Final Fantasy XIV 2.0 Coming to PS3 in 2012

Those who played Final Fantasy XIV will know that it was essentially a coded mess! In fact taking the time to list all its horrific wrong doings would take too long. However, director Naoki Yoshida and Square Enix CEO Yoichi Wada are far from an ignorant bunch and have decided to give the game a major overhaul. With the restructuring comes the announcement (via open letter) of the PS3 version, which is being targeted for an October/December 2012 release and an intent to bring back a subscription model for the game.

“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 Wada.

“We will need to bring the unbilled period to a close between late November and early December 2011, and introduce our subscription-based billing system,” Wada said.

“I appreciate that this decision will not be popular, but it is a necessary step in building upon the foundation our fans and development team have made together and to realise the full potential of Final Fantasy XIV.”

“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.

“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.”

“Among our new plans is the fundamental reworking of in-game maps,” Square said. “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.

“After the new client is completed, new software for the PC version will be distributed online, and can be acquired free of charge. 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”.

Yoichi Wada summed up their commitment to the project by saying, “The team will stop short of nothing as they move towards realizing the new Final Fantasy XIV, and as they do so, I humbly ask for both your understanding and support.”

Looking forward to the redesign? Feel this is a waste of man power and time would be better spent focusing on a completly new project? Slightly reserved about having to pay a subscription fee for Final Fantasy XIV with all the great free to play MMO’s streaming through? Let us know.

Source: CVG