Final Fantasy XIV Beta For PS4 Begins In 2014

Nobody knows exactly when the PlayStation 4 version of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn will come out next year, but it will be preceded by a beta period.

Publisher/developer Square Enix announced that the game – which is already out for PC and PlayStation 3 – will start its beta period on February 22, the Japanese launch date of the PlayStation 4.

The company also announced that PlayStation 3 players of the title can transfer their character and progress over to the PS4 for free.

The launch of the game on the current system clogged its servers, leaving Square Enix to offer free playing time, and Sony in Europe has even stepped in to offer refunds to its gamers.

Our Take:
Server trouble aside, it's a sign of the times that a console title can willingly shed one platform for another – similar to the publisher deals to bridge the gap of cross-generational titles.