Version Update News

We're pleased to announce that the next FINAL FANTASY XI version update is on track for an early December release. In addition to the long-awaited continuation of the epic Wings of the Goddess mission arc, this patch will also feature new content designed with low-level players in mind, brand-new systems unlike anything you've seen in Vana'diel before, and much, much more!

All the exciting details will be announced here as they become available, so be sure to check back on a regular basis!

Vote for Your Favorite FFXI Pumpkin!

In a stunning show of artistry and creativity, the Vana'diel community put forth a great effort in transforming ordinary pumpkins into Harvest Festival masterpieces! Now you have the chance to vote for your favorite.

Make no mistake, voting will not be easy. There are 104 entries in this poll! Each entry has its own wikibase page linked from this poll and from this page:

2008 Pumpkin Carving Contest Entries

The Mad Pumpkin Rush

Pumpkin entries have been flying into our mailbox like crazy! The mad rush for the Wings of the Goddess PC will close in just under 13 hours, so get those pumpkin entries in!

Don't forget the all-important requirement that your entry be Final Fantasy XI related. We've been getting general Final Fantasy entries in and unfortunately we cannot accept these entries into the contest. Don't let your hard work go to waste!

Wondering what the PC looks like? Here's a little sneak peek at the panel:

Pumpkin Carving Contest - ONE Day Left!

There is only ONE day left to enter Allakhazam's Pumpkin Carving Contest! If you haven't had enough motivation to enter the contest, Square Enix has provided details about the high-end Wings of the Goddess PC that they are offering up to our grand prize winner! See the official rules for more details.

Nibble Update

As you all know, our beloved little chocobo chick Nibble was eventually rescued by a kind and wonderful dragoon who took pity on an innocent who met the unfortunate wrath of fellow corn-loving ranger Kaolian. Luinealcarien was kind enough to send us a picture of Nibble, having fun in his new guardian's care!

If you missed the chance to see how Luinealcarien rescued Nibble, see the full story for the video!

Accounts Banned

We would like to report the termination today of multiple accounts held by players involved in the usage of third-party tools or cheats, or engaged in RMT (Real Money Trading) activities.

Based on the results of our investigation, around 7060 PlayOnline accounts were terminated while around 1520 accounts were temporarily suspended.
Additionally, we have increased the number of mass bannings against certain PlayOnline violations in order to prevent illegal acts.

New Final Fantasy XI Merchandise

From PlayOnline.com:

We're proud to introduce brand new FINAL FANTASY XI merchandise that is set to make its debut at Fan Festival 2008! A stylish card case and two meticulously crafted mascot key rings will be available at the merchandise area of the show. The new goods will be available at the Square Enix Official Online Merchandise Store soon after Fan Festival 2008.

The Grim Tale of Pyracmon and the Baleful Eye

Under trees resplendent in autumn hues, the streets of the three nations were abuzz with anticipation. Townspeople bustled to and fro, carving pumpkins and sewing costumes for the masquerade. The annual Harvest Festival was nigh.


And yet, amidst all the merriment, something was amiss. Anyone who turned an ear to the whispers of the crowd would soon hear the disquieting rumor that had struck fear into the hearts of commoner and noble alike.
"Pyracmon is coming...coming to bring doom to us all!"


On an isle far to the west, two young exorcists who had caught wind of these ill tidings descended to the vault of their church, hoping to uncover the story behind this unfamiliar moniker...

Adventurers with the courage to face the sinister tale are invited to read on.

* The ghoulishly fun Harvest Festival event will creep into town on Friday, October 17th at 1:00 (PDT), and skulk back into the shadows on Saturday, November 1st at 1:00.

 

Fan Fest 2008 Registration Now Open!

UPDATE: Fan Fest 2008 is officially SOLD OUT!

Ready to attend this year's Fan Fest in Hollywood, California?

Registration for the event has now officially opened! Get your tickets now as you don't know how fast they'll sell out! Visit http://www.ffxifestival.com for more details.

FFXI Now Available Via Digital Distribution in EU!

FFXI players in Europe will now be able to download the software for FFXI and its expansions!

London (3rd October 2008) - Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that FINAL FANTASY® XI 2008 Edition is now available to purchase via digital distribution services.

From today, PC owners can download FINAL FANTASY XI 2008 Edition throughout Europe via digital distribution services such as Metaboli and their partners including Virgin Media. Priced at £29.99 in the UK and €39.99 throughout Europe, the digital version of FINAL FANTASY XI 2008 Edition contains all the same exciting content and features as the original retail version.

No word on when downloads will be available for other areas, but read on for the rest of the announcement!