On March 17, 2015 a post surfaced on PlayOnline Topics (the name for the Final Fantasy XI website) titled “Live Presentation Event.” The post read as follows:
Live Presentation Event
We will be holding a press conference regarding our plans for FINAL FANTASY XI going forward, with the event broadcast live on the internet.
Date and Time: Thursday, March 19 starting at 12:00 a.m. PDT
Viewable on YouTube Live
*The stream will be in Japanese only and will be made public when the event begins. An English language digest will be made available on the official forums.
* Note that the broadcast may not be available in all regions.
On March 19, 2015, Square Enix revealed “The Vana’diel Project” during the broadcasted event. The broadcast, unfortunately, is now privatized and unviewable. The event was comprised of several announcements.
Rhapsodies of Vana’diel
Rhapsodies of Vana’diel was to be the final main scenario for Final Fantasy XI which would conclude November 2015. Updates that focus on adjustments and bug fixes would continue.
Final Fantasy Grandmasters
Final Fantasy Grandmasters was a mobile RPG that took place in FFXI’s setting of Vana’diel. Developed in collaboration with Crooz Inc., this was scheduled for a Japan only release.
Final Fantasy XI Mobile
Square Enix partnered with Nexon to develop a mobile version of Final Fantasy XI that FFXI Producer Akhihiko Matsui dubbed a “MMMRPG” (Massive Multiplayer Mobile Role Playing Game).
Additionally, it was announced that the PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360 versions of the game would be shutdown around March 2016. (PlayOnline Viewer access on those consoles was terminated on March 31, 2016 at 7:00 am PDT)
Matsui posted a letter along with the broadcast explaining the plan going forward, which also linked to a forum thread where players could ask questions.
Adventurers of Vana’diel, I have an announcement to make.
In a short time we will be commencing a new series of content known as “The Vana’diel Project,” which aims to expand the scope of Vana’diel as we head into the future.
As part of this tremendous initiative, we have announced new scenario content known as “Rhapsodies of Vana’diel.” This scenario will bring fresh story content and weave together the tales we have told across thirteen years of Vana’diel. Both the development and operations teams are working harder than ever before to deliver this package to you.
We have also announced FINAL FANTASY GRANDMASTERS, a new creation set in Vana’diel, and a native app project based on the MMM (Massive Multiplayer Mobile) concept. Keep your eye on these projects as they revolutionize the way players experience FINAL FANTASY XI.
FINAL FANTASY XI’s major version updates will conclude with the November 2015 iteration, when Rhapsodies of Vana’diel is scheduled to reach its thrilling climax. We will, however, continue implementing ordinary version updates that focus on balance adjustments and bug fixes.
Additionally, service for the PlayStation® 2 and Xbox 360® versions will end on or around March 2016, and we will focus our efforts on the Windows® version. Feedback posted on the forums and obtained through other avenues will inform quality of life improvements and balance adjustments, so do not hesitate to tell us your thoughts and opinions.
Take the opportunity to see, hear, and feel Vana’diel as it exists today—a Vana’diel created not just by the developers, but by each and every one of you.
We eagerly await you in the land of Mithra and moogles.
March 19, 2015
Akihiko Matsui, Producer, FINAL FANTASY XI
- Read on for a summary of the recent press conference
- Ask any questions.
Aftermath
Rhapsodies of Vana’diel released as planned, bringing with it a new story that incorporated elements from throughout Final Fantasy XI’s multiple storylines.
Final Fantasy Grandmasters launched on October 1, 2015. In 2017, they launched version 2.0 which incorporated parts of the Rise of the Zilart and Chains of Promathia storyline. The game ended service on April 25, 2019 and never saw a release outside of Japan.
Final Fantasy XI mobile was never fully revealed to the world while in development. Screenshots were scarcely released through things like Nexon’s developer conference or recruitment listings. In December of 2020, Korean news site MTN reported that the game had been cancelled. On February 9, 2021, Nexon President and CEO Owen Mahoney was asked about, and then confirmed the cancelation. He noted that the game had not reached a level that fans would expect from a Final Fantasy title.
FFMMO Archive 