Final Fantasy XIV Online

Development on FINAL FANTASY XIV ONLINE began in 2005 under the codename "Rapture," and the game was announced in 2009 for Windows and PlayStation 3. The game used Square Enix's Crystal Tools middleware engine, which was customized to meet its specifications. During development, the team carried over several aesthetic elements from FFXI while creating a distinct experience. Attempts to bring FINAL FANTASY XIV ONLINE to Xbox 360 failed because of disagreements with Microsoft over the use of Xbox Live. After an alpha test and a delayed beta test, the game launched on September 30, 2010. It remained active until its servers closed on November 11, 2012. The launch received a mixed-to-negative response. Critics generally praised the graphics and music, but widely criticized the gameplay, interface, and overall impression that the game was unfinished. Criticism from fans and reviewers led Square Enix to remove subscription fees, postpone the PlayStation 3 version indefinitely, and eventually develop an entirely new version called FINAL FANTASY XIV ONLINE: A REALM REBORN. The poor reception seriously affected the FINAL FANTASY series, with staff and company officials stating that the brand had been damaged.

Final Fantasy XIV Online is an MMORPG set in the fantasy world of Eorzea, where adventurers become involved in conflicts that threaten the realm. After the original game’s troubled launch and eventual shutdown, it was completely reimagined as Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn.