The Twitter account of Final Fantasy XIV has released a video of their office space. It is filled with chocolate for Valentine’s Day.
What happened? It is that time again: Valentine’s Day has arrived and the FFXIV developers’ office is experiencing massive space constraints.
Because enthusiastic Japanese fans sent their favorite devs huge amounts of chocolates, candies, and all sorts of Valentine’s Day chocolate again this year. On their Twitter channel, Final Fantasy XIV released a video of it.
In it, you can see rows of shelves, tables, and even chairs packed with all sorts of chocolate. At the end, a somewhat perplexed Naoki Yoshida appears, thanking the fans for the many gifts.
今年もキャラクター＆開発／運営チームにたくさんの贈り物をありがとうございます！ #FF14 #バレンタインデー pic.twitter.com/UcvMExfBkW
— FINAL FANTASY XIV (@FF_XIV_JP) February 14, 2020
Why is there actually so much chocolate?
There are two reasons why the FFXIV office is overwhelmed with mountains of sweet gifts. One lies in the Japanese relationship with Valentine’s Day, and the other is the popularity of the MMORPG in Japan.
That’s why Valentine’s Day is important: Valentine’s Day is taken very seriously by many in Japan. A little culture has developed around the holiday about who can give what chocolate to whom, and in which way.
The chocolate seen in the video mostly comes from the store. Such chocolates are given as a sign of affection to people for whom one does not have romantic feelings. These can be good friends, family members, or gaming developers.
In contrast, homemade chocolate is given only to people for whom one truly has feelings. On the so-called “White Day” in March, one then gives chocolate to those from whom one received chocolate on Valentine’s Day.
FFXIV is so popular in Japan: Although Final Fantasy XIV is also considered a big MMORPG here, it is even significantly more popular in Japan. There, one can make it part of their lifestyle if they wish.
- There are several large restaurants in the FFXIV style
- One can have their wedding in FFXIV style
- There are official FFXIV fan meetings happening regularly
- There is an abundance of FFXIV merchandise, including clothing and underwear
- A TV series and a movie revolve around the MMORPG
- The rock band Primals, led by FFXIV composer Masayoshi Soken, goes on regular concert tours through Japan
- Even at traditional festivals like the Snow Festival in Sapporo, FFXIV is represented
- There are hotels that offer rooms in a specific FFXIV style, and they are booked months in advance
- Chef Naoki Yoshida is so popular that he will appear on request as a character template in a foreign game
It is therefore no wonder that the developers of Final Fantasy XIV receive mountains of chocolate for Valentine’s Day.
The FFXIV team also gets along well with other developers:
