Revolutionary
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FFXIV finally officially releases on Xbox in a few days, and Square Enix has posted one last article for Xbox gamers to get ready. But there's an important piece of info that has been conveniently left out until now.
Along with a Game Pass sub required to play the game (as a reminder: there is no equivalent requirement on PS systems), it seems that Microsoft also wants a cut out of every transaction because they are introducing FFXIV Coins to pay for subscriptions and optional items (which currently cost anywhere from $1 to $50). We don't know what the pricing and/or conversion rates will be, but there's a good chance that everything will be priced higher to compensate for Microsoft's cut. It is also a certainty that coins will be sold in bundles as opposed to just being able to buy the amount you need (see: Elder Scrolls Online, or any other online game that sells currency).
But there is a caveat: you're only forced to use FFXIV Coins if you play exclusively on Xbox. If you're playing on multiple platforms, then you're already dealing with MogStation and can just manage your sub through there as usual.
One last PSA for Xbox free trial players: do NOT yet redeem the Starter Edition that is available as a Game Pass perk, because it will turn your account into a paying one. Only redeem it when you're ready to move on from the free trial restrictions.
But yeah, I doubt Square Enix wanted to do this. Players have been complaining about FFXIV's draconian account management for the better part of a decade, and here they introduce something that makes it even worse? Bizarre, but I guess that was part of the deal to bring XIV to Xbox - SE said no to giving MS their own servers, but it cost them 30% per transaction.
Along with a Game Pass sub required to play the game (as a reminder: there is no equivalent requirement on PS systems), it seems that Microsoft also wants a cut out of every transaction because they are introducing FFXIV Coins to pay for subscriptions and optional items (which currently cost anywhere from $1 to $50). We don't know what the pricing and/or conversion rates will be, but there's a good chance that everything will be priced higher to compensate for Microsoft's cut. It is also a certainty that coins will be sold in bundles as opposed to just being able to buy the amount you need (see: Elder Scrolls Online, or any other online game that sells currency).
FFXIV Coins
Payment for service fees and optional item purchases will require FFXIV Coins, which can be purchased from the Microsoft Store. Please purchase FFXIV Coins before using the Mog Station or FINAL FANTASY XIV Online Store.
After purchasing FFXIV Coins from the Microsoft Store, log into the Xbox Series X|S version of FINAL FANTASY XIV to have the purchased FFXIV Coins credited to your Square Enix Account. You will not be able to use the purchased FFXIV Coins until you log in, so please be sure to log in after purchasing FFXIV Coins.
FINAL FANTASY XIV for Xbox Series X|S Launches March 21 | FINAL FANTASY XIV, The Lodestone
FINAL FANTASY XIV for Xbox Series X|S Launches March 21
na.finalfantasyxiv.com
But there is a caveat: you're only forced to use FFXIV Coins if you play exclusively on Xbox. If you're playing on multiple platforms, then you're already dealing with MogStation and can just manage your sub through there as usual.
One last PSA for Xbox free trial players: do NOT yet redeem the Starter Edition that is available as a Game Pass perk, because it will turn your account into a paying one. Only redeem it when you're ready to move on from the free trial restrictions.
But yeah, I doubt Square Enix wanted to do this. Players have been complaining about FFXIV's draconian account management for the better part of a decade, and here they introduce something that makes it even worse? Bizarre, but I guess that was part of the deal to bring XIV to Xbox - SE said no to giving MS their own servers, but it cost them 30% per transaction.