Noted game publisher Square Enix has confirmed that the older-gen console versions of the massively multiplayer online game "Final Fantasy XI" will be shut down by March next year. To celebrate the final year of the title on the PS2 and Xbox 360, the company will come out with "Final Fantasy XI's" closing scenario, "Rhapsodies of Vana'diel."
In the game's forum page, Square Enix explained more about this move, saying that "Rhapsodies of Vana'diel's" story will touch on all the aspects of the title's 13-year existence, and will be divided into three chapters. The final chapters for the game's long run will be released in May, August, and November. Since these last chapters will touch on all the years the game has progressed, most major characters are expected to make an appearance.
Also, to commemorate "Final Fantasy XI's" last year, the developer has announced a new event.
"We have also decided to hold a new event known as The Goddess's Gala as a show of appreciation for those who have loved Vana'diel throughout the years," the company announced. "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."
The MMO role-playing game was released in 2002 for Playstation 2 and PC, and later on was imported to the Xbox 360. Although the PS2 and Xbox 360 servers will be closed by March next year, the title will still be active on the Windows PC. Square Enix confirmed that they will continue to develop and release minor version updates to comb out bugs and fix gameplay issues on the PC version.
In addition, Square Enix has partnered with developer Nexon Korea to facilitate plans to import the game on mobile devices. No details are available as of yet, but it is expected that the mobile version of "Final Fantasy XI" will be released next year.
