Naoki Yoshida Issues Statement on Final Fantasy XIV Mod Use Following "Mare Synchronos" Shutdown
- ⚡Xe⚡
- Aug 28
- 3 min read
Naoki Yoshida has issued a detailed statement on mod usage following the recent shutdown of the Mare Synchronos add-on. The official post, published on August 28, is titled "Regarding Mod Usage and Culture" and explains Square Enix’s stance on third-party tools.
Yoshida shared his perspective both as a PC gamer and as the head of Final Fantasy XIV:
"In the past twenty or so years, I've seen numerous positive examples of games with fan-made mods that expand upon existing gameplay."
"I've spoken about this multiple times in the past, but my own personal stance regarding mods─that I do tolerate them─has not changed."
He stressed that mods are only acceptable under strict conditions. They must stay for personal use, be the responsibility of the individual, and not negatively affect the game’s design, services, or other players.
"If players continue to uphold the above premise of mods enhancing one's personal enjoyment of the game and acknowledge that they are taking responsibility for what they download, I personally see no reason to track down or investigate gamers for the general use of mods."
Yoshida also explained where mods cross the line. For example, with Ultimate raid gear, visual mods that only affect the user are fine. But if those appearances are visible to others, they diminish the value of the achievements earned by players.
"In this example, other players have been infringed upon, and the intended design of the game has been negatively impacted."
The same applies to optional items from the FFXIV Online Store. Mods that give free access to store gear harm fairness and the financial health of the game. Yoshida pointed to rising server and operational costs:
"We do not want to increase subscription fees for players, if at all possible—but keeping our game running requires sufficient income. If we start creating a deficit, FFXIV may no longer be able to operate."
He also warned about nudity mods, especially when shared publicly:
"FFXIV itself may be subject to legal measures by regulators in certain countries."
Yoshida further explained the risks of mods that rewrite files or create visual changes visible to others:
"Even if the creator of the mod simply intended for players to readily access and enjoy their favorite gear, they have detrimentally affected both the game and the wider player community."
"Even supposing that this theoretical mod provided generous improvements to the game and was well received by all players, the moment a problematic feature is introduced to said mod, we must insist that players stop using it."
He made it clear that Square Enix must act if mods threaten FFXIV’s balance, fairness, or services:
"We are given no choice but to act if mods even incidentally threaten player motivation or the viability of our services."
Yoshida also confirmed the team is exploring ways to expand official customization:
"It is my hope to incorporate player feedback and officially fulfill as many functionality requests as possible. I am also considering how to increase the freedom of choice players have in the gear they choose to equip."
He ended his message by thanking players for their support during the game’s 12th anniversary and hinting at future news:
"for those wondering what comes after the Japan Fan Fest... while I can't give any details just yet, rest assured you won't have to wait long."
Source:
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-⚡Xe⚡
About FINAL FANTASY XIV Online
With over 30 million total registered players, FINAL FANTASY XIV is one of the most popular MMORPG games today. Since its relaunch in 2013 with A Realm Reborn, the game has enjoyed a stunning resurgence from the first expansion pack to 2021’s Endwalker™. Each expansion continues the epic tale that has spanned the past decade — a gripping saga of light against dark that has kept players coming back for more. The latest expansion release has players embarking on a brand-new adventure with the launch of Dawntrail™ on July 2, 2024.
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