December Topics, 2009

Regarding Malicious Third-Party Programs used in FINAL FANTASY XI (12/24/2009)

Over a period of time, we have been monitoring an individual responsible for the creation, sale and distribution of 2 third party tools in violation of the rules of the FINAL FANTASY XI service and various state and federal laws. The tools were utilized by players and gil farmers to gain an unfair advantage over other players in a variety of ways. As a result of our investigation, we have taken appropriate action against the individual, have halted distribution of the programs and have disabled the servers used to run them.

We are in the process of investigating other third party tools originating in the U.S. and abroad and will take similar action against the creators and their customers when we are ready to do so. We have a zero-tolerance policy against any attempts to artificially manipulate FINAL FANTASY XI gameplay or the PlayOnline service. Usage of third-party tools will not be tolerated within the FINAL FANTASY XI community, and we will continue to ban user accounts for consumers of these products and will potentially take legal actions against those who create the tools.

We would like to remind players that, in addition to adversely affecting game balance, using third party tools or cheats can also have potential consequences that are not immediately obvious, as they often contain damaging viruses and Trojan horse programs, which may result in the transmission of account details.

We continually strive to create a fun and balanced environment for FINAL FANTASY XI, and we hope that our efforts ensure that our players continue to enjoy the experience.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and understanding.

FINAL FANTASY XI Steam Holiday Sale! (12/23/2009)

The FINAL FANTASY XI ULTIMATE COLLECTION now available for digital distribution via Steam is on sale for the holidays! For the reduced price of $11, you can download the collection—including the award-winning original game, all four expansions (Rise of the Zilart, Chains of Promathia, Treasures of Aht Urhgan, and Wings of the Goddess), and all three add-on scenarios (A Crystalline Prophecy, A Moogle Kupo d'Etat, and A Shantotto Ascension).

Users purchasing the ULTIMATE COLLECTION via Steam will also be eligible for the Nexus Cape; the in-game bonus item presented to owners of all three add-on scenarios. Use Steam's Gift Purchasing feature, and surprise a friend or family member!

Visit the official Steam FINAL FANTASY XI page here!

Moggy New Year Bonanza Imminent! (12/18/2009)

That's right, folks! Mog Bonanza, the event adventurer dreams are made of, will soon commence!

Have your deeds of late earned a smile from Lady Luck?
Will your new year prove to be just happy, or happy and moggy both?
Your hopes for Vana'dielian bliss rest upon those gleaming orange spheres known as bonanza marbles!

Learn about the Mog Bonanza here.

*Marble sales are scheduled to commence on Thursday, December 24 at 00:00am (PST).

Starlight Smiles for One and All! (12/11/2009)

Look at that glum face! No, no, that won't do at all. How do you expect to bring mirth and merriment to the children of Vana'diel if you can't even turn your own frown upside down!? Fortunately, I've got just the tale to raise your spirits.

So sit up, perk your ears, and listen to the tale of a down-on-his-luck smilebringer—not unlike yourself—who made his Starlight wish come true.

Shantotto Fan Art Gallery Open for Public Viewing!
 (12/09/2009)

O-hohoho!
The recent fan art contest that duly pays homage to me
saw a veritable deluge of entries flowing in fast and free.

Each masterpiece is a unique portrayal of my inimitable essence,
glorifying my unsurpassed beauty, might, and overwhelming presence.
I extend to you a rare privilege to admire and adore
the said masterpieces—they'll surely send your heart to soar.

Step through the portal and be whisked away
to the gallery where all entries are on display.

From the FINAL FANTASY XI Development Team

Version Update Complete! (12/07/2009)

It is with pleasure that we announce the arrival of the version update featuring the exciting new Synergy and Evolith systems. Get together with your craftiest friends to create heretofore unseen items and put the perfect finishing touches on your arms and armor, old and new alike!

Want to learn more? Peruse the details here.