The alpha test has yet to begin, and the beta is still a bit further down the track. This time around, we want to make sure we’re fully satisfied with the content before sending it out into the big, wide world. Beta won’t start until I’m 100% happy things are ready for that stage, and we won’t go live with the final version until after we’ve had the chance to consider and implement feedback from the beta.
As for the grand finale of FFXIV 1.x, Yoshida informs us that the last save maintenance for current character data is scheduled for November 1, 2012, with the downtime of all Worlds starting on November 11. Additionally, at 10:00 AM GMT (2:00 AM PST) on November 11, Yoshida will run a live version of a Letter from the Producer.
All character data will be preserved for when A Realm Reborn goes live, after which the plan is to permanently close the old version of the game. However, that can change depending on player response, as Yoshida mentions that the team could be persuaded to open up the current version again – with players that have an active subscription as of September 30, 2012 playing for free. If you want the current version of FFXIV to remain open after the November maintenance, make your opinion known.
Lastly, the Final Fantasy 25th Anniversary event begins tomorrow, and Yoshida has promised even more FFXIV information for us!
UPDATE: For those interested in FFXIV Playstation 3 details, Famitsu revealed this week that we should expect information about the PS3 release during the Tokyo Game Show, which starts on September 20, 2012.
Source: Letter from the Producer, XXXV (08/30/2012)
vBulletin Message