The Switch has become a small haven for Final Fantasy fans in recent times; Final Fantasy IX launched just last month, Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age and Final Fantasy X | X-2 HD Remaster both arrive in April, and Final Fantasy VII just so happens to be launching today. One game that hasn't made the jump just yet, though, is Final Fantasy XIV.
Originally released back in 2010, XIV is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (or MMORPG) currently only available on PlayStation and PC. Naoki Yoshida, the game's director, has been talking about getting the game running on Switch since way back in 2015 when the console was still known as 'NX'.
In 2017, he confirmed that conversations were ongoing with other platform holders - including Nintendo - but also noted a need for the game to have true cross-platform capabilities for all players before any progress could be made. Now, in an interview with GameSpot, Yoshida seems to suggest that those very conversations are still taking place, even after all this time.
"Talks with platform-holders has been going on. The fundamental philosophy with Final Fantasy XIV is we want it on labels with cross-platform play with any devices, hardware possible. So as long as the regulations with the counterpart hardware companies ... we can actually pass that, then the possibility, the chance is quite high [of Final Fantasy XIV coming to Xbox and Nintendo systems].
"So we are talking with Nintendo, Microsoft, and Google, of course; we cannot say anything at the moment because we are still in negotiations, but once we have details we can make an announcement; we can bring the news to everyone. We are currently negotiating will all those platforms."
During the interview, GameSpot notes that Yoshida consistently brought up the desire for the game to reach as many people as possible. When asked about the possibility of replacing the game's current monthly fee for a free-to-play model, Yoshida hinted at it being too late to change, saying that "either the community or the game itself would break" by doing so.
Would you want to see Final Fantasy XIV come to Switch, too? Do you think it would be a good fit if cross-platform play was implemented well? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
[source gamespot.com, via nintendoeverything.com]
Comments 47
I remember buying FFXI. My first (and last) MMO experience and one of the worst games I've ever played. I'm not falling in the same trap again.
@Aneira
When I bought that game my internet was so slow that I wasted the free 30 days just trying to install it.
I gave the game a shot on PS4, it was fun for a little bit but I'm not really someone who can put so much time into one game.
Also I though I could play the main story for the most part alone but then they introduced Raids and suddenly I had to team up with complete strangers, it was too nerve wracking for me, I can deal with messing up on my own but potentially ruining the game for someone else is just too much stress.
@Xaessya
Ohh yeah, now that you mention it It was indeed a world of pain just installing it. That entire PSO Online or whatever it was called was just an incredibly poor online service.
@Xaessya
I did succeed installing it though. My free 30 day trial ran out fighting the first enemy I encountered…. I think it was a bee. Ohh god, that game was horrible.
FF XIV, after they essentially rebooted it, is actually a fantastic MMORPG experience--if you don't mind a TON of dialogue and cutscenes. I thoroughly enjoyed playing it for a bit.
@WreckitRyan I keep looking at it. I really do want to play it but the idea of paying for the game and then an additional 10 or so a month for a sub kinda burns me.
@NintendoFan4Lyf Sony has to agree too, and they can be dicks
The game has changed a lot since its initial release, it is not garbage. It is actually one of the most popular MMORPGs out at the moment. However what I will say, is this is not going to happen. They just dumped 32 bit support and directx 9, and during Stormblood they dropped ps3 support. I highly, highly, highly doubt they would port it to the switch and have to deal with additional technical limitations. This is about as legitimate as the rumors about a Switch Pro.
Nah...FF6 remake please.
@Aneira
XIV is a gigantic improvement in every conceivable way, the best MMO I've ever played. Sadly it was my last just because I don't have time to commit to one game so much anymore, but it was amazing.
11 and 14 are not the same game.
If it goes out on switch in the same way than PS4 (essentially cross play and cross save), instabuy. Being able to log and do stuff on the go is huge for me (2k hours already invested and more going)
In a heartbeat. There is a Phantasy Star Online-shaped hole in my games collection currently only filled by a ROM and the Dolphin emulator (on Android. Lunch break ragol ftw) and this is what I'd be looking for. It ran on the PS3 so there is no reason why it wouldn't work on Switch.
@Aneira It's completely different than FFXI. FFXI isn't that good if you hate time focused MMOs that force cooperation. FFXIV released and was awful, but it was then reworked into 2.0. If you have Twitch Prime you can try the standard edition for 30 days, or you can just play the free trial to 35. Story is a huge focus for FFXIV. If you dislike story-based PvE MMOs then yeah maybe not... It does have good raid content but again, it's all behind the story(MSQ). Also, compared to FFXI... let's say, in FFXI, you had to pour thousands of hours into it to have fun. In FFXIV, it's more, pick up and play. Play whenever, and if you don't, it won't really count against you at all.
@Yorumi WoW is a clone though... of Everquest.
I play this on PS4 but would gladly swap over to a Switch version.
I'd take a FFXI game like Ragnarok Online Mobile but can we just get Phantasy Star Online in English.
Would love to see this on Switch I'm a big mmorpg fan.
FFXI is my favorite game of all time. I played it off and on for over 15 years. No game has ever forced smart, competent players to cooperate like FFXI.
The only reason I bought the game initially, is because it was included with the HDD for the PS2. I had no intention of playing FFXI. I just wanted the HDD. I saw that the game had a free 30 day trial, so I decided to give it a shot. I had no idea what I had got myself into.
I met so many great friends that I still speak to today after 15+ years. In 2007 (when the game was in it’s prime), I was in financial need and ended up selling my original character for $1600. One of my biggest regrets ever! I did create an identical character a year later, and continued my adventures.
When FFXIV was announced, I was extremely excited. The initial release of that game was a disaster. SE shut it down and rebuild it into a decent game. It never did capture the feeling of FFXI, but I don’t know if any game could. I’ve been chasing that nostalgia ever since.
FFXI servers are very much still online, but the population is dwindling. The game is also a shell of it’s former self. Many adjustments were made to cater to the casual players. I can’t blame them after so long.
I don't really like this Final Fantasy but I prefer FF XIII released on Switch so I have a good excuse to not buy PS3 machine. 😜
Is 14 really almost ten years old? Wow.
I would actually be kind of interested, if I could migrate my account between Switch and PC. I put it down for awhile, but despite my MMO burn out, I still kind of want to jump back in. My Lalafell character probably misses me.
I don't know if I would invest the time personally, but if it comes, great, more games.
I would get it on the Switch. Do some farming and quest in the go and dungeons at home.
Will gladly pass on this one. Give us FF XIII and FF VIII instead.
We don't have MMOS on the Switch... We need one! anything
@Zenarium
We kinda do, just not MMORPGs. With persistent worlds and all that. And with separate subscription fees. Which Nintendo are notoriously skeptical of allowing.
Please please please! I'd be so great to mine and craft during lunch break.
As long as it doesn't hold the game back graphically like the PS3 did
After spending the money on the collector's edition of the original version of this game, and having to experience that dumpster fire of an original game before they had to completely reboot the game I've sworn the game off on principal alone after that experience. I think anyone that was there when the game original launched probably couldn't help but feel such a sour taste in their mouth no matter how good the game may have become afterwards.
@dougphisig Coming from FFXI I didn't find 1.0 of XIV too jarring, me and a friend played it right up until the servers shut down ready for ARR's launch. It was a mess of a game with very unfriendly systems and UI (ah remember the days when there was no auto attack?) but after the ocean of WoW clones, I found that oddly charming in a way haha.
I fully accept I'm an exception to the general rule over 1.0 but I actually held no bitterness towards the game and seeing how Yoshi took it and overhauled it was damn impressive not to mention the fact any 1.0 account permanently pays less on the monthly fee of current XIV which is awesome
@Pod They've been fine with the Dragon Quest MMORPG in Japan, that's been on 2 Nintendo consoles and is coming to the Switch and I think it's sub based isn't it?
I would absolutely be interested--was actually Googling about this just last night. I don't think I'm going back to WoW ever again, but I do get the MMO itch, and I've heard nothing but great things about FF XIV, but don't have a PS4 or a computer that could run it well.
@Yorumi And I will happily disagree with your stuck up, pointless opinion...
@Aneira FFXI is extremely dated compared to the modern ones. I've never played an MMO until FFXIV and it is much better. The OG FFXIV was terrible too but the one that is out atm is a very good MMO. Worth a try if it comes to Switch, is free until you reach level 30 i believe.
Yes I would like to see this come to Nintendo Switch. I wait patiently.
I started this game on PC and stopped once I found out grouping was required to progress the main storyline. I enjoy playing with others but typically I have to randomly leave my computer so I havent done instanced group content since having children. If they made the main storyline soloable I'd be all over it.
Curious how it would work with the install size, I know the ESO team has said the install size is what's preventing it from being on Switch. I'd much prefer that game :/
@Timbojay
Might well be. Outside of Japan though, it's been quite far between Nintendo's stints in that field. That field being allowing third parties to control data and service access of Nintendo's players. They've been cautious with allowing even a free mandatory network account for things like Ubisoft and EAs online services, which is likely why things turned out a little different at the Wii U launch than how it had appeared just half a year earlier.
Final Fantasy XIV is an excellent game, but remember that Square Enix discontinued the PS3 version of FFXIV after Patch 4.0, citing technical limitations of the PS3 as a reason for doing so.
On the other hand, check out FFXIV on the PSVita via Remote Play:
https://www.siliconera.com/postgallery/?p_gal=376592|28
(Note: the UI is adjustable so you can make it much larger and more legible than in these pictures.)
@16bitSwitch Usually teaming up with other players is one of the things that makes MMOs interesting. It's a bummer if you have to leave in the middle of an instance, but FFXIV's Duty Finder at least can automatically replace people who leave. It's also not uncommon for people to go AFK for a minute to answer the door, use the restroom, etc.. Also people get disconnected from the game for various reasons and have to log in again.
Version 5.0 will include the Trust system to allow NPCs to help you, which may allow you to play the whole game as a solo experience if you want to. Why might you want to? Because it's actually actually a pretty good Final Fantasy game even without the MMO part.
@Expa0 Well, if you play with your friends they should be forgiving of your mistakes... and if you mess up with random players in a random instance, you'll probably never run into them again anyway!
The game looks and runs like crap on the PS3 and I can't see it being much better on Switch, unfortunately.
@Timbojay Yeah I came from a lot of other MMO's and what we got on that compared to all the other MMO's I had played (I admittedly didn't play FFXI) was super bare bones, and then there was the fact you couldn't even log into the game at launch. I gave up after I think it was a week straight of not even being able to play the game because you couldn't even log into it. I was stupid when I played the beta, and thought oh they must just be holding content back for launch because it's super bare bones otherwise. Alas what was in beta was all there was lol. I'd probably like the game now, but I just felt so burned by how bad the game was and the problems at launch, and just have too many other games to play now to come back to it. I do miss playing a great MMO, and hoping Camelot Unchained that I help kickstart when it finally hits will fill that itch finally.
So... where is FF VIII?
That game is the only reason I have my ps4 so I would buy it on switch in a heartbeat
I bet that, the reason why this hasn't materialized yet is Sony. They are so stubborn on taking the "cross-platform" approach, that it's getting ridiculous.
Square can and they would easily port this game over to the switch, but indeed it is imperative that it is cross platform and that the community is not segmented between the PC/Playstation users and the switch.
Note that this is an MMO and the bigger the playerbase, the bigger the opportunity for the players.
I think Square are leaving money on the table. In Japan it's almost 90% switches being sold. People who only own a Switch would be excited to have it as well.
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