For a game that's had so many problems it's needing a second launch, you'd think Square Enix would be right on top of Final Fantasy XIV, but nope. The game had an early access release over the weekend, and it was a mess.


Those who had pre-ordered the game were let into an early access release, but many found themselves unable to get past FFXIV's menu screens, so severe were server issues affecting the game. Check out the video above to see what I mean.

In response to the problems, Square Enix has issued the following statement, saying they have "placed a severe login restriction in order to stabilize the servers". They've also cut down on access to the game's character creation suite.

We have confirmed that the issues on the North American/European data center Worlds have resurfaced. Therefore, we have placed a severe login restriction in order to stabilize the servers.



While you may continue to have a difficult time logging into the game, please note that the issue is being addressed, and new updates will follow as additional information becomes available.



We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience that this is causing everyone for an extended period, but we would like to ask for your continued cooperation to make this a stable environment.


OK, so it's not the game's final, public opening, but the fact that server problems hit a smaller release - and that this is a game with a history of problems - does not bode well. Here's hoping for fan's sake Square can finally get this right ahead of the game's actual release on Tuesday.

[video: Montyblancs]