Final Fantasy XIV fans are expressing significant concerns regarding accessibility at the upcoming Fan Fest event in Anaheim, California. After facing issues at previous conventions, players are warning that Square Enix is not adequately addressing the needs of disabled attendees. The last Fan Fest in Las Vegas was criticized for its poor organization and lack of facilities, prompting doubts about the upcoming event. Attendees who require ADA assistance have to navigate a cumbersome process involving personal calls with a single point of contact at a third-party company, raising fears that many needs might go unmet. As player dissatisfaction grows, there are calls for Square Enix to hire proper accessibility consultants to ensure a safe environment for all participants.
What accessibility concerns are being raised by Final Fantasy XIV fans for the 2026 Fan Fest?Fans are worried about the adequacy of measures in place for disabled attendees, given the previous event's poor accessibility. The requirement for attendees to communicate their needs through a single point of contact has been criticized for being inefficient and potentially unmanageable, which many believe could lead to unmet needs during the event.
Final Fantasy XIV, developed by Square Enix, is one of the most popular MMORPGs in the world, with a dedicated player base that looks forward to annual Fan Fest events where new expansions and game content are showcased. As the game moves forward, addressing accessibility is becoming crucial for maintaining engagement with all players, especially with competition from other titles like World of Warcraft that continue to evolve and attract gamers.
Comments
You'd think a company that builds such inclusive virtual worlds would have this figured out for real-life events. Really hoping they listen to the community feedback before Fan Fest rolls around.
It's wild that in 2026 we're still seeing major gaming events struggle with basic accessibility planning. You'd think after the Vegas situation they'd bring in proper consultants instead of doubling down on these clunky systems.