
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. "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. Today, I am pleased to announce we can confidently present that plan to our customers. "In the ten months since the Final Fantasy 14 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. "Your encouraging words and continued loyalty have been a source of immeasurable inspiration to everyone involved with Final Fantasy 14's development. "One year has passed since the game's release, and despite the disappointment surrounding its launch, we have received a wealth of support from you, the players," he said. Square Enix boss Yoichi Wada said he was aware the decision would upset fans, but described it as a "necessary step". The game has been free to play for a year following its disastrous launch. Meanwhile, Square Enix announced it will begin charging players to play the PC version from next month.

"Another announcement will be made in the future as the day on which the new Final Fantasy 14 software will become available for download draws near, and the PlayStation 3 system version officially released." Character data and progress for players already playing the PC version will also be preserved, allowing those players to continue using their in-game avatars. "After the new client is completed, new software for the PC version will be distributed online, and can be acquired free of charge. "As part of this process, there will be a period required for switching over to a new client and new servers, after which there will be a large transfer of data when service is brought back online. "Among our new plans is the fundamental reworking of in-game maps," FF14 producer/director Naoki Yoshida said.

The PlayStation 3 version isn't expected to launch until January 2013 or beyond. It plans to integrate the "current service" and the PS3 version into an "all-new" FF14, called Final Fantasy 14 Online Version 2.0, between October and December 2012.ĭuring this "reboot phase" the Japanese publisher will offer a second free trial, as well as a closed beta test for the PS3 version. Square Enix has re-announced the PlayStation 3 version of MMO Final Fantasy 14.
