Why Final Fantasy 14 is Being Review Bombed by Fans

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As an avid fan, I’ve noticed that the community of Final Fantasy XIV is no stranger to mod-related takedowns. Recently, the popular cosmetic mod Mare Synchronos had to shut down, which has caused the main game’s rating on Steam to plummet to “Mixed” and Dawntrail to drop to “Mostly Negative.” Despite FFXIV having a policy that discourages third-party software, it has often adopted a more lenient approach, turning a blind eye if they don’t spot any unauthorized modifications. However, Mare Synchronos garnered too much attention, and its creator is now facing potential legal action.

Final Fantasy 14 Mod Mare Synchronos Explained

For those unaware, Mare Synchronos is a game modification that enables real-time copying of another player’s appearance in terms of cosmetics. If the player being imitated switches their outfit, the imitating player will also update their look accordingly. This feature operates through peer-to-peer data sharing, transferring cosmetic files from one player’s computer to another.

In addition to the primary mod, Mare Synchronos operates with two additional components: Penumbra and Glamourer. Penumbra serves as the main mod loader, enabling the addition and removal of mods within the game, while Glamourer helps manage player character visual data. Although these functions may not appear problematic individually, it appears that the creator of the mod is facing strict actions from Square Enix, suggesting a more complex issue than initially perceived at first glance.

Why Square Enix is Having the FF14 Mod Shut Down

Final Fantasy XIV Mod, Mare Synchronos, is shutting down
byu/DrakeX5 inffxiv

The crux of the matter is that utilizing third-party software goes against the End User License Agreement (EULA) for FFXIV. In other words, playing with any modifications within the game isn’t permissible and can lead to penalties such as a ban or account termination. However, many mods don’t pose a significant threat to the system and require considerable effort to be shut down, making them often overlooked. One of the more noticeable examples of these mods is Mare Synchronos.

Currently, there’s not a lot of official information available about the status of the Mare Synchronos mod. In the Discord server run by the mod’s creator, Her Royal Floofness, it was announced on August 21st that due to a legal inquiry regarding the project, the mod will cease to exist as it was previously known. It appears that the creator may not have the resources to contest any legal action taken by one of the biggest players in the video game industry, Square Enix.

Without any formal announcement from Square Enix, it’s plausible that they might be focusing on Mare Synchronos due to several factors. One key reason could be its visibility. Many posts about Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) on social media platforms showcase accounts utilizing this mod, making it significantly more prominent than other mods.

Another reason could be the open and intrusive manner in which Mare interacts with other players’ games. This could lead Square Enix to have concerns about the development of technology that might facilitate more malicious game manipulation if used for other purposes. Such tampering poses a potential risk for Square Enix, who may be keen on preventing any negative responses should an issue arise.

Why Final Fantasy Fans Have Review-Bombed FF14 as a Result

Following the closure of the mod, numerous players have voiced their disappointment on Steam. In about 2 days, more than 400 negative reviews have been published, split between the main Final Fantasy XIV page and its Dawntrail DLC page. Some focus on the game’s and DLC’s contents themselves, while others criticize Square Enix for their handling of the mod issue.

Critics argue that Square Enix’s decision to remove a purely cosmetic mod is unfair since it doesn’t affect game balance or playability. The more critical voices suggest that the company should focus more on making the game enjoyable rather than selling cosmetics. Although these views come from a small segment of the Final Fantasy XIV community, they have led to lower ratings for both games on Steam’s store listings.

What the Decision Means for Final Fantasy Mods in General

In a similar vein to long-running live service games such as Destiny 2 and Overwatch 2, Final Fantasy XIV has faced a series of controversies among its player base, with the latest being a source of much debate. Specifically, there’s been a division within the community about whether Mare Synchronos should continue to be functional. One faction supports Square Enix’s stance that peer-to-peer communication mods can potentially pose risks to both players and the company itself.

On the contrary, the opposing viewpoint contends this move by Square Enix is essentially a manifestation of corporate greed, aiming to push players into either grinding or buying cosmetics that could otherwise be obtained from other players. Whether this claim holds water or not, it’s clear that any live-service game can do without added controversy.

However, there’s an argument to be made for Square Enix allowing a multitude of mods, such as those associated with Mare, to continue unhindered. This suggests that modding in the realm of ‘Final Fantasy XIV’ will persist for now, albeit without any definite assurance.

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2025-08-26 00:41