square’s merger with Enix, the rocky debut and acclaimed revival of Final Fantasy XIV, and numerous other shifts in the MMO landscape over the past 23 years. Although it may not be the most widely played MMO, it maintains a devoted and fervent fanbase.
It was ultimately the fervent fanbase that prevented the discontinuation of Final Fantasy XI, as detailed in an interview with Dengeki Online, translated by Automaton Media. Previously, Square Enix had mulled over ceasing support for the game by 2024 after wrapping up The Voracious Resurgence storyline.
Fujito mentioned that there was a strong chance 2024 would mark the final updates for the game, transitioning it into what’s often called maintenance mode, where only essential upkeep tasks are carried out. He suggested if The Voracious Resurgence concluded and Final Fantasy XI started losing its popularity, we might need to consider shutting it down. However, that didn’t occur. Instead, he interpreted this as a signal that we should continue operating the game.
Essentially, Fujito points out that the ongoing dedication from Final Fantasy XI players is what keeps Square Enix invested in maintaining the game. Notably, they’ve announced a series of updates for its 23rd year of service, featuring new content like The Orb’s Radiance High-Tier Mission Battlefield, the Wing of War Master Trial, character customization options including race, gender, and appearance changes, support for gamepads, and more.
Final Fantasy XI is available on PC, and support for it does not seem to be ending anytime soon.
Read More
2025-05-19 20:09