Final Fantasy XIV is a very successful MMORPG. As a matter of fact, its story of failure and redemption is probably one of the most uplifting if not the most inspiring in the history of the genre.
It’s not unlikely for MMORPGs in general and Final Fantasy XIV in particular to be played by well-known personalities, but recently, Square Enix’s super-popular (and exceptionally profitable) game has drawn the attention of a very special VIP.
Until about a month ago Hironobu Sakaguchi, who many know as the creator and father of the Final Fantasy series, tweeted mostly about his latest game Fantasian, beautiful illustrations, or pictures of gorgeous vistas.
On September 27, 2021, Sakaguchi-san installed the free trial of Final Fantasy XIV, likely to prepare for an upcoming panel with the game’s producer and director Naoki Yoshida at Tokyo Game Show.
He picked his server and created a character, a lalafell. Since then, Sakaguchi-san’s Twitter timeline has never been the same.
Do keep in mind that below you may find spoilers if you have not finished the story of Final Fantasy XIV up to this point.
He was soon joined by veteran player (and Final Fantasy Tactics/XII director, on top of the writer of FFXIV’s Return to Ivalice and Save the Queen scenarios) Yasumi Matsuno, who gave him a million gil to help him get started, on top of showing him around.
Soon Square Enix hooked Sakaguchi-san up with a full-fledged account and a day after joining he was officially a player and level 11. He immediately started wearing the Warrior of Light helmet from the original Final Fantasy.
He then cleared the first couple of dungeons thanks to Matsuno-san’s healing.
On September 30, Sakaguchi-san unlocked his very own Chocobo buddy.
Between October 3 and 4 he unlocked his Paladin job and reached level 40.