Final Fantasy 14 to Offer Free PS3-to-PS4 Upgrade as PS3 Support Coming to an End

Alongside the announcement of Final Fantasy XIV's second expansion pack today, Square Enix also revealed that it's ending support for the PS3 version of the game.

This move won't happen until next year when the expansion, Stormblood, makes it debut in "early summer." Director Naoki Yoshida talked during the keynote of today's FFXIV Fan Festival about how many former PS3 players have upgraded to the PS4 version, so Square Enix decided this would be the ideal time to put an end to the PS3 version. It's also increasing the required specs of the PC version with Stormblood's release.

These moves, like those made by World of Warcraft or Destiny in recent years, should give the developers more headroom to do things that wouldn't be possible when having to also develop for older hardware.

To make this transition easier for PS3 players, Square Enix is teaming up with Sony to provide a free upgrade to the PS4 version. The exact details of this promotion weren't shared, as is to be expected considering Stormblood is still the better part of a year away.

Yoshida reiterated again and again that the company appreciates the support it's received from PS3 players since the game's launch. Those on PS3 will be able to continue playing as normal up until Stormblood's release. The patch released then will cut off support on PS3.

Check out our full coverage on the expansion to find out what's new in Stormblood.