Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival: A Celebration of FFXIV and Gaming Community
Introduction
To commemorate the launch of Final Fantasy XIV’s highly anticipated expansion, Dawntrail, and the 10th anniversary of FFXIV 2.0 A Realm Reborn, Square Enix recently hosted the London Fan Festival 2023. As a lucky attendee, I want to express my gratitude to Forty Seven and Square Enix for providing me with a ticket to this incredible event. Although tickets were limited and obtained through a lottery, the festival was streamed online for free, allowing everyone to join in the excitement.
Smooth Entry and Pleasant Venue
Despite concerns about long queue times, entering the event this year was surprisingly hassle-free. The organizers efficiently managed the flow of attendees, and the spacious Excel Centre provided a comfortable environment for all. Compared to previous events, I appreciated the ample personal space, especially in light of the pandemic we’ve all experienced. Additionally, the venue’s safety measures, including bag checks, further assured everyone’s well-being.
Exciting Announcements and Panels
One of the main highlights of the Fan Festival was the announcement of new expansions. Square Enix went above and beyond this year, providing ample disability seating to accommodate those who needed it during the panels. From live letters with Yoshida-san to fascinating cosplay showcases, each panel brought its own energy. Personally, I particularly enjoyed the PvP panel featuring Lythi and Rookuri. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and they managed to spark interest in PvP even among non-PvP enthusiasts.
Unique Attractions and Games
The festival’s venue was cleverly divided into different areas reflecting various parts of the game. Each area offered unique activities that catered to diverse interests. Thanalan, for example, featured a Gold Saucer area with engaging games like bowling and a challenging bomb-dodging mini-game. Personally, one of the highlights for me was the Chocobo Racing mini-game, where players had to throw balls into moving holes, each hole moving at a different speed depending on the Chocobo’s color.
Well-Managed Queues and Games
Despite the wide array of attractions, queues for the games proceeded swiftly and efficiently. Some of the more popular games, such as Archery and Axe Throwing, naturally took longer due to safety instructions and guidance provided by the staff. While there were minor issues, such as running out of gold coins for the crafting event, the organizers did their best to maintain an enjoyable experience for all attendees.
A Welcoming and Inclusive Environment
To create a relaxing space for attendees, the organizers thoughtfully provided a quiet room for those needing a break. Although some noise from outside could be heard due to the slightly open door, the room featured soothing music and comfortable seating. In the future, it would be beneficial to fully close the door or even consider locating the quiet room slightly away from the main venue.
A Memorable Fan Festival
Overall, the London Fan Festival 2023 exceeded expectations and stands as the best Fan Festival to date. With an abundance of mini-games, excellent organization, and incredibly helpful staff, this event truly showcased the spirit of the Final Fantasy community. While I would have loved to see additional rewards for participating in activities, attending the Fan Festival itself already provided attendees with exciting freebies. Ultimately, Fan Fest is about bringing together like-minded individuals to celebrate their shared passion for the Final Fantasy franchise, and this sense of camaraderie truly permeated the event.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a dedicated Final Fantasy XIV player or simply a fan of the franchise, I highly recommend attending the next Fan Festival. Beyond the new content announcements, the event is an opportunity to connect with fellow gaming enthusiasts in an environment filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Long live the Final Fantasy Fan Festival!
Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival took place in the UK at the…