Hours after it was announced that The Omega Protocol, Final Fantasy XIV’s latest Ultimate raid, was cleared, the clear and the winning team, UNNAMED_, were embroiled in controversy. A video leak appears to show the team using zoom hacks during their progression of the TOP fight. Since then, members of UNNAMED_ have come out with apologies, with several stating they’ll be moving away from FFXIV or deleting their characters.
The controversy started hours after the world first TOP clear, a newly created YouTube channel uploaded footage of UNNAMED_ seemingly using zoom hacks. Zoom hacks allow players to zoom out far further than normally should be allowed in-game, which gives them an advantage in fights like The Omega Protocol, where the small arena and tight positioning means knowing exactly where to stand is essential. It’s speculated that UNNAMED_ used other hacks, but this has not been confirmed.
The video appears to have leaked from UNNAMED_ raider Rafuita Helel’s YouTube. The privated video was somehow accessed and posted to a new YouTube account by an unknown party. Initially, it was thought that a team member had posted the video, but this was later refuted.
UNNAMED_ member Feuer E’, also known as Eis, took to Twitter with an apology message entitled “About Zoom Hack.” In it, Feuer, a support member of UNNAMED_ who was a primary part of the world first Abyssos (Savage) race, admitted to receiving help from players using hacks in the past. Feuer stated that they didn’t believe Square Enix would take action, so they would be deleting their characters as punishment for the transgression. A translation is available on Reddit.
This extreme measure is likely both an apology measure and the only way Feuer could continue playing the game. Many speculate that the die-hard Japanese fanbase of FFXIV would harass or dox Feuer if they remained on the character. Other members of UNNAMED_ have reportedly stated they’ll be deleting characters or stopping Final Fantasy XIV activities going forward.
The incident puts a sour taste in the mouth of fans excited that one of the game’s hardest fights had been cleared. If you discount UNNAMED_’s run, then TOP is still unbeaten, with the closest runner up only at 86% health on Phase 6. At this rate, TOP could remain uncleared legitimately for several more days. Still, some fans are making do by creating memes about the situation, with the zoomed-out view of the fight being the common theme.
Still, the outrage and drama caused by this has once again highlighted the complex issue of plugins in FFXIV. While few agree with Square Enix’s zero tolerance on plugins, damage meters are essential for raiding, and visual mods are (mostly) harmless. But when a plugin or mod gives you a clear advantage, it’s definitely too far. It’s an issue that isn’t going away any time soon.
For more Final Fantasy XIV news, guides, and info, check out Players took revenge as the latest Final Fantasy XIV housing lottery got MESSY on Pro Game Guides.
Michael lives in the UK, but wishes he lived in Eorzea. A life-long gamer, Four years ago, he ditched a "real" job to write about video games for a living, and hasn't looked back. When not guiding players how to get the latest mounts, crafting recipes, and in-game goodies, he spends his time nurturing an unhealthy addiction to MMOs and gacha games.