FFXIV Fan Fest Disaster?! Disabled Fans Fear Being Left Behind AGAIN!

Final Fantasy 14 fans are sounding the alarm about potential accessibility failures at the upcoming Fan Fest event in California. After what some are calling an "accessibility shitshow" at the previous U.S. event in Las Vegas, concerns are mounting that Square Enix's production company for the next gathering is ill-equipped to handle the diverse needs of disabled players, leading some to threaten a boycott.

FFXIV Fan Fest Disaster?! Disabled Fans Fear Being...

For those not in the know, Fan Fest events are massive celebrations held in the U.S., Europe, and Japan, and they're where Square Enix typically drops the juicy details about the next expansion pack for their beloved MMORPG. The last U.S. event, held in the glitzy (but apparently not so accessible) Las Vegas, drew heavy criticism for its accessibility shortcomings. One attendee described a chaotic scene with poor organization, ridiculously long food lines, and a general lack of facilities, contrasting it starkly with the much smoother Fan Fest in London. It's a shame, really, because these events are supposed to be about celebrating the community.

The process itself is also drawing flak. Upon purchasing tickets, fans can indicate their need for ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) assistance. However, attendees are reporting that they're then contacted via email and required to participate in a personal phone call with a third-party organization to discuss their specific needs. They're then given a mere 24 hours to agree to any accommodations. Eurogamer has even verified these emails, which originate from The Trade Group, a company specializing in trade shows and conventions, with an impressive client list that includes the Pokémon 2023 World Championship Series in Japan, Twitch, Stadia, and Magic the Gathering. So, you know, they're legit...but are they equipped?

"The way that FanFest handled accessibility in 2023 was the worst accessibility experience I have had at a con, and their booth at PAX East 2024 wasn't much better," wrote Final Fantasy 14 player Sara Winters (username divisionten) on the game's forum. It's not all doom and gloom though. Winters did note improvements at PAX West 24 and East 25, stating, "It was clear that SQUEX took the criticism of prior events to heart and actively improved." So, progress is being made, albeit slowly.

Winters confirmed to Eurogamer that the consultant at The Trade Group has experience in special education, which appears to have been mistakenly equated with accessibility needs. "Special education is adjacent to accessibility - it's not the same thing," Winters stated. It's a fair point. Furthermore, a phone call itself is not an accessible means of communication for individuals who are deaf or have auditory impairments, among other disabilities. It's a real oversight.

Another player pointed out that at the last event, their medical needs changed the day before attending, and the rigid phone call system wouldn't accommodate this. They emphasized that the system's flaws aren't the fault of the individual consultant, but that it "will inevitably fail disabled attendees and overwhelm the staff member responsible for them unless this is properly addressed and adjusted." It's a systemic issue, and one that Square Enix needs to address swiftly.

The Anaheim Convention Center, where the event is scheduled, does provide a guide to accessibility on its website, outlining basic provisions such as wheelchair access, elevators, and accessible seating. But as fans are pointing out, basic isn't enough. Here's hoping Square Enix listens to the community and makes some real changes before the next Fan Fest. Accessibility isn't just a nice-to-have; it's essential for creating a truly inclusive and welcoming event for everyone.