Final Fantasy XIV Producer Calls Out Use of Third Party Tools

Naoki Yoshida, the recently sanctioned patron saint of the Final Fantasy franchise, wants the Final Fantasy XIV fanbase to act right. We can see why–this is a man who put his blood, sweat, and tears into bringing a dead MMO back from the verge of destruction, turning it into the most popular online game on the planet. Following the rules is a must according to Yoshi-P, and that means uninstalling those third-party mods you have. The shaders, the UI tools, and map mods, all of it. Yes, really. Don’t act surprised.

“With the release of Patch 6.11 and Dragonsong’s Reprise (Ultimate), we’ve heard concerns from players about the use of third-party tools and the potential for game server emulation,” Yoshida writes on the official FFXIV blog. ” I’ve touched on these topics previously in LIVE Letters, but I would like to take this opportunity to formally address them.

As stated in the terms of service for Final Fantasy XIV: the use of third-party tools is strictly prohibited. Players who are determined to be using third-party tools will have their accounts suspended, or permanently banned for repeat offenses.”

Yoshida admits that it would be physically impossible to run checks on every third-party mod on the internet and that it is also impossible to tell which programs are installed on each player’s PC. While the producer frowns on all of these prohibited additions, he lists four specific types of mods that will be “prioritized for investigation.” These include:

• Use of tools that allow players to more easily complete content
• Modification of the UI to display additional information
• Use of packet spoofing tools
• Any actions or public statements that promote use of third-party tools

You might not get caught for the shaders after all, but better safe than sorry.

Of course, Yoshida wouldn’t leave players on a sour note. Changes to the UI may be coming soon due to this ongoing issue.

“We believe that people use the aforementioned tools to expand the HUD and display more information because they feel that existing functions are insufficient for tackling high-end duties,” the producer writes. “In recognition of this, we intend to review the most prominent tools, and in order to discourage their use, endeavor to enhance the functionality of the HUD. Though it will take some time, we’re determined to make it happen─not least for the benefit of those who play on consoles.”

Since the release of Patch 6.1, Yoshida has been speaking up about long-time issues in the community. At the end of April, the producer posted a plea to PvP players to mind their manners–or face the consequences.

Final Fantasy XIV is available to play on PC, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. 

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