Final Fantasy XI Celebrates 24 Years with Live Event in Shibuya

Square Enix is celebrating one of gaming's most enduring online adventures with a special live event as Final Fantasy XI approaches its 24th anniversary. The legendary MMORPG that launched in May 2002 continues to thrive, and the developer is giving fans in Japan a chance to celebrate together at a unique gathering in Tokyo.

The Ultimate Vana'diel Celebration

The event, titled "出張！『FFXI』A.M.A.N.とLIVE！ in SHIBUYA" (FFXI A.M.A.N. to LIVE! Trip to Shibuya), will take place on March 7, 2026 at Tokyo Culture Culture in the heart of Shibuya. This marks another milestone for the world's longest-running Final Fantasy title, proving that the adventures in Vana'diel are far from over.

Two Parts, One Epic Day

The event is split into two distinct experiences:

Part 1 - Secret Stage (12:00 PM - 3:30 PM) - Behind-the-scenes dramatic reading discussions - Developer roundtable with game designers - Composer spotlight featuring unreleased FFXI music tracks

Part 2 - Public Broadcast (5:30 PM - 9:00 PM) - Live broadcast on the official FFXI YouTube channel - Producer and community team Q&A - Major announcement: "Face" system enhancement presentation - 2026 special projects reveal - Live painting segment by guest illustrator

24 Years of Adventures

Final Fantasy XI holds a special place in gaming history as the franchise's first MMORPG and one of the longest-running subscription MMOs ever created. Launching on PC and PlayStation 2 in Japan in May 2002, the game introduced millions of players to the world of Vana'diel—a rich fantasy realm populated by five distinct races: Hume, Elvaan, Tarutaru, Mithra, and Galka.

Over two decades later, the game continues to receive updates, with Square Enix announcing new content through 2025 and beyond. The November 2024 version update introduced improvements to solo play, and the team has teased a much-requested character race change feature coming in the future.

How to Attend

Tickets are available via lottery system through the official pre-order period. Food and alcohol service will be available at the venue. Note that photography and recording are not permitted during the event.

Part 2 Available Worldwide

For fans who can't make it to Tokyo, Part 2 of the event will be streamed live on the official Final Fantasy XI YouTube channel. While the Secret Stage content remains exclusive to in-person attendees, the evening broadcast promises major announcements including details on the 2026 roadmap and the eagerly anticipated Face system enhancements.

A Living Legend

Final Fantasy XI's longevity is remarkable in an industry where MMORPGs often struggle to survive past their first few years. Square Enix reportedly considered ending support for the game in 2024, but overwhelming player support convinced the development team to continue the journey. The 23rd Vana'versary celebration in May 2025 proved that the community's passion for Vana'diel burns as brightly as ever.

As FFXI approaches its 24th anniversary, this Shibuya event represents more than just a celebration—it's a testament to the enduring bond between Square Enix and the dedicated adventurers who have called Vana'diel home for over two decades.