The second iteration of Final Fantasy 14, launched in 2013, has demonstrated remarkable resilience compared to its initial 2010 release. However, recent events have stirred discontent within the FF14 community following the removal of a popular mod, which subsequently led to a wave of negative reviews on Steam. In response, director Naoki Yoshida has issued a statement to players regarding the ongoing mod dispute.
Yoshida`s comprehensive remarks were published on FF14`s official website. He specifically requested that media outlets avoid quoting excerpts from his statement. Nevertheless, given its considerable length—nearly 2,000 words—a concise summary is necessary. The controversy originated when Square Enix`s legal team sent a notice to modder DarkArchon concerning “Mare Synchronos,” a mod that allowed players` customized avatars to be visible to others outside of their personal game client. Upon Square Enix`s demand for its removal, a segment of the player base expressed their displeasure through a barrage of negative Steam reviews.
While Yoshida acknowledges and even holds admiration for certain fan-made creations, he firmly opposes mods that negatively impact the game`s fundamental intent or design. He provided a potential scenario where Square Enix could face legal repercussions in some countries if mods displaying nude characters were to appear in the game. Furthermore, he highlighted that customized appearances mimicking paid in-game content can devalue the services and collectibles offered by Square Enix, which are vital for generating the revenue necessary to keep the game financially sustainable.
Yoshida concluded his address by affirming his respect for the long-standing tradition of modding in PC gaming. However, he urged players to engage in modding practices while consistently respecting the rules and overall integrity of Final Fantasy 14.
Towards the end of last year, Square Enix expanded Final Fantasy 14`s reach to mobile platforms and unveiled its fifth major expansion, Dawntrail. More recently, Yoshida reiterated his commitment to ensuring Final Fantasy 14 remains compatible with PlayStation 4 for as long as technically feasible. He did, however, concede that the hardware limitations of the PS4 might present increasing challenges in maintaining this compatibility moving forward.
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This article summarizes director Naoki Yoshida`s statement regarding the Final Fantasy XIV mod controversy and the game`s subsequent review-bombing on Steam.