FINAL FANTASY XIV Online launched, failed, and came back stronger. A Realm Reborn (2013) rebuilt the world from the ground up, turning disaster into design. Set in Eorzea, it let players create heroes, form alliances and shape a living world – becoming one of the most celebrated comebacks in online gaming.
Curator notes
In 2012, players of online role-playing game FINAL FANTASY XIV Online watched an apocalypse unfold. Over several months, the moon Dalamud grew bigger and redder in the sky. It was eventually revealed as a meteor that the Garlean Empire had summoned to destroy the land of Eorzea.
When FINAL FANTASY XIV Online launched in 2010, it was met with strong criticism. Players found the game confusing, slow, and unfinished. At SQUARE ENIX, this led to a major crisis. Newly appointed game director Naoki Yoshida took drastic action.
To understand their criticisms and rebuild trust, Yoshida reached out to the game’s fan community and opened regular communication. Players shared feedback, pointed out problems, and suggested new ideas. Their voices helped shape the direction of the redesign.
The Dalamud meteor wiped the slate clean. In August 2013, FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn was released.
By listening to players and focusing on social play over high-end graphics and a seamless open world, A Realm Reborn went on to become one of the most beloved MMORPGs of all time.
Limsa Lominsa
With ocean views, pirate style and plenty of fishing spots, Limsa Lominsa is one of the most popular places to gather in FINAL FANTASY XIV Online. That wasn’t always the case. In the game’s original release, its remote location made it hard to access. Its popularity today reflects a key design shift in A Realm Reborn: prioritising player experience over scale, and encouraging connection, exploration and play.
Player voices
"I'll never forget the release of the OCE Data Center 'Materia' in January 2022 and creating a community of like-minded people. My Free Company 'Black Cats Parade' is still going strong, making sure that all players are having a great experience playing FFXIV. It wouldn't be possible without all the help from the wonderful community." – Sarah Jane
"When I first changed my name in the early stages of my transition, I had thought to reinvent myself – but I only went halfway. I cautiously picked a safe option, and I was unsatisfied with my new name, but in Eorzea, such limits are made to be broken. Now I have the same name as my character; looking back now, it was inevitable." – Persephone Isley
"The FFXIV AUS/NZ community is second to none! From being patient with new players learning the game to forming lifelong friendships, it truly is one of the most wholesome gaming communities out there." – Harry Harrop
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198412
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