There’s arguably no “redemption arc” within the historical past of the gaming trade as epic and as uplifting because the dying and rebirth of Ultimate Fantasy XIV and the fan pageant hosted lately in Tokyo, Japan, is actually additional proof of that.
13 years in the past, the unique Ultimate Fantasy XIV 1.0 had simply been launched, and a comparatively unknown developer named Naoki Yoshida had lately been positioned on the helm of what by all means gave the impression to be a sinking ship.
Again then, I might have by no means imagined even in my wildest fantasies that over a decade later, I would be sitting amongst tens of 1000’s of fellow Warriors of Mild 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 the 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 pageant 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 most likely no higher place and time for such a reveal.
I’ve been to many 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 doubtless always remember.
Now that I am getting ready to enter a brand new chapter in my life (this may regrettably be the final report I write for TechRaptor), I actually really feel glad that I am ending this expertise by sharing such an unforgettable second as my farewell.
Ultimate 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 will have probably learn on my report of the earlier occasion on London, however nothing compares to what I witnessed at Tokyo Dome.
Whereas the setlist could have been related and the performers could have been the identical, experiencing these beloved songs whereas surrounded by tens of 1000’s of glowsticks dancing within the darkness created an environment worthy of one of the best concert events carried out by the most important stars like Taylor Swift or Woman Gaga.
Taylor Swift herself carried out at Tokyo Dome many occasions, 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 ordinary, 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 form of venue that feels just like the excessive level of a profession for an artist.
But, the Competition supplied far more than music. The event group, 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 enlargement Dawntrail (which is releasing in July), and we bought to satisfy extra of the individuals who work onerous on daily basis to make and preserve the sport we love.
There have been critical 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 unbelievable as Japanese followers actually take their cosplay critically.
If there may be one level of criticism that I really feel the necessity to deliver 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” section was given precedence, and that translating from Japanese is just not an easy 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 supplied a translation serving to many who didn’t perceive Japanese, I feel Sq. Enix may have performed a little 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 mistaken. 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 group as a complete.
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 photograph spots to snap photos together with your favourite characters.
One in every of them supplied an opportunity to take a selfie with the dual swords of the Viper job that Naoki Yoshida sported at London Fan Competition, and it was significantly fashionable for apparent causes. The traces had been lengthy, however that solely reveals how extremely fashionable this occasion was.
As all the time, making associates was the most effective a part of the celebrations, and I am grateful to the native Warriors of Mild who put up with my horrible Japanese and made me really feel welcome. I even met a few outdated associates from the period of 1.0 (when the servers weren’t divided by area) and that actually made my day.
Few issues are as memorable as sharing this sort 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 obstacles between areas, I am glad to have established some lasting contacts with like-minded folks.
It is maybe unsurprising that a couple of emotional moments had been had as properly, particularly throughout 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 actually able to do exactly that.
Ultimate Fantasy XIV began as a failure, however unimaginable dedication, effort, and self-sacrifice turned it into successful worthy to be celebrated in one of the prestigious occasion venues on the planet. We have actually come far, fellow Warriors of Mild.