Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival Review

Final Fantasy XIV, the renowned MMORPG developed by Square Enix, has become a cultural phenomenon. With its rich lore, engaging gameplay, and a community that spans the globe, it’s no wonder that the game’s Fan Festival is a highly anticipated event. This review delves into the Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival 2023-2024, exploring what it means for the community, developers, and the gaming world.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Final Fantasy XIV: A Brief Overview

Screenshot of Final Fantasy XIV showcasing in-game graphics and characters
Gameplay snapshot from Final Fantasy XIV

“Final Fantasy XIV” is set in the mystical region of Eorzea, a land that faced the Seventh Umbral Calamity caused by the Elder Primal Bahamut. Players take on the role of characters that escaped this apocalypse and now must fend off the Garlean Empire’s invasion. The game’s relaunch as “A Realm Reborn” brought critical acclaim, with praise for its mechanics, progression, and the recovery led by Yoshida Naoki.

Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival 2023-2024: Complete Event Schedule

Official logo of Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival 2023-2024
Logo for Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival 2023-2024

North America – Las Vegas, Nevada

Dates: July 28-29, 2023

Location: Las Vegas Convention Center

Europe – London, UK

Dates: October 21-22, 2023

Location: ExCeL London

Japan – Tokyo, Japan

Dates: January 7-8, 2024

Location: Tokyo Dome

Additional information you can find on the official website.

What the Festival Means for the Community

  1. Bringing Fans Together: the Fan Festival symbolizes unity, bringing fans together to connect, share experiences, and celebrate their love for the game.
  2. Engaging with Developers: it offers a rare opportunity for fans to interact with the creators, gaining insights into the game’s development.
  3. Showcasing Creativity: the festival highlights the community’s creativity, passion, and dedication to the game, from cosplay to panel discussions.

The Las Vegas Event: A Detailed Review

Day 1: A Celebration of Community and Creativity

Opening & Introductions

The day began with an introduction and a brief overview of the fest. Naoki Yoshida, the producer and director of Final Fantasy XIX, took to the stage to welcome everyone to the Fan Festival 2023 in Las Vegas. 

Naoki Yoshida, producer and director of Final Fantasy XIX, speaking at Fan Festival 2023 in Las Vegas
Naoki Yoshida, the visionary behind Final Fantasy XIX, takes center stage to commence the Fan Festival 2023 in Las Vegas

The Binding Coil of Bahamut: A Retrospective

Most of the fest was dedicated to discussing the story depicted throughout The Binding Coil of Bahamut. The speakers reflected on the growth of the character Alisaie throughout the story arc, emphasizing her transformation from being irritated by crystals to her character development after discovering the truth in the deepest coil. The presentation highlighted the importance of this raid to the game’s lore and characters, with a recommendation for new players to experience it.

However, there was also an acknowledgment of the challenges faced during its creation. The team admitted that the cutscenes were placed at odd times, sometimes hindering player progression. There was also a mention of the lack of differentiation between normal and extreme modes, with a wish to revisit and possibly remake the raid.

Storytelling in Final Fantasy 14

The discussion shifted to the broader topic of storytelling in MMORPGs. There was a reflection on the early days of “A Realm Reborn,” where there was uncertainty about whether MMORPGs should focus on stories. The decision to emphasize the story in Final Fantasy 14 was credited to the game’s director, Yoshida, who believed that there should at least be a world-saving narrative as a Final Fantasy game. This decision and positive fan reactions gave the team the confidence to continue focusing on story-driven content.

Speakers discussing The Binding Coil of Bahamut and storytelling in Final Fantasy 14 at Fan Festival 2023
Discussing the story depicted throughout The Binding Coil of Bahamut

Looking Forward

The fest also hinted at what’s to come. A new story is on the horizon, written by a new generation of writers. The team expressed excitement about this new adventure, hoping it will continue the legacy of Final Fantasy 14 for another decade.

Team members hinting at the upcoming story for Final Fantasy 14 during Fan Festival 2023
The team expressed excitement about this new adventure, hoping it will continue the legacy of Final Fantasy 14 for another decade

Glamor to Life: Cosplay Walk

One of the fest’s highlights was the “Glamor to Life” cosplay walk. This segment celebrated the creativity and passion of the Final Fantasy 14 community. Cosplayers showcased their intricate and impressive costumes, representing various characters from the game. From warriors of light to mages, the stage was filled with vibrant and detailed representations of the game’s vast world.

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Day 2 of the Fest: A Celebration of Lore and Community

A Journey into World Lore

The day started with a fascinating exploration of the world’s lore, where the creators shared insights into creating various elements within the game. They discussed using different accents and languages, including ancient Greek, to create a rich, immersive fantasy world.

Thavnir and Elpis: A Linguistic Exploration

The creators discussed using accents in Thavnir and creating names in Elpis using ancient Greek. They explained how they wanted to create a place where even if you’re speaking English, you’re not beholden to standard pronunciation. In Thavnir, various accents are considered correct, and in Elpis, the names are more poetic and themed after winds and theatrical experiences.

Charlean and the Use of Greek

The creators also delved into the use of Greek in Charlean and how they made it distinct from Elpis. They explained how the Charleans are scholars and are very into Greek, but it’s not necessarily their native way of speaking. They also humorously discussed the challenges of coming up with consistent spellings and the debates among scholars about how things should be spelled.

A Dive into Fish Lore

The creators took the audience on a whimsical journey into fish lore. They explained how they came up with fish names and descriptions, often using real-world fish facts. They also shared how they sometimes have to make up unbelievable fish facts when reality doesn’t provide enough. The creators even engaged the audience in creating a new fish with strange facts, local sayings, and a name.

Creators explaining the process of inventing fish names, descriptions, and facts at Fan Festival 2023
The creators even engaged the audience in creating a new fish with strange facts, local sayings, and a name

Creating a New Fish

The audience was invited to contribute ideas for a new fish that lives in a salty lake high up in the mountainous Urkopacha. They came up with strange facts like the fish can only swim in the left direction and is at the top of its food chain. They also humorously named the fish “All Right, All Right” with the nickname “Derp Swimmer.”

Audience members brainstorming the unique characteristics of the 'All Right, All Right' fish for the mountainous Urkopacha's salty lake
The audience was invited to contribute ideas for a new fish that lives in a salty lake high up in the mountainous Urkopacha

New Patch and Expansion: What's Next?

Take advantage of the latest updates, including the new patch and expansion. Explore our detailed article for more information.

Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the world of Final Fantasy XIV, our boosting service can enhance your gaming experience. Explore LFCarry.com and take your gameplay to the next level.

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