Final Fantasy XIV reaches an important milestone today, as it began the non-wipe beta test phase in China, under publisher Shanda Games. There seems not to be too many changes compared with the other versions, as Shanda Games once mentioned about having the same staying “original”.

Prior to today’s milestone, Shanda Games partnered with China budget airlines, Spring Airlines, to promote Final Fantasy XIV. Part of the air stewardesses dressed up as characters from the game, with free gifts and even game music being played live on the violin (apologies if I got the name wrong).

According to the official press release, 1 of the air stewardess even claimed to be a “Final Fantasy fan since young”… You get the drift. I am wondering how the non-gaming passengers feel, given that most will likely want some nice peace and quiet during the flight. Seriously, a budget airlines?

It seems that the days Shanda Games splurging millions on marketing campaigns are gone, with part of the company now actually owned by Perfect World. The idiotic and tasteless marketing campaign for RIFT still irks me till today, as I can’t help but to think how could the tens of millions be better spent.