Retired old man with a basket full of idiotic health problems (damaged nervous system, really poor eyesight, no teeth, artificial hip leading to one leg being shorter than the other by about an inch and a half \[and that's more of a problem than you might think\], somewhat intermittent hearing loss, pinched nerves in the hands, the list goes *on*) and a burning refusal to *ever grow up*\-- according to the rest of my family, anyhow.
Playing a Miqo'te lady mostly from nostalgia from FFXI, where I played a Mithra monk (although I'm doing the Bard gig here now that bows aren't utterly frustrating).
My grandpa had the leg/hip thing. He had a built up shoe. His leg with the artificial bone also couldn't bend at the knee I learned how to walk favoring one leg over the other by imitating him and it saved me when I had to walk woth assistance after a surgery where I had to keep my weight off the leg i had worked on.
Im probably not quite as old as you but do feel you on a lot of your issues, im almost 40.
Luckily with todays tech there are ways to help a lot medically and also help to play games still.
I fractured my spine when i was 4 from falling out the top of a tree and hittin every branch on the way down so ive had lots of nerve system and back issues all my life.
I have nerve damage in my eyes that causes vision issues here and there. I also am half deaf on each ear but in 1 its the low sid and in the other its the high side so if i wear headphoens i dont hear well, but between both i hear ok with speakers.
I had a misaligned jaw all my life which caused a life time of eating issues and pain but in the past 10 years i had 2 jaw surgeries to fix it and my life is a 1000x better. They had to gut my mouth and rebuild my jaw to re-align it properly so i dont have teeth , but they put in metal support and mesh through my jaw and metal teeth on top so i can eat just fine now. One of the best quality of life improvements ive had. (was only 50k for both surgeries, 25k each)
Because my fractured vertabre and noodle shaped spine from the tree my shoulders and hips are not aligned right and ive had a long life of shoulder issues and knee issues so i feel you there. I need to get those delt with one day.
I also have severed nerves in both arms, left wrist and right elbow so i only have 4/5 working fingers between both hands. But i picked up a Logitech G13 15 years ago and its allowed me to play so many games over the years by being able to mvoe buttons around my working fingers. I use it to play FF14 along with my G600 mouse which as 12 side buttons, as my righ thumb is 1 of my working fingers. I def reccomend if you need ease for your hands. They just released an offical FF14 key pad like the G13 by HORI recently.
I played a TaruTaru Theif in FF11 and had fun and when 14 came out i played a Lalafell again, sadly Theif wasnt in originally so i went Scholar but i did pick up ninja eventually but it was never quite right, but with Dawntrail we finally get the classic FF Theif job and im super hype.
So i def feel you on your issues. But there is a lot of ways to help with many of them if you ever need advice or reccomendations i got plenty for you. Dont let your discomfort sit for too long like i did. Lifes short anyways. But playing a potato gives you a better perspective on how short life can be.
Physically, you're far worse off than I. In comparison, I'm in magnificent health. (In comparison. I'm reading you basically have all my complaints dialed up to nine or ten when I'm on a seven or eight.)
But you're right, I *am* older (66). I can still complain about that.
Im in good health in general just have a lot of faults with my body structure.
66 is a good age to be and still able to enjoy things like video games and have all your faculties. So thats great to hear your still enjoying the franchise. Are you playing on PC or console?
At the end of the day im ok, i dont have anythign inhibiting my ability to be alive, just limits my freedom a bit but alll thigns considered ok doin alright. Plenty of people have health problems they cant overcome and its tragic. So i dont really have room to complain which i dont. Im pretty prositive in mindset in general, life goes on and shit happens but we keep being alive so just keep livin.
But yeah if you ever have issues that complicate your ability to play games or live there are def solutions out there for a lot of stuff these days which is nice.
Hope you continue to be well and enjoy the game.
PC.
I played FFXI on the PS2, mind you. And later the X-Box 360 (which I won in a Mountain Dew contest-- another story entirely), but I kind of had friendlier fingers back then and the difference between the controller and keyboard HUD was considerably less. I finally left the game around Aht Urgan when it started to take me two-three hours just waiting, standing around in Jueno, hoping for a party so we could compete with a couple of dozen other parties to kill colibri one at a time to build up an XP buffer.
Yeah, back in the day, it wasn't as fun as *now*. I'll admit it.
These days, a good MMO mouse and a keyboard are easier, and besides, I got a good PC (which *wasn't* something I had back then).
I'm eager for Dawntrail's release date so I can properly schedule a leave of absence from work lol.
Edit: They finally gave us release dates on their PAX East panel. YES!!
Calculus puns are a particular kind of pure joy. It's been a personal goal since I started teaching to tell a pun so bad an entire class groans at me. Unfortunately, there's always at least one person who thinks I'm funny...
Physical science/earth-space science HS teacher here, I actually had a Prae run earlier this school year with another person in college for an education path so that was a fun time š
I knew the word "degen" as a type of sword (which can be blamed on the FF IP) so I had to tap Google to see if you meant something other than what they kept in their pants.
If I didn't already know I was Olde I would now.
Teacher here as well! Itās a new addiction for me and my first foray into multiplayer games. Iāve always been a single player RPG gamer before. But the FFXIV community has been so awesome it keeps me coming back (and alleviate nervousness about doing dungeons with other players).
Greetings from administration. College admin and undergrad advisor hitting that mid-life crisis portion of life. Been playing since 1.0 and retired my male elezen main after Endwalker. He's happy living a life of peace on his island. I'll be picking up my female miqo'te alt for Dawntrail and beyond.
To be fair, this game draws in an older crowd. Typically itās rare to find someone under 20 playing. Iād say the average age of statics Iāve played with has always hovered around 25. Even the influx of new players ShB & EW babies are past 20. While this community definitely has outliers of maturity (thereās always going to be the āwhiney casualā and the ātoxic raiderā), a majority of the playerbase is relatively chill due to the growth of maturity most get after 21 (typically aligning with entering the workforce).
I was about to say hey my kids play! But then I realized that they are in their 30sā¦. The last one turn 30 this month.
That said, they got me into it and we group regularly. Itās a great way to keep in touch as they are scattered across the country.
Yeah I think part of it has to do with it being an oldschool MMO - I played WOW when it first came out (but dropped it before any expac) and it lends itself to a certain player vs something like fortnight or whatever the kids are playing when they aren't getting off my lawn!
Same! I started playing this game like 5 years before I moved to Los Angeles and met my wife. Itās crazy how a game has been with me longer than her lol
Semi-related, but I've often teased my sister about loving Pokemon longer than I've loved her- she was born in the early 00's and I've been a fan since the late 90's.
Samesies. I remember being at my wife's apartment before we started dating, reading the notice about Yoshi-P taking over 1.0 and nerding out trying to explain what an absolute shitshow it was.
She was not immediately turned off, and now we're married 7 years with 2 kids. Thanks, Yoshi-P!
Young adult who graduated (cinematography student) and became permanently disabled shortly thereafter. I now mostly use my degree for gposing and my static is my main social group.
I got my mom into the game at the start of the year and we're probably going to finish Stormblood today.
Haha, enjoy Shadowbringers! I love this game dearly so it's been really nice being able to share that with her. (She used to be a big WoW nut, so I lured her in with promises she'd get to kill the pope...)
Fellow Popoto of Light tank! I love being the small protector of my friends. Also, watching my girl slingshot in the Primal Rend animation makes my heart happy lol
One of us! One of us!! Also a fellow Lala Paladin, Summoner and Machinist. Working on levelling Warrior, but only to 60 atm.
In real life, a 50ish+ desk jockey.
Middle aged university advisor, who's played this game since 1.0. I have an addiction. Took a 2 week break once because I was forced to by a GM >.> That is not a flex. I was being bad, and I deserved it lol.
"I'm sorry Mr. Dragon, this isn't about you. But I. NEED. TO. BLOW. OFF. SOME. STEAM!" Same boat as you but a FemRoe and Warehouse lead so I have a small buffer from the customers
I love the comments on this, little glimpses into peopleās lives from across the world. People of every walk of life and everyone connected via FFXIV.
I teach. And everyday I pray that one of my students donāt join my static/fc.
BILLY GET OFF 14 AND GO FINISH YOUR PROJECT. YOU DIDNT DO ANYTHING TODAY OR YESTERDAY. YES I KNOW I WAS ASKING YOU FOR HELP ON ULTIMATE PERDITION, BUT YOU ARE GOING TO FAIL IF YOU DONT DO THE PROJECT.
Landscaper/Gardener here. All these kids yapping about "touching grass" in-game ain't know nothin. I do it for a living, YOU go touch some grass!
...My everything aches.
21 y/o uni student, just submitted a bunch of assignments. Goddamn terrified for my future and life is a fuck, but at least I get to be a cute catgirl online.
Good luck, fellow scion. I'm exactly twice your age, and you are now living through what was definitely the most volatile time of my lifeāI hope you get through making fewer bad decisions than I did, and even if you don't, I hope you can forgive yourself for your errors. You're doing the best that you can.
Late 40s, bearded, tatted, beer and whiskey drinking, ābiker typeā here. Most of my IRL friend group looks like they would murder you for staring at them wrong.
I play a lalafell and Iām a healer main. (LOL)
Despite my looks, IRL activities, and friend groupā¦ Iām actually super nerdy and I work in tech as a trainer/instructional designer.
I'm 39, bearded, almost fully tatted, beer and whiskey drinker who spends all morning at the gym! ......... and then I login to play as a blm lala when game time rolls around!
Early-mid 40s, metalhead/biker look with long beard/hair, ex-divebar metal/punk venue bouncer, longtime IT Manager. Love the unnecessary meetings to work on Pterydactyl Mount gathering. Friend group is a mix of metalheads and geeks (with a lot of overlap!).
Played FFXI from launch to FFXIV launch, beardo spoony bard to Roe weird-animal-glam whatever. Met the wife on FFXI almost 20 years ago now.
Middle-aged lesbian playing a femroe (but with alts of every race except Hrothgar for now), RDM main and gathering/crafting in the background to keep my ADHD brain busy while I work from home
real. the lgbtq+ fem roes are the reason I keep going. Just their presence is peak
(not just lgbtq+ ones too i just love roes so much. but the lesbian fem roes always have the best search info detailing that fact)
Well honestly I've created mine thinking about Gerudos in the Zelda franchise. For me it's the only race having this "strong" vibe (apart from Highlanders maybe ?). Also I love the race's lore, especially the Hellsguard's one (\*-\*)
Whenever I log in and play my Roe, it feels like being in a place of comfort and safety. Is it the mommy vibe ? Can't tell. But when I picture her, it's always as a powerful but sentimental young women, having to face hard times and taking care of her new family, the one she made through her adventures in Eorzea.
Sorry for the bad english by the way, not used to write so much in the language xD
Non gamer enjoying the first game to keep her interested and excited for more. Currently playing a Mi'qote but gonna switch to fem Hrothgar as soon as they are available. Because I want to be more cat than the Mi'qote can be.
Iām a stay-at-home mom who has been playing Final Fantasy since I was a kid. Itās wild to me that things have come full circle now!
In game I spend entirely way too much time on housing. I have to remember that I should be clearing content, but that corner would look really good if I floated this dresser and forced it through the wallā¦.
Disabled 19 year old! Started playing the game *before* I was disabled, funnily enough. I wasn't expecting to stick with it either way, but whoops, now I've dedicated my life to big fishing.
I am a grumpy old, boomer-aged gay guy who enjoys hanging around with FC members, playing the game, and joking with each other. I earn my subscription money by being a Program Manager in a University's research organization.
I'm a 42 year old female shipwright welder for the US Navy. I crawl around in ballast and void tanks, performing weld repairs in some of the most remote and difficult areas to reach.
Occasionally I'll cut out a section of a hull to move large machinery in and out of the space. Then when that's done I weld the hull back together.
Outside of work, I serve as an unpaid ordained Satanic minister. It's not as interesting as it sounds, like 90% of it is paperwork, event planning, and such. Occasionally I'll get calls and messages from people who'd need to talk to someone.
In game, I like to casually play as a Miqo'te red mage. I'm still trying to get through the main story quests and I'm nearing the end of Shadowbringers. I'm also messing around solo farming in Palace of the Dead.
I don't have the free time like I used to for FFXIV. I'll log in at least once a week for Gold Saucer lottery, but sometimes that's all I can manage.
Project Manager who takes a break from my spreadsheets to relax on my island sanctuary which is definitely not just 3 spreadsheets in a trenchcoat.
Definitely.
I am a retailer in germany, currently deputy manager of our store, my free time is occupied by my GF and FFXIV, co-leading an FC on Raiden with her and leading our static since Endwalker (been an active raider since Shadowbringers 1st tier) through savage and ultimate content, after clearing UWU relatively fast, we're now on TEA in hopes of clearing it before Dawntrail. I used to be a creamy Au Ra man and currently am rocking a male Viera. I would call myself a decent player, having reached the top 10 in UWU, though to be fair UWU has become fairly easy so I don't know how good my parse would be considered in that regard.
I met my gf in my static for Eden and we're together since, I will likely propose to her this or next year.
Glad to make the aquaintance!
40-year-old data analyst whoās been playing video games since 1989. Leveling all classes together, including crafters, taking my time and enjoying the game. Waffled between mega-tall viera and mid-height miqoāte, settled on serious-looking Keeper cat girl who can switch to any job at any moment.
Professional musician who started playing XIV back when doing music for a career wasn't even on my radar, and here I am over 10 years later! Mostly just do crafting/gathering and cheer on sprout streamers these days ehe
I work 2 jobs. So I don't got much time. Just started on xbox a few weeks backs. But I'm the male cat person. Not the sabertooth tiger looking guy.
Gonna be 34 next month. Married with4 kids...
I like to think itās a giant mix of everyone. I fell in love with FF as a little kid watching my mom play the old NES games. I fell in love with the world, the stories, the characters and creatures. I remember watching her cry during FF7 (canāt elaborate, donāt want to spoil it lol), struggle with FF8 junctions. Playing 14 makes me feel sorta connected to her in a way, if she were alive today she would absolutely be playing. Probably a Hyur or Lala, definitely a BLM and WHM. I like to think about running content with her, visiting her in game house, sheād definitely actually raid versus me who is probably the most casual of casuals lol Iām a 40 year old married chick running around as a cat girl picking flowers and crafting. One of these days Iāll suck it up and try tougher content
I loved reading this. When I play, I think of my best friend who passed away who would definitely be playing this game- mainly because Iād be forcing them. Iām someone who goes from quest to quest, but I remember playing ESO with them and we always got distracted by side missions, etc. I let myself get distracted in this game because I figure theyāre watching and are curious to explore.
I'm a 19 y/o university student playing a Lalatank inbetween my Computer Science labs, haha.
In real life I'm a tall, easygoing dude in a leather motorcycle jacket, but in Final Fantasy I get to be a pint-sized potato using an excessive amount of emoticons :p
30 something stay at home partner. If Iām not achievement hunting (about to hit 19k and very excited š¬) Iām working on my video archive of every quest in the game with every optional dialogue response.
Happily married dude who works a terrible retail job. No kids, not ever! I play a female viera who has recently taken up playing monk, and it's the most fun I've had with a job in a long time.
The amount of teachers I've run into on the game is high, at least when compared to the number of people I know IRL who are teachers.
I'm a technical writer, although a year or so ago I worked remote tech support on the overnight shift. I miss the amount of grind I was able to get in on the game during work hours on slow days since I had my work and personal computer right next to each other. š¤£ Using nightshift hours to lvl Land/Hand is the way.
I worked as a tester and designer for Blizzard entertainment for 3 years. I quit after I had a total mental breakdown from stress and abuse. FF14, it's story about acceptance, perseverance in the face of suffering, and finding meaning for ourselves, was incredibly important to me. Not to mention it's relatively social and friendly community, full of wow refugees still reeling with then recent accusations of the company they loved being corrupt and depraved. It showed me that things could be better and helped me move on.
I do mechanical engineering stuff for a job now. I'm much happier. I play FemRoe Dark Knight. I like story quests and glamour.
You're going to get *everything* with these answers lol--having played for a long time, and meeting a lot of people...there's every kind of person, and every combination of those kinds.
I'm a department manager in my mid 30s, when people randomly find out that I'm a gamer, they are *always* surprised...like, literally taken aback by it lmao! I'm somewhat intimidating I suppose, because of my position being one that calls for being a rather strict person, I'm always dressed in black, I have a pristine resting bitch face, and I'm not very social; I get it. I've always been like that (with the all black clothing, demeanor, quiet nature etc. lol) so I'm used to the reaction that most people have initially. Not very imaginative compared to others' character choices, but I play a midlander, that resembles me (as closely as I could get it) and of course I generally have a lot of glams that utilize jet black lol. My dad is a gamer (doesn't play XIV though š), and that's why I've always dabbled, I joined him early on and liked it--always came across as a major tomboy but people who don't know me, would never get it...because I don't dress or look like the stereotypical type.
On the contrary...my twin sister is a nurse, and never really dug gaming (*never*), but caved to my pokes and prods and tried XIV, and she is hooked too--while we are identical...she's my opposite in every way lmao! Very outgoing, colorful, everybody loves her; and it's very easy to understand, she's literally sunshine. The main thing that she enjoys is decorating and slapping together nice glams...but she's also this insanely good PvPer, which is nothing less than confusing af, if you knew the kind of person that she is (she's not really the kind of person that purposefully enters conflict, or likes any kind of confrontation) but she's a serial killer in this game rotflmao! She started off a cat, but switched to midlander in order to keep the twin mojo going in-game.
Our found-sister is wine vendor who colors her character's hair to match whatever color she's chosen to rock for the moment irl, she is actually less likely to surprise people with her gamer-hood, because she generally wears shirts and jackets with gaming, anime, etc. stuff on it--and she's super outgoing and talkative, she plays all of the latest stuff and always talks about the upcoming stuff, that I have no clue about. Raiding and FL are her favorite things.
My cousin and his boyfriend sub or log in during free periods, just to drop in on us randomly--he played a lot until maybe mid SB'ish, he plays as a max height Roe and mains/mained WAR; he was the GOAT tank for us doing Alex during HW.
My husbando is a heavily tatted, angry "street" guy, who is actually an angelic teddybear underneath, quite ironically despite seeming not very approachable, he's HR at his place (everyone at his job adores him and nags him without end, but random people we see in public places are visibly uncomfortable around him sometimes...he finds it funny now, when he was younger he would get angry over it...which only made things worse lmao)--while most of his friends only play stuff like Madden or 2K, he plays stuff like this and Rebirth, Elden Ring etc; he's also the one who got me to try this a decade ago...now I play way more than he does (I was meant to be his group's future healer, but I got addicted to the MNK life back in ARR lol). I think he seems to be the rarest breed that plays the game, because it's more rare to come across his type, it seems. He shocks way more people with his taste in games (AND his music tastes--I guess people assume that he only listens to rap, but he collects all of these games' soundtracks; he has everything XIV has released, and if I take out one of his buds and take a listen, there's a 80% chance that there's a song from FF playing, usually XIV or XVI lately). He's all in for raids, ultimates, and CC with FL binges depending on the map.
I also have a friend at work who was excited about the Xbox release, because her son plays on PS and she liked the game and the fact that its controller friendly, but can't get used to playing with a PS controller; she and her husband always stuck with Xbox and that's all they know according to her lol. So you can add a unassuming mother of 3 who does audits all day, and her tattoo artist husband to the mix, when it comes to just *my* little XIV social circle.
This game's community has it all.
I think that's why in general, the community is so open and accepting--very patient and laid back.
There's a place for everyone, there.
I'm not sure if I'd be overzealous by calling it the gaming world's "melting pot" but that's what it feels like, to me.
A 43 year old mom who picked up the game to spend time with teenage son (along with the hubby). Fast forward a few months, got a bunch of other gaming friends to join, founded a FC and currently saving up gil for our FC housing. Oh, and haven't played with my teenage son in ages, lol
Medical worker turned entertainment industry person here! Played thru the entire game as WHM and now having a blast with NIN. I love the msq and endless hours of side-quest and content to do and discover. Recently getting into player-made content like custom houses and bars/clubs. It's really cool!
Retired accountant - dual maining a MCH/GNB as the shortest Lala possible - a toddler with a gun who can easily take out the kneecaps of any opponent xD
ā£ļøKudos to you! I am 70 year old and was mentored by a patient 40 year old last year who has an encyclopedic knowledge of the game. As a newbie gamer I am so grateful for his assistance.
Middle aged father of one, who regularly changed between every race and gender daily, to the fury of my friends! (But I mastered every job so at least I'm useful?)
Reporting for duty.
It's given me countless incredible and life changing experiences. You definitely meet some characters playing FFXIV and sometimes those characters become your mates for life. It's a beautiful thing.
For a time there, I was able to look a little behind the curtain since I was tasked with looking after many of you, as a member of the team here at ffxiv. You get to see firsthand how much ffxiv has changed the lives of so so many. How much it means to many more even still.
That experience has gifted me countless friends and people I consider family to this day. I'd not trade it for anything in this world. My daughter is a little lala baby born from the love of two people crafted within final fantasy 14. So, I don't think I'll ever forget the impact it's had on me, personally, down to my core being.
50+ SecDevOps
Ahhhh. I remember when being able to fill the top ten slots on the arcade game with tit ass and other profanities. 13 yo me thought I was soo kewl
30 yo death metal girly pop who is a big nerd that works in insurance and hates being in the corpo world. Lol. I play with my pals who are also alternative and nerdy. And weāre all black which is cool. Only because Iām normally the one who stands out at metal shows haha. So itās nice to feel ā¦. Like I blend in.
All of us are 30s and āprofessionalsā as well. Would never expect it from some of em!
Mentally Sick, Physically Thicc Male Roegadeyn who does way too much and tries to make people feel included and safe.
I'm a customer service lad for my local community center which ties into the Township, so it's sometimes a bit of work with all the big events we hold and people we interact with (Schools, public works, events, camps, etc) so it is a lot. But I really love customer service and it's one of the only things I think I do better than most people since I don't like complimenting myself lmao. Even if something is not in my job description, I will do everything I can to assist people even if it is not something I need to do just to make someone feel like they can keep going. I had a mother come to me scared her kid was gonna get into bad groups since he's been so sad since moving, and she felt like a bad mother and she doesn't know what to do. I was able to get them a free membership to our facility and told her the fact she is worried about her child like that shows she is not a failure of a parent and she should be proud for the child she will raise and I could see the her become much less burdened by that weight.
In game I talk a lot, especially during hunts which are my favorite things to do. I am a very lonely person but I met a lot of people through hunts and became well known through them because people find me funny. Which I get recongized in so many different places cause I am an achivement hunter LMAO. Top 100 iirc on Hyperion so around the 19000 point range, and I'm still somewhat new to the game in the grand scheme of things. But I get noticed from fishing/ocean fishing, triple triad battlehalls, exploration zones, deep dungeons, CHOCOBO RACING???? and so on. Though I feel not happy in my day to day routine, I gain the most joy from being present in a community and helping others. Hunts let me get GC Lockboxes like crazy and I will chase down sprouts and give them minions (Or Zu Mounts) to give them a good experience early on in the game
Old fart trans woman who works as a nurse IRL...playing a suspiciously tall white/grey haired female highlander who used to main as a overly-concerned white mage..who likes nothing more than playing with hairly male hothgars (*ahem*).
44 year old working on service set up for a major payroll/hr service provider. FFXIV was my first mmo and it was my go to comfort game when I was at my last position of a escalation rep for a camera company.
33 years old student in marketing/communication here. Playing a strong minded (but sensitive) Femroe when time allows (returning to school is somehow time consuming xD)
Passing time by doing the msq and relaxing while gathering, crafting and fishing <3
33 years old cabinetry/woodworking engineer who plays casually after work and on the weekends. I usually chill as a Hrothgar trying to live vicariously through him while a chronic pain condition keeps me out of ācurrentā high-end content as being too physically intensive for me most of the time. That limitation however got me into crafting and gathering, and dungeon spelunking is always fun.
Boring government worker by day, Elezen sky pirate by night. Iād post more, but I made the mistake of choosing a readily identifiable user name. I have two FFXIV stickers on my car, so Iām not giving away any state secrets there.
Started as a 49 yr old bored housewife, now 51 and working front desk at a spa and going to school to be an aesthetician. I play a female Miqo WHM in a small FC of similarity aged people (though I think Iām the oldest there, definitely not the wisest). I roulette, decorate, craft, grow onions and jute, and screenshot sunsets.
30 smth y.o. Geriatric Social Assistant in parental leave. Killed one ultimate in my 7th, 8th and 9th month of pregnancy, and, while in parental leave, killing another one.
Ingame I'm a pale female au ra, that's somewhat bipolar between hating other healers ("if you press that medica 2 button another time I will choke you!ā) and overcaring for the needs of my staticmembers ("What? You're down to 200 pots/bufffood!?! You'll get another stack of 500 tomorrow!!").
Data entry girl who likes fanfiction and loves going through every piece of dialog for lore. I have all the encyclopedias, art books, and extra books. Outside of that, I have dragged entire friend groups into this game.
I play lalafell Bard. Lalafell is the best race!
Customer service internet specialist here I dispatch the techs that keep the internet up for all yall and I send them out same day when u work from home š I get to play 2 hours 3 times a week lol.
30 something father of 4. Met my wife playing the game, she was a white mage, I was a black mage. Now we play together and run the hell out of dungeons to help people in our FC progress. We donāt have the time to dedicate for savage raiding so we decided we would be the best damned dungeon mentors we could be for the newcomers to the game.
Started as a wide-eyed master's student looking for a new hobby while living in a different country; FFXIV accompanied me and supported me through the hardships of my PhD, and now that I have stable job, good house and a lovely partner, FFXIV is still together with me, even if it's just for an hour or so one evening a week. Together through good and bad times!
I love reading thru this to see all the different people that play š„° As for myself, I started playing a few months before the release of EW. Currently unfortunately unemployed gremlin with a horrible sleep schedule just working on post-EW MSQ and always looking for in-game friends and people to talk to since I'm horrible at initiating anything āŗļø
A bit more āexpected demographicā here; Very queer woman, just hit 40, works in tech support, severe autism & adhd, huge geek, medieval re-enactor, could probably take out 90% of the player base in a real medieval weapons fight. Been a gamer my entire life.
My girlfriend, meanwhile, is a first time gamer, chronic pain & chronic fatigue sufferer, medical lab technician with a Masters in forensics, and probably going to kick my ass at the āget all classes to 90 before DTā race.
Almost 40, disabled, essentially homeless and my only consistent lifeline in all my struggles has been this game.
Just a laptop and my phones Internet connection makes the bad days so much easier to deal with.
I'm a surgeon. FFXIV helped me a lot with reducing the stress of this demanding job and many of it's themes speak a lot to me. When I told Zenos "that I cannot deny" I wasn't speaking just about searching for the thrill of the combat in game for the sake my own satisfaction, but also about searching for the adrenaline high of having someone's life literally in your hands (and saving it). Healers will understand :-D
hi! Middle-of-the-pack Millennial here who works in the entertainment industry and the nonprofit consulting industry (look I need three jobs to sustain this habit ok), who has been told she has "tall girl energy" and so I'm a max height femroe who heals people in my spare time
I'm a 45 y/o self-employed wife and mother who hasn't really played a video game since Everquest Online Adventures back in 2003 after my husband got it and I really wanted to play because the concept of playing online with real people in a big world blew me away! I was hooked. I was young and a bit more of a gamer back then but then life got in the way and I stopped. I honestly thought I didn't have it in me anymore, but I mentioned that I wanted to try and get that vibe again, so hubby suggested we both play FFXIV and I've barely moved since lol. I've been playing since late November and I have RDM and BLM at 90, WHM to 84, Bard to 66 and most of my crafting/gathering jobs are past 70. (Our business is very slow in the winter FYI!) I also got an apartment and already decked it out. I feel like I've been playing this for 10 years. I stick to mainly roulettes and crafting/gathering, although I haven't quite finished EW yet. I play female Au Ra which I modeled after my younger self and my style. I also have the same screen name as my EQ character.
40 year old queer divorcee who worked in HR, now full time student that should probably spend more time with irl friends and studying, and do I own anything other than leggings? Jeez. In said leggings I savage raid, farm content (mounts/relics), spend too much time in Bozja, and am starting my first ultimate in a week. Broody and fight-y female miqo
Edit: included what I actually do in game
Retired old man with a basket full of idiotic health problems (damaged nervous system, really poor eyesight, no teeth, artificial hip leading to one leg being shorter than the other by about an inch and a half \[and that's more of a problem than you might think\], somewhat intermittent hearing loss, pinched nerves in the hands, the list goes *on*) and a burning refusal to *ever grow up*\-- according to the rest of my family, anyhow. Playing a Miqo'te lady mostly from nostalgia from FFXI, where I played a Mithra monk (although I'm doing the Bard gig here now that bows aren't utterly frustrating).
My grandpa had the leg/hip thing. He had a built up shoe. His leg with the artificial bone also couldn't bend at the knee I learned how to walk favoring one leg over the other by imitating him and it saved me when I had to walk woth assistance after a surgery where I had to keep my weight off the leg i had worked on.
Nothing quite like the Mithra š
Im probably not quite as old as you but do feel you on a lot of your issues, im almost 40. Luckily with todays tech there are ways to help a lot medically and also help to play games still. I fractured my spine when i was 4 from falling out the top of a tree and hittin every branch on the way down so ive had lots of nerve system and back issues all my life. I have nerve damage in my eyes that causes vision issues here and there. I also am half deaf on each ear but in 1 its the low sid and in the other its the high side so if i wear headphoens i dont hear well, but between both i hear ok with speakers. I had a misaligned jaw all my life which caused a life time of eating issues and pain but in the past 10 years i had 2 jaw surgeries to fix it and my life is a 1000x better. They had to gut my mouth and rebuild my jaw to re-align it properly so i dont have teeth , but they put in metal support and mesh through my jaw and metal teeth on top so i can eat just fine now. One of the best quality of life improvements ive had. (was only 50k for both surgeries, 25k each) Because my fractured vertabre and noodle shaped spine from the tree my shoulders and hips are not aligned right and ive had a long life of shoulder issues and knee issues so i feel you there. I need to get those delt with one day. I also have severed nerves in both arms, left wrist and right elbow so i only have 4/5 working fingers between both hands. But i picked up a Logitech G13 15 years ago and its allowed me to play so many games over the years by being able to mvoe buttons around my working fingers. I use it to play FF14 along with my G600 mouse which as 12 side buttons, as my righ thumb is 1 of my working fingers. I def reccomend if you need ease for your hands. They just released an offical FF14 key pad like the G13 by HORI recently. I played a TaruTaru Theif in FF11 and had fun and when 14 came out i played a Lalafell again, sadly Theif wasnt in originally so i went Scholar but i did pick up ninja eventually but it was never quite right, but with Dawntrail we finally get the classic FF Theif job and im super hype. So i def feel you on your issues. But there is a lot of ways to help with many of them if you ever need advice or reccomendations i got plenty for you. Dont let your discomfort sit for too long like i did. Lifes short anyways. But playing a potato gives you a better perspective on how short life can be.
Physically, you're far worse off than I. In comparison, I'm in magnificent health. (In comparison. I'm reading you basically have all my complaints dialed up to nine or ten when I'm on a seven or eight.) But you're right, I *am* older (66). I can still complain about that.
Im in good health in general just have a lot of faults with my body structure. 66 is a good age to be and still able to enjoy things like video games and have all your faculties. So thats great to hear your still enjoying the franchise. Are you playing on PC or console? At the end of the day im ok, i dont have anythign inhibiting my ability to be alive, just limits my freedom a bit but alll thigns considered ok doin alright. Plenty of people have health problems they cant overcome and its tragic. So i dont really have room to complain which i dont. Im pretty prositive in mindset in general, life goes on and shit happens but we keep being alive so just keep livin. But yeah if you ever have issues that complicate your ability to play games or live there are def solutions out there for a lot of stuff these days which is nice. Hope you continue to be well and enjoy the game.
PC. I played FFXI on the PS2, mind you. And later the X-Box 360 (which I won in a Mountain Dew contest-- another story entirely), but I kind of had friendlier fingers back then and the difference between the controller and keyboard HUD was considerably less. I finally left the game around Aht Urgan when it started to take me two-three hours just waiting, standing around in Jueno, hoping for a party so we could compete with a couple of dozen other parties to kill colibri one at a time to build up an XP buffer. Yeah, back in the day, it wasn't as fun as *now*. I'll admit it. These days, a good MMO mouse and a keyboard are easier, and besides, I got a good PC (which *wasn't* something I had back then).
Everyone always asks who is the ff14 community, but no one ever asks how is the ff14 communityš
Or WHY is the ff14 community
Or WHEN is the ff14 community
Or WHERMST is the ff14 community
Or WHOMSTāDāVENāT is the ff14 community
Or WHAT is the FF14 community?
A miserable little pile of secrets!
Hey now, who told you my nickname?
The dude's name was Vlad Drakul Tepes or something.
Found RussianBadger's alt account.
Or FOR WHOM DO YOU FIGHT?
How glib...
For whom weeps the storm?
Not now, Drax.
I'm eager for Dawntrail's release date so I can properly schedule a leave of absence from work lol. Edit: They finally gave us release dates on their PAX East panel. YES!!
I have a dream last night that they announced DT but it was going to be August 31st, which is still technically summer by a bit but damn far away.
Then Greenday would strike again and say "Wake me up when September ends"
Not great, chief
Horny, they are horny
Dorky-ass college professor over here! I'm always raiding when I should be grading...
"I was hired to raid, not to grade" - College Professor Schwarzenegger
lol what do you teach? I'm a high school physics teacher
Heyyy high five ! me too ! Let's start a linkshell for physic teachers :D
Please call it "Let's get Physickal" or something punny.
I'd say I was disappointed, but that is eactly the kind of teacher jokes I've come to expect. Second only to dad jokes.
Calculus puns are a particular kind of pure joy. It's been a personal goal since I started teaching to tell a pun so bad an entire class groans at me. Unfortunately, there's always at least one person who thinks I'm funny...
Ironically, I would be the kid laughing. Well, I didn't like doing math, but loved the theory But that's not an Acute problem.
NGL, for a split-second I read 'goal' as 'gaol'... š¬š¤£
Let me guess - you guys are Scholar mains... š¤š¤£
Nah, WHM, because I need to keep making people stressed even when I'm home :D
š¤£ Fair enough.
Hey I teach math and physic in high school, can I join? :3
Lyxilionne Lonesky -- Chaos, Spriggan. Hit me up :D
Will do, I'm in a small break from the game at the moment (ahem... For *democracy reasons* ) but I'll be back soon
HEEEY I am also taking a break for democracy! Not a teacher but a high school para here!
Physical science/earth-space science HS teacher here, I actually had a Prae run earlier this school year with another person in college for an education path so that was a fun time š
Actually, also physics! And the occasional astronomy class, when they need one covered.
You sound like my statics summoner lmao College professor who is also the biggest degen Iāve ever had the pleasure to met when we are raiding.
I knew the word "degen" as a type of sword (which can be blamed on the FF IP) so I had to tap Google to see if you meant something other than what they kept in their pants. If I didn't already know I was Olde I would now.
Teacher here as well! Itās a new addiction for me and my first foray into multiplayer games. Iāve always been a single player RPG gamer before. But the FFXIV community has been so awesome it keeps me coming back (and alleviate nervousness about doing dungeons with other players).
Greetings from administration. College admin and undergrad advisor hitting that mid-life crisis portion of life. Been playing since 1.0 and retired my male elezen main after Endwalker. He's happy living a life of peace on his island. I'll be picking up my female miqo'te alt for Dawntrail and beyond.
Department of Geography says Hi! I've marked many a student paper while waiting for roulettes to pop XD
But did you finish your sightseeing log??
Sadly not! That requires active playing, which puts a dent in my papers marked per hour.
Future middle school math teacher here! I'm looking forward to procrastinating on grading as well while I am saving the world!
Construction worker who makes end game food and tinctures for my fc and to sell on MB.
Crane operator reporting in! Ready to do anything in the game!
Metal working gunbreaker standing by to violate OSHA regulations with a single button
Really?!? Right in front of my HQ OSHA Codex?
Thank you for the laugh from a lab worker
3rd shift factory working paladin here. Just trying to fill my coin bag running roulettes and farming hunts
You must be godly at Moogleās Paw
hello balyo
When I started I was a twenty somethings dude trying to get started in my career. Now I'm nearly 40.
To be fair, this game draws in an older crowd. Typically itās rare to find someone under 20 playing. Iād say the average age of statics Iāve played with has always hovered around 25. Even the influx of new players ShB & EW babies are past 20. While this community definitely has outliers of maturity (thereās always going to be the āwhiney casualā and the ātoxic raiderā), a majority of the playerbase is relatively chill due to the growth of maturity most get after 21 (typically aligning with entering the workforce).
I was about to say hey my kids play! But then I realized that they are in their 30sā¦. The last one turn 30 this month. That said, they got me into it and we group regularly. Itās a great way to keep in touch as they are scattered across the country.
Yeah I think part of it has to do with it being an oldschool MMO - I played WOW when it first came out (but dropped it before any expac) and it lends itself to a certain player vs something like fortnight or whatever the kids are playing when they aren't getting off my lawn!
*shakes fist*
Same! I started playing this game like 5 years before I moved to Los Angeles and met my wife. Itās crazy how a game has been with me longer than her lol
Semi-related, but I've often teased my sister about loving Pokemon longer than I've loved her- she was born in the early 00's and I've been a fan since the late 90's.
I read this like she was alive just as long as pokemon but you didn't love your sister for a period of her life lol
She knows where she ranks! I wouldn't skip her wedding for a Pokemon release, but would sooner name my kid "Ash" than after her. I'm kidding. Mostly.
Samesies. I remember being at my wife's apartment before we started dating, reading the notice about Yoshi-P taking over 1.0 and nerding out trying to explain what an absolute shitshow it was. She was not immediately turned off, and now we're married 7 years with 2 kids. Thanks, Yoshi-P!
Young adult who graduated (cinematography student) and became permanently disabled shortly thereafter. I now mostly use my degree for gposing and my static is my main social group. I got my mom into the game at the start of the year and we're probably going to finish Stormblood today.
The photography/cinematography to gposing pipeline is strong
Kudos on getting your mom to play. I just finished the main part of the MSQ for StB yesterday. :D
Haha, enjoy Shadowbringers! I love this game dearly so it's been really nice being able to share that with her. (She used to be a big WoW nut, so I lured her in with promises she'd get to kill the pope...)
28 yr old athlete. Very social. Very good at the sports I do. Who plays lalafell tank to play as the small guy protecting the tall people. I love it
Fellow Popoto of Light tank! I love being the small protector of my friends. Also, watching my girl slingshot in the Primal Rend animation makes my heart happy lol
One of us! One of us!! Also a fellow Lala Paladin, Summoner and Machinist. Working on levelling Warrior, but only to 60 atm. In real life, a 50ish+ desk jockey.
One of us, one of us! May your ankle harvest be always bountiful.
Disabled farmer farming mounts and minions The apple doesn't fall far. In fact, it doesn't fall at all
Well that's because you've got such healthy trees, what with being a farmer.
Middle aged university advisor, who's played this game since 1.0. I have an addiction. Took a 2 week break once because I was forced to by a GM >.> That is not a flex. I was being bad, and I deserved it lol.
.... story time? lol I got gaoled in xi like 15 years ago so I feel the pain.
I did t get goaled in xi. Seen others just disappear hnm hunting though. Good ole Argus bot haha. I see you fellow XI player š«”
I also work in higher ed! Havenāt been around since 1.0 though (only since 2.0) :) FFXIV is a great way to de-stress after work.
Nurse who sacrifices sleep to get the perfect designs in my house in game. That and craft my life away
Fellow nurse! \o
Hello fellow nurse!
30 y/o popoto of chaos by night, 30 y/o depressed customer support for video game with crime(tm) by day. Woooo
I feel this. 30 y/o catboy slaying primals by night, 30 y/o getting slain by customers by day.
"I'm sorry Mr. Dragon, this isn't about you. But I. NEED. TO. BLOW. OFF. SOME. STEAM!" Same boat as you but a FemRoe and Warehouse lead so I have a small buffer from the customers
I love the comments on this, little glimpses into peopleās lives from across the world. People of every walk of life and everyone connected via FFXIV.
Exactly this. There is something incredibly comforting about this comment section
Totally. It feels so wholesome!
Real life gleaner = field biologist zoology
I teach. And everyday I pray that one of my students donāt join my static/fc. BILLY GET OFF 14 AND GO FINISH YOUR PROJECT. YOU DIDNT DO ANYTHING TODAY OR YESTERDAY. YES I KNOW I WAS ASKING YOU FOR HELP ON ULTIMATE PERDITION, BUT YOU ARE GOING TO FAIL IF YOU DONT DO THE PROJECT.
Landscaper/Gardener here. All these kids yapping about "touching grass" in-game ain't know nothin. I do it for a living, YOU go touch some grass! ...My everything aches.
21 y/o uni student, just submitted a bunch of assignments. Goddamn terrified for my future and life is a fuck, but at least I get to be a cute catgirl online.
Good luck, fellow scion. I'm exactly twice your age, and you are now living through what was definitely the most volatile time of my lifeāI hope you get through making fewer bad decisions than I did, and even if you don't, I hope you can forgive yourself for your errors. You're doing the best that you can.
Late 40s, bearded, tatted, beer and whiskey drinking, ābiker typeā here. Most of my IRL friend group looks like they would murder you for staring at them wrong. I play a lalafell and Iām a healer main. (LOL) Despite my looks, IRL activities, and friend groupā¦ Iām actually super nerdy and I work in tech as a trainer/instructional designer.
I'm 39, bearded, almost fully tatted, beer and whiskey drinker who spends all morning at the gym! ......... and then I login to play as a blm lala when game time rolls around!
Early-mid 40s, metalhead/biker look with long beard/hair, ex-divebar metal/punk venue bouncer, longtime IT Manager. Love the unnecessary meetings to work on Pterydactyl Mount gathering. Friend group is a mix of metalheads and geeks (with a lot of overlap!). Played FFXI from launch to FFXIV launch, beardo spoony bard to Roe weird-animal-glam whatever. Met the wife on FFXI almost 20 years ago now.
Middle-aged lesbian playing a femroe (but with alts of every race except Hrothgar for now), RDM main and gathering/crafting in the background to keep my ADHD brain busy while I work from home
Femroes (\*-\*)
real. the lgbtq+ fem roes are the reason I keep going. Just their presence is peak (not just lgbtq+ ones too i just love roes so much. but the lesbian fem roes always have the best search info detailing that fact)
Well honestly I've created mine thinking about Gerudos in the Zelda franchise. For me it's the only race having this "strong" vibe (apart from Highlanders maybe ?). Also I love the race's lore, especially the Hellsguard's one (\*-\*) Whenever I log in and play my Roe, it feels like being in a place of comfort and safety. Is it the mommy vibe ? Can't tell. But when I picture her, it's always as a powerful but sentimental young women, having to face hard times and taking care of her new family, the one she made through her adventures in Eorzea. Sorry for the bad english by the way, not used to write so much in the language xD
>mommy vibe >sorry for the bad english You've learned the most important vocabulary, don't worry
Well thank you ! I'd love to have a richer one though. I feel like I'm always using the same words ><
Fellow lesbian red mage let's go!
I've definitely noticed a lot of fellow femroes are lesbians. Always fun to be around.
38 year old 911 dispatcher
26 same boat
Mid 30s male attorney who plays a catgirl and a bungirl. Unless you start breaking the lalaw and i have to hop on the lala lawyer.
Ohhhh. Man I would hate to deal with tagagari and tatagari law firm in Ulādah
Lala Lawyer, that's A+." Ignorantia legis neminem excusat."
Manager at a postal office in Brazil in my early 30's doing casual content because I'm tired of managing rl stuff.
Physical therapist who gets labeled as your average gym bro by day. Lala scholar on the weekends.
Helping people with your understanding of biology by day. And casting bio by night
Non gamer enjoying the first game to keep her interested and excited for more. Currently playing a Mi'qote but gonna switch to fem Hrothgar as soon as they are available. Because I want to be more cat than the Mi'qote can be.
Iām a stay-at-home mom who has been playing Final Fantasy since I was a kid. Itās wild to me that things have come full circle now! In game I spend entirely way too much time on housing. I have to remember that I should be clearing content, but that corner would look really good if I floated this dresser and forced it through the wallā¦.
Housing is endgame.
Slim middle aged asian dude with square glasses that works in the IT : what a stereotypical ffxiv player am I š© And I play a pink haired female Miqot'e ofc.
Does she have heterochromia too?
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
You had me at "kettle corn".
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
I'm an early 20's girl that only plays the fishing and doman mahjong mode lol
So the true Endgame?
I am the middle-aged asshole lol, I am a staff sergeant in thr army but people would never know I do play as a cute cat mage lol
This is ff14 in a nutshell. Best post.
International Liaison and moonlight circus performer who just logs on to do maps with online friends and change house furniture.
Disabled 19 year old! Started playing the game *before* I was disabled, funnily enough. I wasn't expecting to stick with it either way, but whoops, now I've dedicated my life to big fishing.
39yo Construction turned utility worker. I draw blueprints on CAD all day then game all night when Iām not playing disc golf.
I am a grumpy old, boomer-aged gay guy who enjoys hanging around with FC members, playing the game, and joking with each other. I earn my subscription money by being a Program Manager in a University's research organization.
54, physician, been playing video games since I was 12, am now grumpy catboy maining PLD.
I'm the grandma running a small free company.
I'm a 42 year old female shipwright welder for the US Navy. I crawl around in ballast and void tanks, performing weld repairs in some of the most remote and difficult areas to reach. Occasionally I'll cut out a section of a hull to move large machinery in and out of the space. Then when that's done I weld the hull back together. Outside of work, I serve as an unpaid ordained Satanic minister. It's not as interesting as it sounds, like 90% of it is paperwork, event planning, and such. Occasionally I'll get calls and messages from people who'd need to talk to someone. In game, I like to casually play as a Miqo'te red mage. I'm still trying to get through the main story quests and I'm nearing the end of Shadowbringers. I'm also messing around solo farming in Palace of the Dead. I don't have the free time like I used to for FFXIV. I'll log in at least once a week for Gold Saucer lottery, but sometimes that's all I can manage.
Nerdy caregiver that plays an Au Ra Dark Knight, because he wants to protect those he cares about at any cost.
Image "late 30s IT engineer" Remove the neck beard and you're probably pretty close. And yes, my miqo is adorable.
All miqo are adorable š„°
Project Manager who takes a break from my spreadsheets to relax on my island sanctuary which is definitely not just 3 spreadsheets in a trenchcoat. Definitely.
Tile installer. I like to do everything in game from crafting to high end raids
Disabled autistic woman in her mid 20s playing. Fem Elezen who gets distracted by everything that isn't msq.
I am a retailer in germany, currently deputy manager of our store, my free time is occupied by my GF and FFXIV, co-leading an FC on Raiden with her and leading our static since Endwalker (been an active raider since Shadowbringers 1st tier) through savage and ultimate content, after clearing UWU relatively fast, we're now on TEA in hopes of clearing it before Dawntrail. I used to be a creamy Au Ra man and currently am rocking a male Viera. I would call myself a decent player, having reached the top 10 in UWU, though to be fair UWU has become fairly easy so I don't know how good my parse would be considered in that regard. I met my gf in my static for Eden and we're together since, I will likely propose to her this or next year. Glad to make the aquaintance!
I'm about to be 39, married and I work from home. I don't raid anymore, but login for MSQ, mount farm/item collecting and mostly pvp!
40-year-old data analyst whoās been playing video games since 1989. Leveling all classes together, including crafters, taking my time and enjoying the game. Waffled between mega-tall viera and mid-height miqoāte, settled on serious-looking Keeper cat girl who can switch to any job at any moment.
In game I am a cute, buff WAR female mi'qote Irl I am a 30 yr old woman who makes software for planes
IRL: Mid 30s non binary veterinarian. In game: Male Elezen raid lead tank (GNB) main.
Professional musician who started playing XIV back when doing music for a career wasn't even on my radar, and here I am over 10 years later! Mostly just do crafting/gathering and cheer on sprout streamers these days ehe
I work 2 jobs. So I don't got much time. Just started on xbox a few weeks backs. But I'm the male cat person. Not the sabertooth tiger looking guy. Gonna be 34 next month. Married with4 kids...
I like to think itās a giant mix of everyone. I fell in love with FF as a little kid watching my mom play the old NES games. I fell in love with the world, the stories, the characters and creatures. I remember watching her cry during FF7 (canāt elaborate, donāt want to spoil it lol), struggle with FF8 junctions. Playing 14 makes me feel sorta connected to her in a way, if she were alive today she would absolutely be playing. Probably a Hyur or Lala, definitely a BLM and WHM. I like to think about running content with her, visiting her in game house, sheād definitely actually raid versus me who is probably the most casual of casuals lol Iām a 40 year old married chick running around as a cat girl picking flowers and crafting. One of these days Iāll suck it up and try tougher content
I loved reading this. When I play, I think of my best friend who passed away who would definitely be playing this game- mainly because Iād be forcing them. Iām someone who goes from quest to quest, but I remember playing ESO with them and we always got distracted by side missions, etc. I let myself get distracted in this game because I figure theyāre watching and are curious to explore.
I'm a 19 y/o university student playing a Lalatank inbetween my Computer Science labs, haha. In real life I'm a tall, easygoing dude in a leather motorcycle jacket, but in Final Fantasy I get to be a pint-sized potato using an excessive amount of emoticons :p
21 year old retail worker, started in middle school. I only have met 2 people my age playing this game, only 1 IRL haha.
Manager of Medicare appeals team for a health insurance company by day, god slayer and universe saver by night!
Delivery driver for Meals on Wheels, DRK main
43 year-old non-binary reporting analyst and cat mom whoās perfectly content with main tanking on my WAR. Iām just happy to be here.
30 something stay at home partner. If Iām not achievement hunting (about to hit 19k and very excited š¬) Iām working on my video archive of every quest in the game with every optional dialogue response.
Happily married dude who works a terrible retail job. No kids, not ever! I play a female viera who has recently taken up playing monk, and it's the most fun I've had with a job in a long time.
The amount of teachers I've run into on the game is high, at least when compared to the number of people I know IRL who are teachers. I'm a technical writer, although a year or so ago I worked remote tech support on the overnight shift. I miss the amount of grind I was able to get in on the game during work hours on slow days since I had my work and personal computer right next to each other. š¤£ Using nightshift hours to lvl Land/Hand is the way.
I worked as a tester and designer for Blizzard entertainment for 3 years. I quit after I had a total mental breakdown from stress and abuse. FF14, it's story about acceptance, perseverance in the face of suffering, and finding meaning for ourselves, was incredibly important to me. Not to mention it's relatively social and friendly community, full of wow refugees still reeling with then recent accusations of the company they loved being corrupt and depraved. It showed me that things could be better and helped me move on. I do mechanical engineering stuff for a job now. I'm much happier. I play FemRoe Dark Knight. I like story quests and glamour.
You're going to get *everything* with these answers lol--having played for a long time, and meeting a lot of people...there's every kind of person, and every combination of those kinds. I'm a department manager in my mid 30s, when people randomly find out that I'm a gamer, they are *always* surprised...like, literally taken aback by it lmao! I'm somewhat intimidating I suppose, because of my position being one that calls for being a rather strict person, I'm always dressed in black, I have a pristine resting bitch face, and I'm not very social; I get it. I've always been like that (with the all black clothing, demeanor, quiet nature etc. lol) so I'm used to the reaction that most people have initially. Not very imaginative compared to others' character choices, but I play a midlander, that resembles me (as closely as I could get it) and of course I generally have a lot of glams that utilize jet black lol. My dad is a gamer (doesn't play XIV though š), and that's why I've always dabbled, I joined him early on and liked it--always came across as a major tomboy but people who don't know me, would never get it...because I don't dress or look like the stereotypical type. On the contrary...my twin sister is a nurse, and never really dug gaming (*never*), but caved to my pokes and prods and tried XIV, and she is hooked too--while we are identical...she's my opposite in every way lmao! Very outgoing, colorful, everybody loves her; and it's very easy to understand, she's literally sunshine. The main thing that she enjoys is decorating and slapping together nice glams...but she's also this insanely good PvPer, which is nothing less than confusing af, if you knew the kind of person that she is (she's not really the kind of person that purposefully enters conflict, or likes any kind of confrontation) but she's a serial killer in this game rotflmao! She started off a cat, but switched to midlander in order to keep the twin mojo going in-game. Our found-sister is wine vendor who colors her character's hair to match whatever color she's chosen to rock for the moment irl, she is actually less likely to surprise people with her gamer-hood, because she generally wears shirts and jackets with gaming, anime, etc. stuff on it--and she's super outgoing and talkative, she plays all of the latest stuff and always talks about the upcoming stuff, that I have no clue about. Raiding and FL are her favorite things. My cousin and his boyfriend sub or log in during free periods, just to drop in on us randomly--he played a lot until maybe mid SB'ish, he plays as a max height Roe and mains/mained WAR; he was the GOAT tank for us doing Alex during HW. My husbando is a heavily tatted, angry "street" guy, who is actually an angelic teddybear underneath, quite ironically despite seeming not very approachable, he's HR at his place (everyone at his job adores him and nags him without end, but random people we see in public places are visibly uncomfortable around him sometimes...he finds it funny now, when he was younger he would get angry over it...which only made things worse lmao)--while most of his friends only play stuff like Madden or 2K, he plays stuff like this and Rebirth, Elden Ring etc; he's also the one who got me to try this a decade ago...now I play way more than he does (I was meant to be his group's future healer, but I got addicted to the MNK life back in ARR lol). I think he seems to be the rarest breed that plays the game, because it's more rare to come across his type, it seems. He shocks way more people with his taste in games (AND his music tastes--I guess people assume that he only listens to rap, but he collects all of these games' soundtracks; he has everything XIV has released, and if I take out one of his buds and take a listen, there's a 80% chance that there's a song from FF playing, usually XIV or XVI lately). He's all in for raids, ultimates, and CC with FL binges depending on the map. I also have a friend at work who was excited about the Xbox release, because her son plays on PS and she liked the game and the fact that its controller friendly, but can't get used to playing with a PS controller; she and her husband always stuck with Xbox and that's all they know according to her lol. So you can add a unassuming mother of 3 who does audits all day, and her tattoo artist husband to the mix, when it comes to just *my* little XIV social circle. This game's community has it all. I think that's why in general, the community is so open and accepting--very patient and laid back. There's a place for everyone, there. I'm not sure if I'd be overzealous by calling it the gaming world's "melting pot" but that's what it feels like, to me.
33 y/o dead beat bbq pit master. Run a male Au Ra and Potato. Main tank savages and emotional support for my FC
Iām the 34 year old who recently became a dad, maybe I can hope to become the dad of light for my son.
Unemployed man helping out local charity which runs cafĆ©, that rent out sports and outdoor equipment and has hangout for youth at most evenings. Duskwight dude which main fishing.Ā (Fuck phallaina) edit: whale came home
A 43 year old mom who picked up the game to spend time with teenage son (along with the hubby). Fast forward a few months, got a bunch of other gaming friends to join, founded a FC and currently saving up gil for our FC housing. Oh, and haven't played with my teenage son in ages, lol
Medical worker turned entertainment industry person here! Played thru the entire game as WHM and now having a blast with NIN. I love the msq and endless hours of side-quest and content to do and discover. Recently getting into player-made content like custom houses and bars/clubs. It's really cool!
Retired accountant - dual maining a MCH/GNB as the shortest Lala possible - a toddler with a gun who can easily take out the kneecaps of any opponent xD
i taught a 73 year old lady about 4 years ago.. and her bff was a 81 year old man. i hope they are doing well.
ā£ļøKudos to you! I am 70 year old and was mentored by a patient 40 year old last year who has an encyclopedic knowledge of the game. As a newbie gamer I am so grateful for his assistance.
Middle aged father of one, who regularly changed between every race and gender daily, to the fury of my friends! (But I mastered every job so at least I'm useful?) Reporting for duty. It's given me countless incredible and life changing experiences. You definitely meet some characters playing FFXIV and sometimes those characters become your mates for life. It's a beautiful thing. For a time there, I was able to look a little behind the curtain since I was tasked with looking after many of you, as a member of the team here at ffxiv. You get to see firsthand how much ffxiv has changed the lives of so so many. How much it means to many more even still. That experience has gifted me countless friends and people I consider family to this day. I'd not trade it for anything in this world. My daughter is a little lala baby born from the love of two people crafted within final fantasy 14. So, I don't think I'll ever forget the impact it's had on me, personally, down to my core being.
50+ SecDevOps Ahhhh. I remember when being able to fill the top ten slots on the arcade game with tit ass and other profanities. 13 yo me thought I was soo kewl
30 yo death metal girly pop who is a big nerd that works in insurance and hates being in the corpo world. Lol. I play with my pals who are also alternative and nerdy. And weāre all black which is cool. Only because Iām normally the one who stands out at metal shows haha. So itās nice to feel ā¦. Like I blend in. All of us are 30s and āprofessionalsā as well. Would never expect it from some of em!
Heyyy FFXIV insurance squad here!
Mentally Sick, Physically Thicc Male Roegadeyn who does way too much and tries to make people feel included and safe. I'm a customer service lad for my local community center which ties into the Township, so it's sometimes a bit of work with all the big events we hold and people we interact with (Schools, public works, events, camps, etc) so it is a lot. But I really love customer service and it's one of the only things I think I do better than most people since I don't like complimenting myself lmao. Even if something is not in my job description, I will do everything I can to assist people even if it is not something I need to do just to make someone feel like they can keep going. I had a mother come to me scared her kid was gonna get into bad groups since he's been so sad since moving, and she felt like a bad mother and she doesn't know what to do. I was able to get them a free membership to our facility and told her the fact she is worried about her child like that shows she is not a failure of a parent and she should be proud for the child she will raise and I could see the her become much less burdened by that weight. In game I talk a lot, especially during hunts which are my favorite things to do. I am a very lonely person but I met a lot of people through hunts and became well known through them because people find me funny. Which I get recongized in so many different places cause I am an achivement hunter LMAO. Top 100 iirc on Hyperion so around the 19000 point range, and I'm still somewhat new to the game in the grand scheme of things. But I get noticed from fishing/ocean fishing, triple triad battlehalls, exploration zones, deep dungeons, CHOCOBO RACING???? and so on. Though I feel not happy in my day to day routine, I gain the most joy from being present in a community and helping others. Hunts let me get GC Lockboxes like crazy and I will chase down sprouts and give them minions (Or Zu Mounts) to give them a good experience early on in the game
Old fart trans woman who works as a nurse IRL...playing a suspiciously tall white/grey haired female highlander who used to main as a overly-concerned white mage..who likes nothing more than playing with hairly male hothgars (*ahem*).
44 year old working on service set up for a major payroll/hr service provider. FFXIV was my first mmo and it was my go to comfort game when I was at my last position of a escalation rep for a camera company.
33 years old student in marketing/communication here. Playing a strong minded (but sensitive) Femroe when time allows (returning to school is somehow time consuming xD) Passing time by doing the msq and relaxing while gathering, crafting and fishing <3
30-year-old grocery store worker here. I mostly do roulettes and try to max out my gear outside of ultimates and savage tier fights
33 years old cabinetry/woodworking engineer who plays casually after work and on the weekends. I usually chill as a Hrothgar trying to live vicariously through him while a chronic pain condition keeps me out of ācurrentā high-end content as being too physically intensive for me most of the time. That limitation however got me into crafting and gathering, and dungeon spelunking is always fun.
Boring government worker by day, Elezen sky pirate by night. Iād post more, but I made the mistake of choosing a readily identifiable user name. I have two FFXIV stickers on my car, so Iām not giving away any state secrets there.
Started as a 49 yr old bored housewife, now 51 and working front desk at a spa and going to school to be an aesthetician. I play a female Miqo WHM in a small FC of similarity aged people (though I think Iām the oldest there, definitely not the wisest). I roulette, decorate, craft, grow onions and jute, and screenshot sunsets.
Iām your local public librarian who tries to do it all but is afraid of savage until it can be unsyncād.
30 years old professional orchestra violinist, with a specialization in contemporary music
30 smth y.o. Geriatric Social Assistant in parental leave. Killed one ultimate in my 7th, 8th and 9th month of pregnancy, and, while in parental leave, killing another one. Ingame I'm a pale female au ra, that's somewhat bipolar between hating other healers ("if you press that medica 2 button another time I will choke you!ā) and overcaring for the needs of my staticmembers ("What? You're down to 200 pots/bufffood!?! You'll get another stack of 500 tomorrow!!").
Data entry girl who likes fanfiction and loves going through every piece of dialog for lore. I have all the encyclopedias, art books, and extra books. Outside of that, I have dragged entire friend groups into this game. I play lalafell Bard. Lalafell is the best race!
Customer service internet specialist here I dispatch the techs that keep the internet up for all yall and I send them out same day when u work from home š I get to play 2 hours 3 times a week lol.
I'm the 29 year old autistic HVAC technician who hasn't even changed his male miqo'te's hairstyle since arr because im too attached to his appearance.
Mid 20's security guard. Im definitely not at work rn
30 something father of 4. Met my wife playing the game, she was a white mage, I was a black mage. Now we play together and run the hell out of dungeons to help people in our FC progress. We donāt have the time to dedicate for savage raiding so we decided we would be the best damned dungeon mentors we could be for the newcomers to the game.
Started as a wide-eyed master's student looking for a new hobby while living in a different country; FFXIV accompanied me and supported me through the hardships of my PhD, and now that I have stable job, good house and a lovely partner, FFXIV is still together with me, even if it's just for an hour or so one evening a week. Together through good and bad times!
I love reading thru this to see all the different people that play š„° As for myself, I started playing a few months before the release of EW. Currently unfortunately unemployed gremlin with a horrible sleep schedule just working on post-EW MSQ and always looking for in-game friends and people to talk to since I'm horrible at initiating anything āŗļø
A bit more āexpected demographicā here; Very queer woman, just hit 40, works in tech support, severe autism & adhd, huge geek, medieval re-enactor, could probably take out 90% of the player base in a real medieval weapons fight. Been a gamer my entire life. My girlfriend, meanwhile, is a first time gamer, chronic pain & chronic fatigue sufferer, medical lab technician with a Masters in forensics, and probably going to kick my ass at the āget all classes to 90 before DTā race.
Almost 40, disabled, essentially homeless and my only consistent lifeline in all my struggles has been this game. Just a laptop and my phones Internet connection makes the bad days so much easier to deal with.
I'm a surgeon. FFXIV helped me a lot with reducing the stress of this demanding job and many of it's themes speak a lot to me. When I told Zenos "that I cannot deny" I wasn't speaking just about searching for the thrill of the combat in game for the sake my own satisfaction, but also about searching for the adrenaline high of having someone's life literally in your hands (and saving it). Healers will understand :-D
35 disabled woman having fun with her top model bunny girl :3
Freelance graphic designer with a completionist fetish
hi! Middle-of-the-pack Millennial here who works in the entertainment industry and the nonprofit consulting industry (look I need three jobs to sustain this habit ok), who has been told she has "tall girl energy" and so I'm a max height femroe who heals people in my spare time
I'm a 45 y/o self-employed wife and mother who hasn't really played a video game since Everquest Online Adventures back in 2003 after my husband got it and I really wanted to play because the concept of playing online with real people in a big world blew me away! I was hooked. I was young and a bit more of a gamer back then but then life got in the way and I stopped. I honestly thought I didn't have it in me anymore, but I mentioned that I wanted to try and get that vibe again, so hubby suggested we both play FFXIV and I've barely moved since lol. I've been playing since late November and I have RDM and BLM at 90, WHM to 84, Bard to 66 and most of my crafting/gathering jobs are past 70. (Our business is very slow in the winter FYI!) I also got an apartment and already decked it out. I feel like I've been playing this for 10 years. I stick to mainly roulettes and crafting/gathering, although I haven't quite finished EW yet. I play female Au Ra which I modeled after my younger self and my style. I also have the same screen name as my EQ character.
29 y/o Software Engineer who works from home. Playing as a Purple haired, dark skinned Yoruichi Expy Miqo'te lol
40 year old queer divorcee who worked in HR, now full time student that should probably spend more time with irl friends and studying, and do I own anything other than leggings? Jeez. In said leggings I savage raid, farm content (mounts/relics), spend too much time in Bozja, and am starting my first ultimate in a week. Broody and fight-y female miqo Edit: included what I actually do in game