FFXIV Players Ready to Rage Quit Over... Conquistador Chic? Bloody Hell, Square Enix!
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
FFXIV players are up in arms over new dungeon gear in Patch 7.3, which they feel is offensively inspired by Spanish conquistadors in the context of the upcoming Tural-based expansion. Square Enix is facing potential boycotts unless they address the community's concerns, leading to another glamour controversy.
Alright, buckle up, because the usually chill world of Final Fantasy XIV is currently on fire – and not in a good way. Players are sharpening their pitchforks (or, you know, threatening to cancel their subscriptions) over some new dungeon gear coming in Patch 7.3, "The Promise of Tomorrow." According to a report by Game Rant, the designs are... let's just say, causing a bit of a historical kerfuffle.
So, what's the fuss? Well, the new gear, slated for release in August, seems to be heavily inspired by Spanish conquistadors. On its own, maybe not a huge deal. But here's the rub: the upcoming *Dawntrail* expansion is set in Tural, a brand new continent inspired by Central and South America. You see the problem, right? Colonizers' aesthetics in an area inspired by regions *actually* colonized? Ouch.
Think of it like this: imagine a medieval RPG celebrating Viking culture... and then releasing a questline where you pillage monasteries dressed as Norman invaders. Yeah, not a great look.
As you can imagine, the FFXIV forums erupted faster than a poorly cast Fire IV. We're talking hundreds of pages of complaints, with players calling the gear “offensive” and a “disappointment.” Some are even threatening to unsub if Square Enix doesn't address the issue. Fair dinkum, mate.
Now, this isn't the first time FFXIV's fashion choices have caused a bit of a stir. Back in 2023, the “Far Northern Attire,” inspired by Saami culture, landed Square Enix in hot water with the Saami Council. And there was also that outfit inspired by Korean clothing *during* the Japanese occupation, released during the *Stormblood* expansion. That one was quieter, admittedly, since it was only available in China. But the fact remains: they seem to be stepping on toes fairly regularly.
And it's not just the cultural insensitivity causing grief, apparently. Some are also miffed about recent cash shop additions, including a set based on Alisaie's *Shadowbringers* outfit and the “Belt-leather set.” It seems like Square Enix is having a bit of a wobble in the fashion department. The question is: will they listen to the community and make some changes? Or will they stand their ground and risk losing players? Only time will tell.
Personally, I'm hoping they pull a rabbit out of the hat. FFXIV is usually pretty good about listening to its players, so I'm cautiously optimistic they'll find a way to smooth things over. Maybe they'll tweak the designs, offer a public apology, or even introduce some alternative gear inspired by the cultures of Tural. Anything's better than doubling down on a decision that's clearly upsetting a lot of people, right?
I reckon this is a good reminder that even in fantasy worlds, context matters. And that sometimes, the best glamour is the one that doesn't accidentally offend half your player base.
Tags: FFXIV, Final Fantasy XIV, Dawntrail, Controversy, MMORPG
Original article: Game Rant