FFXIV: Are Crossovers And References Beneficial To The Further Development? - With FF Series Or Other Games

If you are a loyal player of Final Fantasy 14, in fact, you will find that there are often reference events in the game, such as the recent event that FF16 Clive and Torgal arrived in Eorzea.

Because of the unique nature of FFXIV world, such references can be implemented fairly easily, with no additional explanations as to why characters from another world appear. The existence of multiple worlds in FFXIV universe opens the door to unlimited reference potential.

This is because in Final Fantasy 14, the world was divided into 14 fragments thousands of years ago, and the main fragment is called Source or Hydaelyn. In addition, when raising the possibility of the direction of development after DLC Dawntrail, the game developers mentioned that a multiverse approach will be adopted to deal with potential future content.

So this may make you curious whether these reference events can help you get more FFXIV Gil in the future FF14? Or is it better to introduce crossover events about other games to FFXIV? Based on this, we will give you a preliminary answer from several aspects.

The Power Of References

As a series, Final Fantasy has a habit of referencing other games in the series in each game. The most common form is recurring characters and summons. However, in FF14, these references can be very subtle, depending on how they are implemented in the world of FFXIV.

For example, FFXIV’s fourth DLC, Endwalker, has multiple references to elements of Final Fantasy 4. Loporrits are a fairly obvious reference to Hummingways, which is why each Loporrit’s name ends in “-way”.

In addition, the eventual trial in 6.0 also references the fight against Zeromus in FF4, with its arena style and space location referencing Zeromus before Zeromus appears as a true boss in Endwalker patch content.

In fact, the patch content after Endwalker is full of references to FF4, including entire locations such as Troia, the elemental lords, Golbez, and using a re-arranged version of Sorrow and Loss. Even the character designs pay homage to Amano’s original work for FFIV.

Likewise, you’ll find references to FFIX more prominently in Dawntrail, including allusions to the game similar to the level of allusions to FFIV in Endwalker. For example, the second half of Dawntrail revolves around Alexandria, which is the name of the main kingdom in FFIX, and Alexandria dungeon in Dawntrail even shows architecture similar to the kingdom in FFIX, rather than the futuristic version currently present in FF14.

Even these aspects are just a few of the countless allusions to other Final Fantasy games in FFXIV. Other references include Hrothgar referencing Ronso race from FF10; Triple Triad from FF8; Gold Saucer from FF7, and many more. Of course, Warrior of Light has its roots in the first Final Fantasy game. It’s fair to say that FFXIV embodies the past and future of the entire FF series.

References Maybe Better Than Crossover Events

For FFXIV, hosting crossover events with other games like Fall Guys is a fun way to add some freshness to both games. Especially in the gaps between FF14 releasing major patches and new expansions, you can play these crossover events to ensure you don’t get bored.

However, there is a key difference between references to other games and crossover events for FFXIV - references can be implemented in a way that integrates into FF14 universe and makes you feel it throughout the game. In contrast, crossover events are limited and if you don’t participate in the limited time, you may miss it completely.

Therefore, you will find that references are better than crossover events in terms of accessibility. You don’t have to worry about not being able to participate in references before the references are removed from the game, and can revisit them as many times as you want.

Of course, crossover events have their own advantages. References are often part of the content of the game, but crossover games can provide entertainment while you wait for the next big patch or expansion to be boring, helping you stay interested in the game during the game’s off-season. It’s just that in the long run, references may be better than crossovers.

The World Of FFXIV Can Stand On Its Own

While references can create a rich world in Final Fantasy 14 that veterans of FF series will enjoy exploring, you’ll find that this approach to incorporating other FF games can actually benefit players who have only played FFXIV too.

Because of the universality of some of the worldview settings, this reference feels natural in FF14 universe, so it doesn’t seem strange or break your immersion. And it also helps to give elements from other games in the series of new life in Final Fantasy 14, further building the larger world of FFXIV.

Of course, the unique superiority of references does not mean that FFXIV should not hold crossover events, as they also have their own unique advantages. However, from the perspective of the players, the references that are reinvented and appear naturally in FFXIV bring you more overall benefits by adding permanent playable content.

In fact, a series as long-standing as Final Fantasy has a lot of potential for references and crossovers. And when unrelated games become potential crossover material, the possibilities can even be said to be endless.

In short, based on the richness of FF series and the prosperity of the entire game market, Final Fantasy 14 can further develop itself. Whether through perfect references or rich crossovers, all can make FF14 become an outstanding MMORPG that is both rich in personal characteristics and highly inclusive.