PS2 and Xbox 360 versions of Final Fantasy 11 come to an end March 2016
But PC version lives on.
The PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360 versions of 13-year-old MMO Final Fantasy 11 finally come to an end next year, Square Enix has announced.
But the PC version will live on.
Final Fantasy 11's final main scenario is called Rhapsodies of Vana'diel, and the first chapter of that will be added to the game in May 2015.
Massively multiplayer online role-playing game Final Fantasy 11 released in 2002 for PlayStation 2 and PC, then later on Xbox 360. Rhapsodies of Vana'diel is designed to tie together the last 13 years, and, according to Square Enix, "we aim for it serve as the ultimate compilation of all we have accomplished to date". Major characters from throughout the game's history will make an appearance.
Rhapsodies of Vana'diel includes three chapters, launching in May, August and November respectively. "We plan for this to be a grand conclusion to the Final Fantasy series' first MMORPG," Square Enix said, "and indeed, the first console MMORPG, in a way that will be recorded in the annals of the genre's history."
The PS2 and Xbox 360 servers shut down in March 2016, Square Enix confirmed. "We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to those who have enjoyed Final Fantasy 11 on these platforms and to those who have assisted us in bringing Vana'diel to you."
However, Square Enix promised to continue to release "minor version updates" to address bugs and rebalance gameplay for the PC version.
A new event called The Goddess's Gala will launch "as a show of appreciation for those who have loved Vana'diel throughout the years".
"The Goddess's Gala is a series of various campaigns that have been held previously to great acclaim and can be enjoyed by both regular players and returnees alike."
Meanwhile, Square Enix announced it's working with developer Nexon Korea to make a mobile version of Final Fantasy 11.
Final Fantasy 11 Mobile will be released at some point in 2016 in Japan, Korea, North America and parts of Europe.
As you'd expect, the mobile version will be a little different than the subscription-based original. Party organisation systems will be rearranged for mobile devices, as will the solo game and combat.
