Final Fantasy XI Development and Operations Long-Term Goal Announced
Last week, Final Fantasy XI Producer Akihiko Matsui and Director Yoji Fujito took part in the 44th Freshly Picked Vana’diel, a broadcast not unlike the Letter from the Producer LIVE that Final Fantasy XIV players are familiar with.
During the video, (which has its key points summarized on the official forums), Matsui-san talks about their plans going forward for FFXI.
…starting next fiscal year, we’re going to focus our development and operations on a long-term goal of the twentieth anniversary. As such, there may be some time where the version updates may feel a bit lighter, but we’re hoping to be able to deliver something that can surprise everyone later on.
Given that the game originally released in 2002, this goal of reaching the 20th anniversary would mean Square Enix has plans for Final Fantasy XI up to 2022. This brings up several questions as to what kind of content we can expect especially since it seems they have something they’re hoping to surprise people with. Will there be a new add-on scenario? Could there be any kind of tie-in or transition planned for Final Fantasy XI mobile? We’ll have to wait and see. Hopefully we’ll hear something before 2022 rolls around.
Next week at PAX East, Square Enix will have a Final Fantasy XI ReFriender station at their booth. It’s a great way to remind attendees the game is still going, and will continue to be operating for the coming years.