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Square-Enix producer details FF XIV PS3-PS4 account transfer, teases PS Vita Remote Play

In an interview with Famitsu, Naoki Yoshida specifies Final Fantasy XIV account transfer stipulations between the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 versions.

All owners of the PS3 version of FF XIV have the right to transfer their account over to their PS4 once they upgrade, but the process has a catch. What’s detailed on Siliconera as a "transfer of login rights," players will be replacing their PS3 version of the game with a PS4 version. This means that when the PS4 version replaces that of the PS3, then the PS3 becomes invalid. So, if someone wishes to play FF XIV on both systems, then one would have to repurchase it for one or the other instead of replacing it altogether; for the record, the same process exists now if players wish to play FF XIV on both the PS3 and PC, where both versions must be purchased.

As I indicated in my review, the game runs wonderfully on PS3, but having a console that can reap the benefits of full keyboard and mouse functionality like a computer without having to sit at a computer. On top of that, the touch panel on the Dualshock 4 can also control the mouse like a laptop touch pad would.

Yoshida briefly touched on Remote Play support with the PlayStation Vita, but the ability to play an MMO out of pocket might take some work. He touched on the screen size being an issue and the handheld not having enough buttons, but the rear touch panel and touch screen might alleviate some of the initial limitations. 

Square-Enix is making sure that its MMO reaches as many hands as possible, and the company is also ensuring that each purchase of the game is accounted for. The trial and error in an industry that’s pushing away from Online Passes is intriguing, but how does the community feel about this? Something very similar is in place for other cross-platform console games, which indicates that the industry seems to be following the same functional direction. Take to the comment section below and let us know how this new process sits with you.