After having a very difficult launch, Final Fantasy XIV went on to struggle hugely when trying to break into the fairly saturated market of MMORPG’s. Having such a poor launch then also led to the game having to follow a free-to-play regime instead for a much longer period of time than Square-Enix had first anticipated.
The knock on effect was that the game essentially became a rolling release, with the project having been the target of a lengthy overhaul of almost everything in the game all while dedicated gamers try to enjoy the ever-changing game.
Now though, Square-Enix appear to have reached a point where they are happy to re-release the game, having renamed the game to highlight the overhaul of the title, and even are mentioning the Playstation 3 version of the game again for the first time in a while considering the game was expected to reach the console March 2011 initially.
The PR statement says:
LOS ANGELES (July 26, 2012) – Square Enix, Inc., the publishers of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, announced today the fully-redesigned, massively multiplayer online adventure FINAL FANTASY® XIV: A Realm Reborn™. Previously referenced as “version 2.0,” this title has been rebuilt from the ground up, and centers on the core concept of rebirth, featuring a new world to explore and storyline to experience.
FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn offers visually-stunning graphics and game design that appeal to both Windows PC and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system players.
“Since announcing our plans for the future of the title last October, we have been working tirelessly to include all of the elements that we have promised in FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn. This new title not only becomes a symbol of a completely new FINAL FANTASY XIV, but also marks the beginning of a new stage as the latest title in the FINAL FANTASY series. I hope you’re looking forward to it!” said Naoki Yoshida, producer/director ofFINAL FANTASY XIV.
A new website dedicated to FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn(https://www.finalfantasyxiv.com/) also went live today, which offers background information on the realm of Eorzea, its inhabitants and the much larger world of Hydaelyn. The website will also serve as the central location for regular updates and news about the game.
Players are invited to visit the official Facebook™ page (https://www.facebook.com/FinalFantasyXIV) and participate in the official forum athttps://lodestone.finalfantasyxiv.com. Also, the FINAL FANTASY XIV YouTube page features the new launch trailer.
Source: Square-Enix PR
