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Final Fantasy XI’s Final Update Planned, Xbox 360 And PS2 Versions Ending
Square Enix has announced that Final Fantasy XI will be entering its sunset years as it enters year 14 of operation. The title will be getting one final set of content updates before going into its maintenance phase.
Nicknamed the “Vana’Diel Project,” Square Enix will be transitioning Final Fantasy XI from a regularly updated title to one that simply receives maintenance for continued use. The final story arc, Rhapsodies of Vana’diel will be released in three parts this year.
These are scheduled for March, August, and November, this content will not be released on disc or as premium DLC. This hints that all players will be able to take part in the game’s conclusion without paying an additional fee.
Following this, PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360 versions of the game will be wound down. Service on these platforms will conclude in March 2016. The PC version will continue beyond that point, though.
This news is in addition to this morning’s announcement of a mobile version of Final Fantasy XI under development at Nexon Korea. This will likely be free-to-play and based on Final Fantasy XI, but not the exact experience that players have been enjoying for nearly 14 years.
Our Take
It makes sense for Square Enix to wind down Final Fantasy XI. The game has had a great life and matured over its decade plus of updates. With Final Fantasy XIV on its feet and recovered from its terrible original release, the publisher can pour its attention onto giving it the same long life as its predecessor.
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