It’s been long speculated that Final Fantasy XI players will get some sort of special treatment in Final Fantasy XIV in order to convince them to maintain dual accounts for both games. This week, Square Enix revealed these unique perks available to FFXI players who plan to try out the new MMO.
It seems convenience and entitlement are the name of the loyalty game. Dual-subscribing fans can claim a pair of speed-increasing Hermes’ Shoes. While the gold-tipped clog design is a far cry from the Greek god’s classic winged sandals, the movement speed boost will be a boon for early level questing.
Playing both games will also be made more affordable. Once players link their FFXI and FFXIV accounts to the Square Enix Account page, the subscription rate for the older game will be lowered from $12.95 to $7.00 per month–or almost halving the rate. But there won’t be a chance to bundle the discount given the strict 1:1 correlation rule:
The discount applies to one FFXI account for each FFXIV account. For example, if you have two FFXI accounts and 3 FFXIV accounts, you will receive two of the discounts. This offer will remain in effect until January 2011.
Lastly, fans will be able to transfer their FFXI character name to FFXIV under the format [Character Name] [FFXI World Name]. As an example, a character named “Finalfan” on Carbuncle server in FFXI will be known as “Finalfan Carbuncle” in FFXIV.
The prospect of having a server surname is far from appealing even to non-roleplayers, but at least it ensures a higher chance of name availability. Nothing breaks the gaming mood more than having to settle a name dispute while the rest of Hydaelyn explores the breath-taking content uninterrupted.