New Add-on Series "Abyssea" Announced! (02/28/2010)

An announcement was made today at VanaFest 2010 for "Abyssea," an all-new three-part series of battle-oriented add-ons.

A parallel world existing beside Vana'diel, Abyssea is a land fraught with perils and home to savage hordes of heretofore unseen creatures. Ferocious, towering NMs, new-look HNMs-even the garden varieties will confound would-be challengers with their unfamiliar and formidable powers. These and a whole host more await hapless adventurers with open arms and voracious maws.

In Abyssea, concerns such as the over-population of battle areas and the need for large time investments will be a thing of the past. The development team is hard at work creating a world where parties can engage in rewarding battles with powerful foes and collect prized equipment with the least of fuss.

More details are available via the following links:
The Official Abyssea Website
The Official VanaFest 2010 Website

From Final Fantasy XI.

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VanaFest 2010 Post-event Report Now Available! (02/28/2010)

The curtains have come down on VanaFest 2010, Japan's premier FINAL FANTASY XI event, to rapturous applause!

The development and operations teams would like to take this opportunity to express their profound gratitude towards all fans both near and far who made this event such a great success.

For the benefit of those unable to attend, all the juicy news announced at the event is now available for your perusing pleasure on the official website. Topics covered include:
- A preview of the March version update
- The three new battle add-ons
- The bolstering of all job classes
- The future direction of the game

A dedicated page detailing the exciting new content planned for the fast-approaching March version update has also been prepared.

Visit the Official VanaFest 2010 Website and the version update preview page now!

From Final Fantasy XI.

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News from Final Fantasy XI.

Moggy New Year Bonanza Winning Numbers Announced
 (01/29/2010)

Ladies and gentlemen! After a random drawing conducted under the strictest supervision, we are pleased to announce the winning numbers for the Moggy New Year Bonanza!

From today, the winning numbers will be announced via a system message upon logging into the game. The same message can also be brought up by inputting the /servmes (/smes) command. So what are you waiting for? Log in and check the winning numbers now!

Prize money and items will be available for collection between Friday, January 29 at 00:00am (PST), and Monday, February 15 at 00:00am (PST). If you happen to be one of the lucky winners, speak to a Bonanza Moogle at one of the following locations while in possession of the winning marble (or marbles) to claim your prize!
Port San d'Oria (I-9) / Port Bastok (L-8) / Port Windurst (F-6) / Chocobo Circuit (H-8)

Learn about the Mog Bonanza here.

*All prizes won in the Mog Bonanza are virtual goods and cannot be redeemed for real-world money.

News from Final Fantasy XI.

The Wand of Wish Bestowing (01/26/2010)

The charm wand—that endearing single-handed weapon that has become synonymous with Valentione's Day...

Word has it that, this year, a certain activity has become popular among adventurers who possess this heart-adorned wand.

Care to know more about this latest fad? Then lend an ear to the rumors being whispered in every street and tavern and from every nook and cranny across San d'Oria.

*This year's Valentione's Day event is scheduled to commence on Thursday, February 4th at 0:00 am (PST) and conclude on Monday, February 15th at 0:00 am (PST).

News from Final Fantasy XI.

VanaFest 2010 Confirmed! (01/15/2010)

It is our pleasure to announce that the next edition of VanaFest, Japan's premier Final Fantasy XI fan event, will be held on Sunday, February 28th 2010 in Tokyo!

Attendees can expect this year's event to be a veritable goldmine of mind-blowing news. Development and operation team members will engage in a talk session and divulge juicy pieces of information such as new content scheduled for upcoming version updates, planned job improvements, and other exciting milestones for the year 2010. The evolution of Final Fantasy XI is far from over, folks!

But save your awestruck faces for the special announcement...and be sure to hang on to your seats when it comes!

Even those unable to attend need not be disheartened! All the latest news and developments announced at the festival will be delivered to you hot off the press, so stay tuned!

News from Final Fantasy XI.

Final Call for the Moggy New Year Bonanza! (01/08/2010)

Be fairly warned! Only one week remains until marble sales for the Moggy New Year Bonanza draw to a close.

In the off chance that you haven't yet procured marbles, drop everything and make a beeline for the nearest Bonanza Moogle before it's too late!

A mere five digits stand between you and riches beyond your wildest Vana'dielian dreams. Don't let this golden opportunity pass you by!

Learn about the Mog Bonanza here.

*Marble sales are scheduled to conclude on Friday, January 15 at 00:00am (PST).

News from Final Fantasy XI.

New Year's Greetings! (01/01/2010)

Happy New Year to all adventurers the world over!

As has become the tradition, a curious family of creatures has taken to bounding spiritedly about the three nations.

But what's this? It would appear that this year the creatures are not alone...

Read on for the details.

*The New Year's event will commence on Thursday, December 31st at 7:00am (PST) and end on Friday, January 15th at midnight (00:00).

News from Final Fantasy XI.

Moggy New Year Bonanza Imminent! (12/18/2009)

That's right, folks! Mog Bonanza, the event adventurer dreams are made of, will soon commence!

Have your deeds of late earned a smile from Lady Luck?
Will your new year prove to be just happy, or happy and moggy both?
Your hopes for Vana'dielian bliss rest upon those gleaming orange spheres known as bonanza marbles!

Learn about the Mog Bonanza here.

*Marble sales are scheduled to commence on Thursday, December 24 at 00:00am (PST).

News from Final Fantasy XI.

Starlight Smiles for One and All! (12/11/2009)

Look at that glum face! No, no, that won't do at all. How do you expect to bring mirth and merriment to the children of Vana'diel if you can't even turn your own frown upside down!? Fortunately, I've got just the tale to raise your spirits.

So sit up, perk your ears, and listen to the tale of a down-on-his-luck smilebringer—not unlike yourself—who made his Starlight wish come true.

News from Final Fantasy XI.

Shantotto Fan Art Gallery Open for Public Viewing!
 (12/09/2009)

O-hohoho!
The recent fan art contest that duly pays homage to me
saw a veritable deluge of entries flowing in fast and free.

Each masterpiece is a unique portrayal of my inimitable essence,
glorifying my unsurpassed beauty, might, and overwhelming presence.
I extend to you a rare privilege to admire and adore
the said masterpieces—they'll surely send your heart to soar.

Step through the portal and be whisked away
to the gallery where all entries are on display.

March 2nd marked the date of the SQUARE ENIX Premier Summit at their studios in Santa Monica. Members representing several leading community sites, including Stratics, were flown to Los Angeles to speak with key members of the Community and Development teams including the President and Chief Operating Officer of SQUARE ENIX, INC.

Many topics were discussed mostly centering on the fostering of greater communication lines and strengthening relations with the player base. The big announcement on everyone's lips is of course the much anticipated addition of an officially supported window mode for FINAL FANTASY XI. A release date is, as of yet, not official but word from the source is, it is coming...

Be sure to read the full story here.