Happy new year to all you FFXIVers out there!
This is Producer & Director Naoki Yoshida.

December 10, 2022 marked twelve years since I came on board FFXIV. Looking back, I honestly don't feel it was a long time at all. Rather, it was a period of constant running that sped by in a flash. Since taking up the baton from the original FFXIV, we've woven the main scenario into its first conclusion with Endwalker. Now the curtains have risen on a new adventure, and the world continues to expand.

I'd like to express my deepest gratitude to the Development and Operations teams, who have continued to build the FFXIV world. And above all, we never could have come this far without Warriors of Light the world over, our esteemed players. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Now then, on to 2023! This year marks the tenth anniversary of FFXIV's rebirth, and the Fan Festivals scheduled around the world will be held on the grandest scale to date at each venue. These are the largest events where we can celebrate in person with you Warriors of Light, and I am eagerly looking forward to them, as well as various other major events we have in the pipes. Together, let's raise the roof for the tenth anniversary!

And what do you know... As I was pondering a keynote speech for the festivals, someone seems to have left a memo in front of me with a poem on it.

Twelve years have passed since I took up the baton, and ten since the game's rebirth, but the Warrior of Light's journey ever continues! I wonder, what awaits us in the future alluded to in this young man's poem?

As we've previously announced, we're steadily preparing for the next ten years of FFXIV. During Fan Festivals and other events, I expect that we'll be able to report on the progress of the game's first graphical update, which will have a particularly large impact.

It's time to ring in the year in which FFXIV's next major developments will, little by little, come to light! Furthermore, FINAL FANTASY XVI, the latest installment in the FF series developed by our very own Creative Business Unit III, will also see simultaneous worldwide release on June 22 (pre-order your copy here!).

Twelve years ago, I never imagined that I would have the chance to work on two mainline Final Fantasy titles, let alone at the same time. This world truly is a mystery, and that's what makes it so interesting.

It's my hope that all you Warriors of Light will continue to join us in our great and ongoing adventure, all the while looking after yourselves.

Again, I wish you a happy new year, and thank you for your continued support!

FINAL FANTASY XIV Producer & Director

Naoki Yoshida