Recent News/Archive 4

Around 10,940 accounts in violation of the FINAL FANTASY XI user agreement were suspended or banned today. Click here for details.

Today's report will outline our actions conducted from October 23, 2008 to November 20, 2008 in dealing with players violating the user agreement, as well as details on the activities, results, and goals of the Special Task Force. Click here for a report on the Special Task Force's overall activities.

With the release of each version update, Vana'diel continues its transformation into an ever more adventurer-friendly realm. In staying true to this tradition, the development team is working hard on a host of adjustments and additions that will allow our players to focus on what they do best: adventuring!

Read on for a sneak peek at some of the improvements scheduled for the December version update.

When a nondescript manhole first popped up one day on the streets of Jeuno, none of us gave it more than a passing glance. Little did we suspect it would be the gateway to a subterranean world of adventure and riches...

Today we get up close and personal with the industrious Moblin entrepreneur whose new business venture is set to take Vana'diel by storm. Your intrepid reporter Finleen has the exclusive scoop with Maze Mongers President and CEO Goldagrik right here!

We wanted to take a moment to remind all of the gifted artists out there that the deadline for the Fan Festival 2008 Art Contest is quickly approaching! The prizes for the contest have been updated on the official website, so eager adventurers that still need a bit of enticing will definitely want to check them out. Don't worry if you were unable to secure a ticket to the event; art contest entries will be accepted regardless of Fan Festival attendance. So get those creative juices flowing and have your masterpiece ready for submission by the November 23rd deadline.

Click here to learn more about the Fan Festival 2008 Art Contest!

We have exciting news for all of the budding artists out there: the Fan Festival 2008 Art Contest prizes have been revealed on the official website! We're proud to announce that the first-place winner in each category will receive a brand-new PC! Don't worry if you were unable to secure a ticket to the event; art contest entries will be accepted regardless of Fan Festival attendance. So get those creative juices flowing and have your masterpiece ready for submission by the November 23rd deadline.

Click here to learn more about the Fan Festival 2008 Art Contest!

We're pleased to announce that the next FINAL FANTASY XI version update is on track for an early December release. In addition to the long-awaited continuation of the epic Wings of the Goddess mission arc, this patch will also feature new content designed with low-level players in mind, brand-new systems unlike anything you've seen in Vana'diel before, and much, much more!

All the exciting details will be announced here as they become available, so be sure to check back on a regular basis!

Today's report will outline our actions conducted from September 26, 2008 to October 22, 2008 in dealing with players violating the user agreement, as well as details on the activities, results, and goals of the Special Task Force. Click here for a report on the Special Task Force's overall activities.

Around 8,580 accounts in violation of the FINAL FANTASY XI user agreement were suspended or banned today. Click here for details.

We're proud to introduce brand new FINAL FANTASY XI merchandise that is set to make its debut at Fan Festival 2008! A stylish card case and two meticulously crafted mascot key rings will be available at the merchandise area of the show. The new goods will be available at the Square Enix Official Online Merchandise Store soon after Fan Festival 2008.

Click here for more details!

The day that many adventurers have been dutifully waiting for is finally here—the Fan Festival 2008 website has launched! Intimate details about the event are now available for everyone to pore over including information on the activities, contests, hotel deals, event pricing, and more! Click here to visit the Fan Festival 2008 website! Please note: Fan Festival 2008 registration will be available in mid-October.

Under trees resplendent in autumn hues, the streets of the three nations were abuzz with anticipation. Townspeople bustled to and fro, carving pumpkins and sewing costumes for the masquerade. The annual Harvest Festival was nigh. And yet, amidst all the merriment, something was amiss. Anyone who turned an ear to the whispers of the crowd would soon hear the disquieting rumor that had struck fear into the hearts of commoner and noble alike. "Pyracmon is coming...coming to bring doom to us all!" On an isle far to the west, two young exorcists who had caught wind of these ill tidings descended to the vault of their church, hoping to uncover the story behind this unfamiliar moniker...

Adventurers with the courage to face the sinister tale are invited to read on.

* The ghoulishly fun Harvest Festival event will creep into town on Friday, October 17th at 1:00 (PDT), and skulk back into the shadows on Saturday, November 1st at 1:00.

We are proud to announce the launch of the "FINAL FANTASY XI 14-Day Free Trial"! Available for download exclusively through File Planet, the new release features the award-winning FINAL FANTASY XI, along with 3 content IDs with which to create characters, that is free to play for 14 days without the need of a credit card! This is the perfect opportunity to get your friends and family to test the waters of Vana'diel alongside you!

Click here to download the FINAL FANTASY XI 14-Day Free Trial!

Today's report will outline our actions conducted from August 27, 2008 to September 25, 2008 in dealing with players violating the user agreement, as well as details on the activities, results, and goals of the Special Task Force.

Click here for a report on the Special Task Force's overall activities.

Confounded chigoes! Blasted buffalo! Dagnabbit! Get back here, or I'll turn yer worthless hide into a leather jerkin! Hey, you over there! I'm talkin' to you, pardner! Ever wrangled a wild buffalo before?

What sort of calamity has befallen the hapless moogles of the Mog House Management Union (MHMU) this time? Read on for the full scoop!

"* Blazing Buffaloes will blitz into town at 01:00 on Friday, September 26 (PDT) and ride off into the sunset at 01:00 on Monday, October 6."

We're proud to announce the third FINAL FANTASY XI Fan Festival! Eager adventurers are advised to visit the freshly launched teaser website to glean a few details on the upcoming festivities! Click here to visit the Fan Festival 2008 teaser website!

The September version update is now ready for your downloading pleasure, with a veritable host of exciting new content that is bound to please! To prepare you for the mind-blowing experience that awaits, here's a quick recap of some of the items we've introduced on Topics thus far... - The revolutionary new Level Sync system. - The continuing episodes of Wings of the Goddess nation quests. - New elements and adjustments to Campaign. - An additional merit point category for dancers and scholars.

Learn all about the version update here.

On September 8, 2008 from 9:00 to 14:00 (PDT) there will be server maintenance. See the details here.

Adventurers of all stripes can look forward to enhancements galore in the upcoming September version update, designed to make questing in Vana'diel more gratifying than ever! If the first preview wasn't enough to whet your appetite, today we have the latest scoop on increased experience and the Myriad Arms of Balrahn quest sequence that will at long last allow players to forge these mysterious and highly anticipated mythic weapons. Dying to know more? Just read on!

Ladies and gentlemen, get ready for more streamlined adventuring—the September version update is just around the corner! Continuing in the tradition of enhancing creature comforts in your Vana'dielian lifestyle, we're proud to introduce a number of adjustments and additions scheduled to take place. Click here for more information.

Today's report will outline our actions conducted from July 23, 2008 to August 26, 2008 in dealing with players violating the user agreement, as well as details on the activities, results, and goals of the Special Task Force. Click here for a report on the Special Task Force's overall activities.

Around 6,180 accounts in violation of the FINAL FANTASY XI user agreement were suspended or banned today. Click here for details.

The FFXI development team is proud to announce the "Level Sync" system, a revolutionary new feature in the upcoming version update that will allow all players—grizzled veterans and novices alike—to adventure and gain experience together regardless of level differences! Click here for all the details!

Click here for an announcement regarding certain Notorious Monsters.

The Final Fantasy XI Players' Collection is an exclusive series of exquisite new accessories designed to bring you even deeper into the world of Vana'diel. Today, we've begun accepting orders for the first item in the series, the Tidal Talisman! Order deadline: Monday, September 1 at 6:00 pm. Click here for all the details! To proceed to the order page, click here.

In the ever-present attempt to render Campaign more agreeable to the player palate, the September version update will play host to a veritable smorgasbord of additions and tweaks, adjustments and tunings! Get the scoop right here.

Dancers and scholars, rejoice! The job-specific merit point category, Group 1, will finally be coming to you in the upcoming version update! Read on to find out more.

We're in Leipzig again this year! You are all invited to come and see us at our Square Enix booth. We're happy to welcome you all! Great goodies and surprises await! The GC homepage is now live! Click here for more information.

The FINAL FANTASY XI Vana'diel Collection 2008 for Windows, PlayStation 2, and Xbox 360, is now on sale for the low price of just $19.99! Click here to purchase FINAL FANTASY XI Vana'diel Collection 2008 at its new low price!

It is with great pleasure that we introduce the "Final Fantasy XI Players' Collection"—a new series of collectible accessories. The first item in the line-up will be available for order this summer. Click here to learn more.

The September version update just keeps getting bigger and better! We would like to take this opportunity to announce our intentions to implement some all-new features to both Dynamis and Limbus, as well as a few adjustments brought in by popular demand! Click here to find out all the juicy details!

The storyline for the episodic quests introduced in the Wings of the Goddess expansion pack is set to continue in the upcoming September version update. Adventurers will find themselves thrown into the midst of furious struggles for the continued survival of each nation. Read on to find out more.

The next version update brings with it a number of additions and adjustments to the highly anticipated "Myriad Arms of Balrahn," those mysterious weapons of myth and legend. Click here for more details.

The Premier Site Summit 2008 took place on Friday, July 25th in El Segundo, California, with representatives from each website invited to take spart in an amazing in-game exclusive. Each of the six sites was given a sneak peek at a preliminary version of an upcoming finished mythic weapon, and was then kind enough to share their impressions with the public. Click here for a listing of their reports!

Hi everyone! My name is Mumor, a fresh new starlet who loves to dance and sing! I'd love to perform a pretty little number for you right now, but we'll have to take a rain check on the fun, because something terrible is about to happen. My manager—well, daddy—has intercepted super secret information on the evil demon king, Ullegore. Apparently, Ullegore is scheming to gate-crash this year's Sunbreeze Festival and ruin it for everyone. But don't you worry! I won't let anything like that happen...because your smiles of happiness are worth fighting for! Click here to learn more about the Fantastic Fraulein Mumor Superheroine Stage Show. The Sunbreeze Festival is scheduled to take place from 1:00 am on Friday, August 1 until 1:00 am on Monday, August 18.

The next FINAL FANTASY XI Version Update has been scheduled to take place in early September. The development team is currently hard at work to bring you the following, just to name a few items: - The continuing episodes of nation quests for the Wings of the Goddess expansion. - Major battle-related tweaks and additions. - Adjustments to fellows and Campaign.

We will be posting more detailed information on the next version update right here on Topics as it becomes available, so stay tuned!

Ladies and Gentlemen! The winning numbers for the FINAL FANTASY XI 6th Anniversary Mog Bonanza event have now been randomly drawn under strict supervision.

From today, the winning numbers will be announced via a system message upon logging into the game. The same message can also be brought up by inputting the /servmes (/smes) command. So what are you waiting for? Log in and check the winning numbers now!

Prize money and items will be available for collection between 0:00 on July 2 (PDT) and 1:00 on August 1 (PDT). If you happen to be one of the lucky winners, speak to a Bonanza Moogle at one of the following locations while in possession of the winning marble (or marbles!): Port San d'Oria (I-9) / Port Bastok (L-8) / Port Windurst (F-6) / Chocobo Circuit (H-8)

Learn all about the Mog Bonanza here.
 * Please remember that all prizes won in the Mog Bonanza are virtual goods and cannot be redeemed for real-world money.

Celestial Nights—the romantic event based on the timeless tale of love and tragedy between Prince Yahiko and Princess Amdina—will soon be here, kupo! For this year's celebration, in each of the three nations, two actors are scheduled to promenade in their respective locales as the prince and princess on a royal rendezvous. Be sure to join us in this event of unrivaled grandeur, and—

... Who on Vana'diel am I trying to fool, kupo? None of the actors have been able to concentrate, and the rehearsals have been a right mess. If we don't do something about it, and soon, the event is doomed to fail. But...what could a single moogle like me possibly do...kupo?

What manner of ill fortune has befallen the Mog House Management Union (MHMU) this time? Click here to find out.

* Celestial Nights is scheduled to commence at 1:00 on June 27 (PDT) and conclude at 1:00 on July 8 (PDT).

Read about the June 18th update here.

A survey regarding PC specs and internet connections for PlayOnline customers using Windows PCs was put online today. Survey period: June 17, 2008 (Tuesday), 3:00 (PDT) – June 30, 2008 (Monday), 2:00 (PDT). The survey's results will be used for the future improvement of PlayOnline's services. We ask that you fill out the survey here.

The June version update has arrived! With a plethora of changes and improvements across the board, there is bound to be something for everyone. Here's a quick recap of some of the items we've introduced thus far: And a whole lot more! Read all about it here.
 * New missions for the Wings of the Goddess storyline.
 * New campaign elements such as additional medals and ranks.
 * Battle-related adjustments to elements such as jobs and merit points.
 * New content for fellows and chocobo raising.

The legendary horned stallion, Ixion... Feared by some as the reaper of souls, spawned from the blackest depths of the abyss...  Revered by others as a symbol of mankind's salvation, the divine incarnation of a celestial being...  Ixion, the wielder of lightning, is come! Read the full story here.

New Notorious Monsters (NMs) will be added to areas introduced in the Treasures of Aht Urhgan expansion pack in the forthcoming version update, with simplified access to their battlefields. Proceed here for more details.

The next version update will contain a number of changes to the Einherjar venue. Click here to view all the details.

Several adjustments to the battle system are scheduled for the upcoming version update. Click here for details.

Rumor has it that a large flock of chocobos has been seen galloping out at the Pashhow Marshlands at breakneck speed. But that's not all, readers. Our source tells us that a hodgepodge assemblage of monsters—yes, monsters—has also been witnessed thundering alongside these flightless avians with equally impressive tenacity. What in the name of Altana is going on? While delving deep into this mystery, one of our reporters was able to make contact with an adventurer claiming insider status to this bizarre occurrence. Only on the condition of anonymity did this individual reluctantly agree to an interview. And now, for the first time, the nature of the secret conversation between our reporter and the adventurer known only as "Deep Moat" will be revealed to the public. Click here to learn the shocking truth!

The next version update will usher in a number of new additions to the Campaign system, as well as several changes to existing elements. Click here to view an outline of these upcoming alterations!

As a part of our continuing efforts to improve the convenience and enjoyment of life in Vana'diel, we plan to introduce several changes that include the appearance of nomad moogles in Selbina and Mhaura, as well as adjustments to the supply quests. Click here to find out more.

Final Fantasy XI Piano Collections is scheduled to be released on June 25th, however the official site is finally open! So far, few details have been disclosed about the songs in the recording studio by the composer Naoshi Mizuta, the user comments and content is worrisome! More to come in addition to the scheduled release on the 25th, so be sure to check out the site regularly! "Final Fantasy XI Piano Collections" is the official site, here !

Today we bring you the 8th Vana'diel Census, which marks the sixth anniversary of FINAL FANTASY XI! In addition to the standard job level distribution and relic-level item charts, this year we've included some fascinating data relating to the new expansion disc Wings of the Goddess, as well as other never-before-seen statistics such as the number of players who've earned the right to wear Maat's Cap! Take this opportunity to see a slice of Vana'diel, as brought to you by our operation and development teams. The 8th Vana'diel Census can be found here.

Adjustments and additions to fellows have been scheduled for the next version update. Proceed here for a sneak preview.

Comfortable, fuss-free adventuring for all players is one of our biggest priorities. That is why for the next version update, we will be implementing some changes intended to make Vana'dielian living that much more convenient. Over the next few weeks in Topics, we will be giving you sneak previews of these changes, so stay tuned! Proceed here to find out how your Vana'dielian lifestyle will change!

As of this very April 16th, it has been a hearty and memorable six years since adventurers the world over first began embarking on their online escapades in Vana'diel. Seizing upon any chance for unbridled celebration and revelry, and lest we be accused of breaking from tradition, today will therefore herald in the annual Adventurer Appreciation Campaign! Hm...? What in tarnation...? Does anyone else see that crazed moogle over there flailing his arms about like a sweaty-winged madman? Looks like he's sure got something important to say. Click here to give the frenzied moogle a listen. This year's Adventurer Appreciation Campaign will commence on Monday, May 12th, 2008 at 1:00AM and last until Wednesday, May 28th, 2008 at 1:00AM.

As they wander the battlefields of the Crystal War, adventurers will encounter Lilisette, an eccentric dancer who is shadowing the mysterious Cait Sith. Her unprecedented actions will slowly but surely warp the very fabric of the age... Click here to learn more about the unfolding story of the Wings of the Goddess!

By now the name of Balrahn, great restorer of the Empire of Aht Urhgan, has resounded throughout Vana'diel, reaching the ears of all in the form of both history and legend. Recently, a complete listing of the Imperial Treasury somehow fell into the hands of the public, once again bringing this great hero's name to the forefront of rumors and tales around the city. Here, we will present a choice sample of that listing for you intrepid and ambitious adventurers. Click here to see what treasures await in the Imperial coffers.

The Final Fantasy XI 6th Anniversary commemorative event that you've all been waiting for—the Mog Bonanza—is finally here! Bonanza marbles are now available for purchase from Bonanza Moogles at a nation near you. Don't miss this rare chance to win riches beyond your wildest Vana'dielian dreams! Learn more about the Mog Bonanza here.
 * Please remember that all prizes won in the Mog Bonanza are virtual goods and cannot be redeemed for real-world money.

Valiant adventurers of Vana'diel! The time for the Feast of Swords is once again upon us, kupo! We know things haven't been running too smoothly up until now, kupo... But this year, the Mog House Management Union has a precocious plan that can't possibly fail! Huh? That's what we said last year, kupo? Click here to take a peek at our preparations, and see for yourself, kupo!
 * The Feast of Swords will be held from 01:00 on April 28 (Monday), 2008 until 01:00 on May 7 (Wednesday), 2008, (PDT).

We are pleased to announce that the next FINAL FANTASY XI version update has been scheduled to take place in early June. The addition of compelling new missions to the Wings of the Goddess storyline will form the heart of this update. Other content includes a new ranking system for Campaign, battle-related tweaks encompassing jobs and merit points, and additions and adjustments to fellows and chocobo raising. Stay tuned for the latest information on the above additions and changes.

There has been a recent outbreak of unauthorized third-party access all across the internet. It should not come as a surprise that PlayOnline and FINAL FANTASY XI users have also been targeted and harmed by unauthorized third-party access. Due to the current situation, the FINAL FANTASY XI development and management teams looked into expanding the policy dealing with unauthorized access for users who have had their accounts accessed by third parties. Today, the new policy and its corresponding support services went into effect. The primary changes to the policy include the addition of relief measures according to a management team's investigation, a likely increase in support response times, and a larger selection of recovery points for players whose game data has been lost. In addition to the policy changes, details regarding preventative measures for dealing with unauthorized access and procedures for recovering one's account are also included on the page. Click here for details.

FINAL FANTASY XI Vana'diel Collection 2008 for Windows will be hitting store shelves soon! The collection includes the complete award-winning original game plus all four expansions (Rise of the Zilart, Chains of Promathia, Treasures of Aht Urhgan and Wings of the Goddess) on one easy-to-install DVD. The package features a fold-out map of Vana'diel, command lists and mini starting nation walkthroughs to help new players begin their adventure! Every copy comes with a 30-day free trial and a Vana'diel Buddy Pass to invite a friend to try FINAL FANTASY XI. Click here to purchase FINAL FANTASY XI Vana'diel Collection 2008 for Windows!

The winning entries for this year's Doll Festival Fan Art Contest have been selected, kupo! The moogles at the Mog House Management Union (MHMU) have painstakingly hand-picked the winners from a whopping 400-plus quality entries. With quirkily cute ladies, graciously gallant femme fatales, and bodaciously beautiful maidens of the battlefield among those who made it into the list, we've no doubt you will thoroughly enjoy this year's fan portrayals of "The Ladies of Vana'diel," kupo! Check out the winning entries here. (Official Site)

Special Task Force Report Today's report will outline our actions conducted from February 21, 2008 to March 25, 2008 in dealing with players violating the user agreement, as well as details on the activities, results, and goals of the Special Task Force. Click here for a report on the Special Task Force's overall activities.

Square Enix to end support for Final Fantasy this summer in order to promote its new MMORPG. Read about it here. APRIL FOOLS'''

What on Vana'diel is going on outside? What does a moogle have to do to enjoy a simple afternoon nap, kupo!? Hm? The town square is abuzz with throngs and throngs of people. I wonder what's brewing, kupo? Uh-oh. I totally forgot all about the Egg Hunt! It...it's starting today, kupoooooo! I almost slept through the job again! How could I forget my most important task to gather and introduce egg-citing episodes from our brave adventurers? If I don't get to the Mog House Management Union (MHMU) soon, the boss will be so angry that he'll use my poor nose in place of a festival egg, kupo! Hurry here to learn how to participate in the festival. And here, to read "My Egg-citing Episode" submissions from fellow adventurers, kupo! The festival will be held from March 13, 2008 at 01:00 until March 24, 2008 at 01:00 (PDT).

Ladies and gentlemen, the eagerly-awaited version update is finally here! Numerous adjustments and additions, including those addressed in Topics over the past few weeks, are now ready for your gaming pleasure. Here is a brief recap of the improvements for those who came in late:

-Adjusted and improved job and battle systems -New Campaign elements -Exciting new quests for dancers and scholars -A host of new items and equipment -And more!

Click here for all the juicy details!