Final Fantasy 14’s Unexpected Subscription Requirement for Xbox Players

Final Fantasy 14, the popular massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), is making its long-awaited debut on Xbox Series X/S consoles. However, this transition comes with a significant caveat for Xbox players. In order to access the full game, they will need to hold an active Xbox Game Pass Core or Ultimate subscription, in addition to the monthly fee for the game itself.

Let us delve deeper into the financial implications of this new requirement. A 30-day subscription to Final Fantasy 14 costs $15, while 90 days will set you back $42 and 180 days amounts to $78. Xbox Game Pass Core, on the other hand, costs $10 per month or $60 for an annual subscription. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, the more comprehensive subscription, costs $17 per month. Consequently, Xbox players will be obligated to pay a minimum of $18 each month and a maximum of $32 per month to traverse the enchanting realm of Eorzea. The download of the game is gratis, yet the cost of entry remains substantial.

This arrangement is somewhat peculiar for a couple of reasons. In April 2021, Microsoft abolished subscription requirements for free-to-play multiplayer games. Final Fantasy 14, however, does not fall neatly into the free-to-play category, despite being free-to-download. Moreover, PlayStation players have long enjoyed the freedom to explore the game without the necessity of a PlayStation Plus subscription. To Sony, the game is considered free-to-play, but not for Microsoft.

It is essential to acknowledge that the subscription requirement has been lifted for beta players. The open beta test for the Xbox Series X|S version of Final Fantasy 14 commences on February 21 at 12AM PT. The full game will be released upon the completion of the beta, but no definitive information regarding the launch date has been disclosed as of yet. It is anticipated that the game will be available by the time this summer’s Dawntrail expansion arrives. The open beta is exclusive to new players, so those who have previously experienced a free trial or possess a license registered to their Square Enix account will not be able to participate.

Microsoft’s decision to impose a subscription requirement on Final Fantasy 14 for Xbox players has sparked a wave of controversy. Some argue that this move is a strategic ploy to boost Xbox Game Pass subscriptions, while others view it as an unwelcome intrusion into the gaming community. Regardless of one’s stance, it is clear that this unexpected development will have a significant impact on the Xbox gaming landscape.

In conclusion, the arrival of Final Fantasy 14 on Xbox Series X/S consoles marks an exciting milestone for the game’s dedicated fanbase. However, the requirement for Xbox players to hold an active Xbox Game Pass Core or Ultimate subscription, in addition to the monthly fee for the game, has generated a great deal of controversy. As the debate continues, one thing is certain: the future of gaming on the Xbox platform will be shaped by this unexpected development.

It is essential to remember that the information provided in this article is subject to change as new updates and developments unfold. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story.