There’s arguably no “redemption arc” within the historical past of the gaming business as epic and as uplifting because the loss of life and rebirth of Remaining Fantasy XIV and the fan competition hosted not too long ago in Tokyo, Japan, is definitely additional proof of that.
13 years in the past, the unique Remaining Fantasy XIV 1.0 had simply been launched, and a comparatively unknown developer named Naoki Yoshida had not too long ago been positioned on the helm of what by all means seemed to be a sinking ship.
Again then, I’d have by no means imagined even in my wildest fantasies that over a decade later, I would be sitting amongst tens of hundreds of fellow Warriors of Gentle at a venue as prestigious as Tokyo Dome to have fun the success of that very same sport which appeared on its final legs.
But, it occurred.
With its 55,000 seats and placement in Central Tokyo, Tokyo Dome is among the most vital venues on this planet, employed each as a stadium and as a live performance and occasion corridor for a lot of prestigious occasions and well-known stars. A fan competition in such a venue felt like the right coronation for an extended and profitable journey.
It is not shocking that Sq. Enix picked this particular occasion to announce the 30 million accounts milestone achieved by the sport. There was in all probability no higher place and time for such a reveal.
I’ve been to a lot of the Fan Festivals hosted for the sport, however none felt as particular just because the venue was particular, and being surrounded by so many fellow followers who’ve traveled the identical path as I did through the years was an expertise I would seemingly always remember.
Now that I am getting ready to enter a brand new chapter in my life (this can regrettably be the final report I write for TechRaptor), I definitely really feel completely happy that I am ending this expertise by sharing such an unforgettable second as my farewell.
Remaining Fantasy XIV fan festivals historically characteristic a piano live performance and a efficiency of the sport’s official rock band, The Primals. They’ve all the time been nice, as you’ve got presumably learn on my report of the earlier occasion on London, however nothing compares to what I witnessed at Tokyo Dome.
Whereas the setlist might have been related and the performers might have been the identical, experiencing these beloved songs whereas surrounded by tens of hundreds of glowsticks dancing within the darkness created an environment worthy of the most effective concert events carried out by the largest stars like Taylor Swift or Woman Gaga.
Taylor Swift herself carried out at Tokyo Dome many instances, alongside many extra stars together with Madonna, Michael Jackson, Weapons N’ Roses, Mariah Carey, and lots of, many extra massive names.
Amanda Achen, who supplied a divine efficiency as typical, didn’t fail to say simply how particular it was for her to sing at Tokyo Dome, and I am fairly constructive that everybody on stage felt the identical approach. It is simply that type of venue that feels just like the excessive level of a profession for an artist.
But, the Pageant supplied far more than music. The event workforce, with Naoki Yoshida himself on the helm, donned particular baseball jersey (which very applicable since Tokyo Dome additionally hosts baseball matches) to current the most recent information in regards to the sport.
We heard lots in regards to the subsequent growth Dawntrail (which is releasing in July), and we acquired to satisfy extra of the individuals who work onerous on daily basis to make and keep the sport we love.
There have been severe competitions just like the Crystal Battle event, and extra light-hearted moments, just like the quiz or the panel with the voice actors. The cosplay exhibition was predictably incredible as Japanese followers actually take their cosplay significantly.
If there may be one level of criticism that I really feel the necessity to carry up, it is the truth that whereas the entire occasion was livestreamed, solely the preliminary keynote featured English interpretation.
I can perceive that the “information” phase was given precedence, and that translating from Japanese will not be a simple exercise, neither is it low-cost. But, as somebody who was fortunately in a position to perceive most of what was mentioned, I felt unhappy for my Western compatriots who had been unable to benefit from the occasion as a lot as I did.
Whereas volunteer followers on the sport’s unofficial Discord server kindly offered a translation serving to many who didn’t perceive Japanese, I feel Sq. Enix might have completed a bit higher on this entrance.
Admittedly, western followers had their very own fanfests in Las Vegas and London, however neither felt as particular as this one. Do not get me fallacious. They had been nice, and that is certainly not criticism to those that organized them, however Tokyo Dome is Tokyo Dome, and an occasion hosted there felt like such an achievement and a milestone that that I really feel it ought to have been shared with the neighborhood as an entire.
Private gripe apart, there was lots to take pleasure in even off stage, together with many minigames, the Asura battle problem, exhibitions, cubicles, and a large number of picture spots to snap footage along with your favourite characters.
Considered one of them supplied an opportunity to take a selfie with the dual swords of the Viper job that Naoki Yoshida sported at London Fan Pageant, and it was significantly in style for apparent causes. The traces had been lengthy, however that solely exhibits how extremely in style this occasion was.
As all the time, making associates was among the best a part of the celebrations, and I am grateful to the native Warriors of Gentle who put up with my horrible Japanese and made me really feel welcome. I even met a few previous associates from the period of 1.0 (when the servers weren’t divided by area) and that definitely made my day.
Few issues are as memorable as sharing this type of occasion with so many players who love the identical sport as I do no matter nationality and tradition, and whereas I will not get to play with a lot of them except Sq. Enix lastly removes the limitations between areas, I am glad to have established some lasting contacts with like-minded individuals.
It is maybe unsurprising that a couple of emotional moments had been had as nicely, particularly through the concert events, however not restricted to them. The ultimate ceremony ended with an explosion of golden ribbons that mentioned “let’s benefit from the subsequent 10 years collectively,” and I am definitely able to do exactly that.
Remaining Fantasy XIV began as a failure, however unbelievable willpower, effort, and self-sacrifice turned it into a hit worthy to be celebrated in some of the prestigious occasion venues on this planet. We have definitely come far, fellow Warriors of Gentle.
