tl;dr: One more three-part scenario between now and March '16, console access gets shut down and PC access gets bug fixes and balances updates until people just stop playing.
"Those lights, combined with the polygamous Nazi mushrooms, will mess you up."
"Tuning me out doesn't magically change the design or implementation of said design. Though, that'd be neat if it did." -schild
Wow... This actually makes me a bit sad since this was my first MMORPG. I always look back fondly even dismissing the ballshattering grind and forced groups to level and all that. Loved that world, the classes, the synergy between classes, the interdependency of weapon skills, and the elemental wheel. The game was deeper than anything I have played since - probably too much so, but still... Can't say i kept up with it, but like an old favorite actor I used to enjoy, still sad to see its passing.
Does any one know where the love of God goes...When the waves turn the minutes to hours? -G. Lightfoot
Well, on top of this announcement, they're making a mobile game in the FFXI universe that probably won't see the light of day outside of Japan that is also mmo-esque, and they've farmed out Nexon to do a weird touch-friendly port of the original FFXI for phones as well.
Phones phones phones
But that Captain's salami tray was tight, yo. You plump for the roast pork loin, dogg?
[20:42:41] You are halted on the way to the netherworld by a dark spirit, demanding knowledge. [20:42:41] The spirit touches you and you feel drained.