UPDATE: Confirmed with picture from next week's Jump: FFXIV Campaign Code

A rumor has made its way through the tubes that early copies of Final Fantasy XIII, which goes on sale December 17th, may contain "Campaign Codes" related to Final Fantasy XIV. Unfortunately, there are no details as to what the codes may activate. Early speculation leans towards either a slot in the beta, one of the promised "focus groups" or perhaps just some special item.  However, any high hopes should be kept in check until more details emerge.

Still, while the purpose is unclear, there is some precedent for such an offer. Along with the recently released 4 Warriors of Light Final Fantasy Gaiden, Square Enix is running a campaign for early buyers.  If one purchases a copy and enters a special code on the Square Enix Members site before November 8th, they are eligible to receive a special Dragon Standee, pictured left.

Being a fan of anything from Square Enix with two or more F's in the title, I picked up this DS cart on release day and entered my code online.  There are a few things I noticed along the way that speak well for this rumor.  First, is the item is used as a display in stores and cannot be obtained in any other way.  We know Square Enix is willing to provide unqiue items beyond what are offered by trading points in their Members Store.  Second, the process entailed filling out a survey in which it was indicated there would be future "early purchase" bonuses. 

We'll have to wait and see if they do in fact adopt the early purchase campaign to Final Fantasy XIII and what prizes they have in store.  Maybe I shouldn't have checked "did not affect my purchasing decision" on that survey...

Tip o' the Taj to FF14-FAN for the info.

When the Square Enix devs said that they hope their players will play both Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XIV, I don't think this is what they had in mind. That poor poor tank...

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Discuss this on the ZAM Forums. Got an idea for Happy Friday? Email us!

Every Thursday, we pick the hottest topics from our FFXIV forum and highlight them in this segment. Join the discussions! Tell everyone what you think!

This week's Hot Threads:

So I was watching the gameplay footage...

The gameplay footage from Gamescom has been out for quite a while now. Chances are, if you're following this website, you've seen the videos. What's your initial take on this early peek at the game? Did see anything you already like or dislike or is it too soon to make an assessment?

Where are my VIERA!?

This thread has been featured before. It started out as an expression of dissapointment in the absence of Ivalcean races. Now the discussion has moved to the importance of game aesthetics vs. gameplay. Which do you think is more important?

Things from FFXI you DON'T want in FFXIV

This thread has been going for a while. There were several things people liked about FFXI that they woudn't mind seeing again in FFXIV. There also seems to be a number of things people don't want to see again.

Those of you out there who are hip to Facebook may have seen this BREAKING NEWS from the Distant Worlds Facebook Page.  Final Fantasy XIV music has been added to the December 12th concert being held in Chicago.  Steven likes it, how about you?

Discuss this on the ZAM forums!

Every Thursday, we pick the hottest topics from our FFXIV forums and highlight them in this segment. Join the discussions! Tell everyone what you think!

This week's Hot Threads:

PL - Power Leveling - your thoughts

In FFXI, Power Leveling other players was possible, but not as effective as it is in a lot of other MMOs. Is this a trend you would like to see repeated in Final Fantasy XIV?

Already left XI?

Are you burned out on Final Fantasy XI but anticipating Final Fantasy XIV? Are you playing a different game to pass the time until it comes out?

The community of FFXIV

Most veteran Final Fantasy XI players will agree that the game's player base makes up a great community. Some will cite that most of the game can only be accoplished by working in groups with the other players. Do you think that Final Fantasy XIV will still have a good community or will the game's relaxed nature lend itself to a more "selfish" player base?