Square Enix and Xbox danced around when Final Fantasy 14 would finally be available to play on Microsoft’s bespoke platform for years until finally, the two agreed to make it happen last year. But ahead of its launch on Xbox Series S/X, an unexpected twist came up that might discourage some potential players.
Unlike its PC and PlayStation counterparts, the Xbox version of the popular MMORPG requires a unique form of currency for microtransactions. The FFXIV Coins is an Xbox exclusive currency available only on the Microsoft Store.
Naturally, this last-minute inclusion is generating discussion among interested players, long-time fans, and critics, who are concerned about the introduction of a non-standard payment method.
Hey, Xbox friends! 💚
We've released more information regarding the Xbox Series X|S version of #FFXIV ahead of the official launch on March 21!
Details ➡️ https://t.co/eejVWAajbi https://t.co/8pIcal3B9d
— FINAL FANTASY XIV (@FF_XIV_EN) March 18, 2024
The FFXIV Coins are required for “service fees” and the acquisition of optional in-game items. This new system adds a confusing “extra” step for Xbox players, directing them to the Microsoft Store to make purchases that are more straightforward in other versions of the game. While some Xbox veterans suggest this method offers benefits like earning bonus Microsoft Points, most don’t share the same sentiment.
Additionally, there’s confusion regarding how the MMO will handle subscriptions using FFIXV Coins. The game’s Starter Edition is available as part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, presenting an attractive entry point for new players. However, the process to continue the subscription after the trial ends remains unclear to some.
Microsoft’s shift towards an exclusive currency system diverges from Final Fantasy 14‘s established practice on other platforms, where players can make purchases directly in the game or through the Mog Station website without needing to buy a platform-specific currency.
The Xbox version’s requirement for FFXIV Coins, coupled with the necessity of an Xbox Game Pass subscription to access the online game, introduces a layered subscription model unique to this platform. Such requirements is an inconvenience to players and could add unforeseen costs. Moreover, this move could set a precedent for how Xbox could handle games with similar microtransaction models in the future.
Nevertheless, it’s clear that this is part of Microsoft’s effort to maintain a cut of all the transactions made by FF14 players on Xbox, which, unfortunately, isn’t an entirely new practice in the gaming industry.
With Final Fantasy 14 set to launch on Xbox on March 21, we won’t have to wait for too long to find out the specific details about how differently the gaming experience will be on the Xbox Series S/X compared to other platforms.
