| Final Fantasy XI has become a huge hit with gamers | | | | Ballista, in a kind of virtual championship. |
| and the general public. It is a very appealing title and | | | | Final Fantasy XI has an extensive presence on the |
| has caught the attention of a major cross-section of | | | | Internet. There is an official site that provides news |
| society. It now enjoys a passionate following and has | | | | and information for the game's fans. The game's |
| built up a substantial community of fans. | | | | developers Square Enix have established a good |
| The success of Final Fantasy XI is interesting because | | | | relationship with the fanbase and the official site is well |
| it appeals to a great variety of players. The game has | | | | run and full of interesting material. It serves as a focal |
| appealed to fans of the series, to fans of online | | | | point for anyone who is interested in the game. In |
| games, and to new players as well. The Final Fantasy | | | | general, the attention and warmth that Square show |
| series obviously had many fans to begin with but this | | | | towards players is impressive. |
| didn't guarantee that they would take to the new title. | | | | Final Fantasy XI has a large number of unofficial fan |
| The series' move into online gaming was different and | | | | sites as well. Players set up web sites containing |
| initially the fans weren't sure if it would work. The | | | | guides for the game and forums where they can |
| excellence of the game removed any concerns or | | | | discuss every aspect of it. The fan sites are often |
| fears that they might have had. | | | | beautifully made and feature lavish artwork and |
| A wide range of people play Final Fantasy XI. The | | | | images. They convey the love and affection that |
| game naturally appeals to the young, with many | | | | people have for this title. The fans are very creative |
| teenagers playing it. Adults enjoy it too, with the | | | | and like to write 'fan fiction' stories that have been |
| opportunity to be in a simulated world proving to be a | | | | directly inspired by the game. They also make fan |
| major draw. The world of Vana'diel is a family | | | | 'movies' based upon their own personal game footage. |
| experience for some - people will play it with their | | | | There have been special fan events held for Final |
| parents, while brothers and sisters will compete against | | | | Fantasy XI. In October 2004 there was the |
| one another in the game. The feature that allows two | | | | Anniversary Masquerade event in the San Francisco |
| characters to 'marry' each other encourages couples | | | | Metreon. This was a celebration to mark the game's |
| to play together as well. | | | | first year of release in America. Fans wore special |
| The fanbase of Final Fantasy XI is global, reflecting the | | | | costumes modelled upon characters from the game, |
| international make-up of the Vana'diel player base | | | | and took part in contests and challenges. There were |
| itself. The game was released in phases, first of all in | | | | prizes to win and gifts for all of the attendees. It was a |
| Japan, followed by America, and then finally in Europe, | | | | party with music and dancing and it proved to be very |
| and it developed a following everywhere it was | | | | popular. |
| launched. The fact that everyone plays together on | | | | There is a special Final Fantasy XI Fan Festival taking |
| the same servers helps the fan community to thrive, | | | | place in Los Angeles in March 2006. This event has |
| as the fans all directly interact with each other in the | | | | much to offer to enthusiasts of the game. It features |
| game. Players can meet people from other countries | | | | the premiere of the Treasures of Aht Urhgan |
| and bond with them. | | | | expansion and includes the opportunity to speak with |
| The world of Vana'diel acts as a home for the Final | | | | the game's developers. It is set to be the largest fan |
| Fantasy XI fanbase. You can become acquainted with | | | | event to date. |
| other fans and then see their characters in the game | | | | Overall, the fanbase of Final Fantasy XI is going from |
| world itself. There are special in-game events that help | | | | strength to strength and faces a bright future. It is a |
| Vana'diel to feel like a proper community. Celebrations | | | | community of players from many different |
| and festivals are common and are open to every | | | | backgrounds and age groups. Its presence is pleasing |
| player. There are also tournaments and sporting | | | | and enriches the whole experience of the game. |
| events where teams can compete at activities like | | | | |