Official FFXIV Facebook page just posted this update:
Quote:
We're pleased to announce that FFXIV: A Realm Reborn will be launching worldwide on PlayStation 3 and PC on August 27, 2013!
Along with the release date announcement comes information on pre-order bonuses, collector’s edition details and more! Visit our newly launched pre-order website to learn all of the juicy details! http://sqex.to/HXt
If you've not yet done so, be sure to sign up for the Beta Test! North America: http://entry.ffxiv.com/beta/na Europe: http://entry.ffxiv.com/beta/en
Maybe it's just me but now that we have a date for release I have lost total interest on when phase 3 will start (knowing when it actually goes live is better). It has me wondering what I want to do. Yes I get a free download from past 1.0 account but seeing what comes with the preorder.....
From the looks the preorder is being run through good ole DR. With the free download what happens if you have to do a restore and lose the install. I had such a problem with SOA for ffxi. I was told I would have to pay again to get access to the download being it was past 30 days from the release. Kind of makes me want actual disc's just for that kind of reason. I just don't want to deal with DR again.
Phase 4 is open beta, open to the whole of humanity. Character data from phase 4 is supposed to carry over to launch.
How then is early access a pre-order perk? Early access to open beta?
I believe in 1.0 there was a lapse in time from the end of phase 4 to launch. They didn't just launch RIGHT OUT of phase 4 into release. Those with collector's edition got to start before the official launch date.
Wow they are going to FLY through phase 3 and 4. The length of phase 1 and 2 gave me the impressions that the latter phases would be much longer. This is a great sign on the state of the game if they are willing to set a date so close.