Final Fantasy producer says subscriptions still make sense for MMOs

Square Enix believes that a subscription model is a better long term solution than free-to-play for supporting a massively multiplayer online games like Final Fantasy XIV Online: A Realm Reborn.

"A lot of games look at the first two months of subscription numbers, think that's not going to be a feasible business, and switch over to free-to-play,” producer on Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn Naoki Yoshida told GamesIndustry International. “I don't think it's necessarily because free-to-play is a better form, though. It's more about people making a rash decision to switch over and chase a quick buck."

Yoshida explained that subscription-based route provides a stable flow of income that allows Square Enix to keep good developers on staff, who can update the game and make it better. He added that players might not like paying for subscriptions, but that with free-to-play, developers need to design content with potential revenue sources in mind. “It brings up a question of who we're making happy in the end," Yoshida said.

Final Fantasy XIV Online: A Realm Reborn will be released for PlayStation 4 on April 14. For more information on the game, check out GameSpot's review of the PC version.