Final Fantasy XI Avoided 2024 Shutdown Due to Strong Player Support
- ⚡Xe⚡
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Yoji Fujito, producer and director of Final Fantasy XI, revealed in a recent interview with Dengeki Online that the game was at a serious risk of ending service in 2024. According to Fujito, Square Enix had considered ceasing updates and potentially shutting down the game entirely after more than two decades of operation.
"There was a real possibility that 2024 would be the year updates would come to an end, with the game shifting into a so-called maintenance mode, where only system upkeep would be performed."
Fujito explained that the initial plan was to conclude support following the completion of The Voracious Resurgence storyline. Furthermore, the aging server infrastructure led to even more drastic considerations.
"...they even considered completely shutting down the game."
However, the approach of Final Fantasy XI's 20th anniversary in 2022 brought a significant wave of support from the player base. Fujito emphasized the crucial role of player engagement in the decision to continue the game's operation.
"We thought, if The Voracious Resurgence wrapped up and FFXI clearly started losing its momentum, then maybe we really should prepare to end it. But that didn’t happen. I took this as a sign that we should keep running the game."
The continued activity of players, who have maintained the game's monthly subscription since its launch in 2002, served as a clear indication of the community's dedication.
"...the dev team received 'a lot of support' from players requesting for FFXI to be continued in the long term."
As a result of this sustained player interest, Square Enix decided to invest in updating Final Fantasy XI's infrastructure and reorganized the development team under Yoji Fujito, who took over from Akihiko Matsui. This renewed commitment has led to the recent announcement of upcoming updates, including a new high-tier mission battlefield, gamepad configuration adjustments, a new Morale gauge, the highly anticipated character race change feature, and new content for the Limbus battle system.
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-⚡Xe⚡