TL;DR
- FFXIV Fan Festivals return physically after pandemic hiatus with events across 2023-2024
- North American event in Las Vegas July 2023, European in London October 2023
- Expect cosplay contests, musical performances, and exclusive merchandise
- Ticket costs will be substantial – plan your budget accordingly
- Japan’s 2024 details remain TBA while other regions have confirmed schedules
As we approach the conclusion of 2022, it’s clear this year marked significant milestones for Final Fantasy XIV and its dedicated community. Square Enix delivered numerous essential updates, introducing fresh questlines and expanding server infrastructure to accommodate growing player populations. The game’s achievements were formally recognized at The Game Awards 2022, where FFXIV secured victories in both Best Ongoing Game and Best Community Support categories. Having maintained operations for over ten years, the burning question becomes: what exciting developments await players throughout 2023?
The most anticipated announcement for FFXIV enthusiasts centers on the revival of in-person Fan Festivals. Although these gatherings have historical precedent, Square Enix hasn’t organized physical Fan Fests for several years. The previous iteration occurred digitally because of COVID-19 limitations, making the decision to restore traditional region-specific celebrations particularly meaningful for the community. These festivals will unfold progressively during 2023 and 2024 across the United States, United Kingdom, and Japan.
Attendees can anticipate diverse entertainment options including elaborate cosplay competitions, developer keynote presentations, live musical performances, and exclusive FFXIV-themed collectibles. Be aware that admission typically requires purchased tickets, so prepare for considerable expense when budgeting for these premium experiences.
Here are the confirmed dates and venues for upcoming celebrations:
|
Region |
Venue |
Date |
|
North America |
Las Vegas, Nevada – Las Vegas Convention Center |
28 & 29 July 2023 |
|
Europe |
London, UK – ExCeL London |
21 & 22 October 2023 |
|
Japan |
TBA |
Early 2024 |
For optimal festival enjoyment, begin preparations months in advance. Research accommodation near venue locations since hotels fill rapidly once tickets release. Consider creating a dedicated savings fund early, as past events have featured premium ticket tiers exceeding $200 alongside travel expenses. Veteran attendees recommend joining community Discord servers for real-time updates and potential group travel arrangements.
Common planning mistakes include underestimating merchandise budgets (exclusive items often sell quickly) and not accounting for queue times that can exceed several hours for popular activities. Advanced players should prioritize developer panels for exclusive gameplay insights unavailable elsewhere.
Beyond the announced festivals, speculation suggests potential 7.0 expansion teasers and job class revelations. The development team typically uses these events for major announcements, making them essential viewing for dedicated players following the game’s evolution.
Action Checklist
- Monitor official FFXIV social channels for ticket sale announcements 2-3 months before each event
- Research accommodation options near Las Vegas Convention Center and ExCeL London
- Create dedicated festival budget including tickets, travel, merchandise, and food expenses
- Join community Discord servers for attendee coordination and information sharing
- Plan cosplay or outfit preparations at least 6 weeks in advance if participating
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