Earlier Tuesday Square Enix announced that the open beta for its upcoming MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV would begin later in the evening at 10pm EST. The news stemmed from a Twitter post that read: "The FINAL FANTASY XIV Open Beta Test begins on Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at 2:00 (GMT)! We hope to see everyone participate!"
However apparently plans have changed. According to the company, the open beta test has been postponed due to "a confirmation of critical bugs." A new schedule for the open beta will be released at a later date. Additionally, the issuing of registration codes for the open beta will also be postponed. Client downloads are suspended until a later date.
Final Fantasy XIV for the PC is slated for a worldwide release on September 30, 2010. A Collector's Edition is also planned, scheduled to hit retail shelves a week prior to the Standard release. The PlayStation 3 won't see the sci-fi/fantasy MMORPG until sometime in March 2011.
The game takes place on the content of Eorzea with additional areas available to explore in Hydaelyn. Unlike Final Fantasy XI--which used experience points and level progression--Final Fantasy XIV will utilize a skill-based progression system similar to Final Fantasy II. There will also be less emphasis on group play, and weapon use will apparently alter character development.
Current players of the closed beta will be able to transfer their characters over to the open beta. The latest patch to the Final Fantasy XIV client supposedly weighs around 1.2 GB. Stay tuned to Square Enix for more updates on the open beta status.
