Stricter Final Fantasy XIV moderation policies cause player backlash.

Currently, as one of the largest MMOs on the market, Final Fantasy XIV has conducted significant adjustments to their player behavior and punishment policies.

The preorder sales of much-hyped Final Fantasy XIV's "Shadowbringers" expansion kicked off exactly one week before these policies issue. 

As their Feb.11th announcement states, "Until now, we have operated under the philosophy that 'this is an MMORPG and frequent in-game intervention by SQUARE ENIX would inhibit player experience'. Under this philosophy in mind, GMs have intervened only in cases of racial or sexual discrimination or other severe cases"

In stark contrast to their previous "hands-off" approach, SQUARE's new rules and policies are much more rigorous. Out of the fear that excessive moderation might inhibit player communication and community, SQUARE ENIX encouraged users to give full play to the functions of blacklists or resolve it by other peaceful means necessary.

The growing pains of a massive MMO might be weighing on them, however; The MMO passed 14 million users last year and is still growing. Though exact numbers are hard to find, it’s estimated that Final Fantasy XIV is the second-largest subscription-based MMO, behind industry giant World of Warcraft.

The adverse reaction of a massive MMO and its colossal community perhaps are emerging and weigh on them now, however, Final Fantasy XIV already past 14 million users last year and is still expanding. Though exact numbers are hard to be tracked, it's estimated that Final Fantasy XIV is the second-largest subscription-based MMO, behind the game industry behemoth World of Warcraft.

With such an influx of players and a new expansion on the horizon, it’s no surprise that they’re turning to more stringent moderation efforts. Quoting their blog post. “Times have changed and although FINAL FANTASY is an MMORPG, it is now our belief that it is better for the community as a whole for us to ‘intervene in situations where a player is subjected to the abusive behavior of another player,’ rather than ‘worrying about inhibiting communication between players.’”

With such a surge of players and the third expansion on the horizon, it's reasonable for them to turn to more stringent moderation efforts. Quoting their blog post. "Times have changed and although Final Fantasy is an MMORPG, it's now our belief that it is better for the community as a whole for us to ‘’intervene in situations where a player is subjected to the abusive behavior of another player,' rather than 'worrying about inhibiting communication between players.'"

The community opinions towards Final Fantasy XIV's new policy are at variance now. 

Some users express grave concern about the new policy and point out, however, it is so vague that could possibly result in abuse of the new report system and more innocent players will be targeted and taken down. The new rules prohibit 'Discriminatory expressions based on thinking' and 'expressions that unilaterally reject another person's opinion', things that some players say are too vague to be useful. The new rules also prohibit 'Expressions that prohibit a playing style', which some claim will lead to players' reluctance or refusal to give someone else advice in the game.

Others are glad for the change, citing bad experiences with stalkers and intentional griefers as reasons they support stronger moderation. These negative behaviors are now prohibited in Final Fantasy XIV, with fans of the game saying such a change would’ve been useful a long time ago.