Breakdown
- Final Fantasy XIV is forcing players to pay additional taxes next month
- This change will be implemented on June 25, a week before Dawntrail's release
- Players are already paying to play this game monthly, in addition to paying for expansion passes and in-game items
Final Fantasy XIV will soon force its fanbase to pay for taxes, depending on their area of residence and the tax laws instituted. This is something that the Square Enix MMORPG has been able to avoid for the longest time, so the sudden change is surprising to many.
On the game’s official website, Square Enix told fans that they will have to pay additional tax if they want to keep playing the game, depending on their area. Game subscriptions, in-game purchases, and anything from the MMORPG’s official store will charge additional money because of this change.
Tax will be implemented on June 25, a week before the Dawntrail expansion’s release on all systems. Considering how Final Fantasy XIV charges fans monthly, this is going to be a controversial decision, if it isn’t already. It’s bad enough that this is a full-priced game, but paying extra for expansions, in-game items, and the monthly expansion could break the bank.
MMO players were already content paying monthly for this game, so an increase in price might not deter anyone who has poured hundreds of hours already. Still, this is definitely an annoying addition to this beloved RPG, especially since this is a week before the new expansion comes out.
After years of intense storylines dominating the MMO, Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail looks like the “beach episode” expansion fans have been hoping for. Granted, this is still an MMORPG and players can expect to battle some ridiculously tough bosses with friends, but the change in tone is appreciated. Players wish it didn’t come with a change in price, but that’s going to be out of their control, unfortunately.
It’s not all doom and gloom with Square Enix, as the company has announced that they will focus on multi-platform releases from here on out. This decision stems from recent releases like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Final Fantasy XVI not doing too well as PS5 exclusives.
Final Fantasy XIV is readily available on PS4, PS5, Xbox Series, and PC.