Final Fantasy XIV Producer and Director, Naoki Yoshida has released a statement regarding third-party tools and addons on the Lodestone website.
In the statement he has reiterated that the use of third-party tools is strictly prohibited in the terms of service for Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV). Players who are determined to be using third-party tools will have their accounts suspended , or permanently banned for repeat offenses.
In the article they acknowledged that players have requested an assessment of third-party tools but have have decided to simply prohibit the use of all third-party tools and software. This is because an assessment of all the tools would be physically impossible.
Since the game is playable in PC and it is impossible to identify and reprimand offenders 100% of the time, they have given a few examples for tools and software that they are investigating. This includes the following:
- Use of tools that allow players to more easily complete content.
- Modification of the UI to display additional information.
- Use of packet spoofing tools.
- Any actions or public statements that promote use of third-party tools
They have acknowledged that some players find existing in game functions to be insufficient for tackling high-end duties, in recognition of this they are doing a review of the most prominent tools and endeavor to enhance the functionality of the HUD.
In addition they are also actively discouraging the promotion of the use of these third party tools and addons for Final Fantasy XIV. They are doing this to such an extent that they are reconsidering commenting on world first duty clears if it causes players to resort to using third party tools.
The article also speaks out against the recent FFXIV leaks and server emulations. He is against the leaks as he believes it undermines efforts of the development and operation teams as well as take away players enjoyment. In respect and recognition of this, X|VNews will never post about leaks and data-mined content. X|VNews will also refrain from posting about third party tools and addons in respect of the game developer’s wishes.
With regards to server emulation, Yoshida mentions that this is near impossible to do without high costs and that these are just rumors that should be ignored.