In a detailed post outlining community PvP issues, lead developer and producer of Final Fantasy XIV Naoki Yoshida warned players against taunting behavior in PvP game modes. With the release of the new Crystalline Conflict game mode, consisting of a PvP overhaul, participation in all PvP game modes has increased. But with that, so have toxic elements like griefing, lethargic behavior (AFKing), and taunting.
Yoshida outlined two primary forms of negative behavior, which he clarified were prohibited in-game: Uncooperative/Lethargic behavior and Taunting/Abusive behavior. While Lethargic behavior was not defined, it’s widely assumed to regard going AFK (away from computer) and failing to participate in the game mode.
Taunting and Abusive behavior were precisely outlined as:
- Repeatedly using the Quick Chat phrase “Nice job!” during a disadvantageous situation
- Repeatedly using the Quick Chat phrase “Good match!” before the outcome of the match has even been decided
- Excessively repeating a particular Quick Chat phrase
- Persistently placing a negative target marker on another ally player
- Using and repeating an emote on top of a downed opponent
- Setting off fireworks on top of a downed opponent
- Using Tell or other methods to directly harass/criticize a player outside of a duty after a match has ended
- Slandering other players through means outside of the game, such as social media
Punishments for players who break the PvP rules
The post goes on to describe the process in which rule-breaking behavior is investigated and dealt with. After a report is submitted, a Game Master (GM) will analyze the logs and then review the case to apply penalties.
Penalties include temporary suspensions of between three and 20 days. Alternatively, if there are repeated violations, or if the abuse is very severe, then the account may be permanently banned.
However, the measures had a notable omission. Since the release of the new PvP mode and actions overhaul, more and more players have complained of botting/plug-in, third-party program usage, and hacking in PvP. At this time, Square Enix has not commented on these complaints.
This is likely because enforcing the rules against mods, plug-ins, and third-party programs would also affect many non-PvP players. For example, many Final Fantasy XIV players use mods and plug-ins for much more innocuous things, from tracking resource spawns to altering appearances in-game. A crackdown on PvP addons of any kind would likely cause these mods to also be removed.
For more Final Fantasy XIV PvP news and information, check out Final Fantasy XIV showcases new PvP mode in 6.1 update 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.