As Final Fantasy 14 shows off upgraded characters graphics, Yoshi-P acknowledges the MMO has been "bad" at displaying darker skin
Final Fantasy 14 devs have previewed its upcoming graphical update, and expressed regret over the lighting of dark-skinned characters.
This past weekend saw the Tokyo iteration of Final Fantasy 14's FanFest, and game director Naoki Yoshida was on hand to preview upcoming additions for the MMO. In particular, Yoshida talked up the long-awaited graphical update, set to arrive in Final Fantasy 14 for PC and PS5 players later this year in summer 2024 alongside the Dawntrail expansion.
Just below, you can see snapshots taken from the FanFest which show 'before' and 'after' shots of upgraded character models. The likes of the Elezen, Highlander, Lalafell, Au Ra, and other in-game races all look like they've had a serious overhaul with the new graphical upgrade, making Final Fantasy 14's characters effectively look better than ever before.
According to Nova Crystallis though, which was live-tweeting the showcase with the graphical update, game director Naoki Yoshida acknowledged criticisms of Final Fantasy 14's dark-skinned characters. Yoshida even said the MMO had been "bad" at displaying "dark-skinned" characters in certain lighting conditions in the past, and pledged to rectify this with the upcoming big overhaul.
Yoshida: Historically, XIV has been bad at displaying dark skin, especially in dark places. The new shaders will allow lighting and shadow to improve this.January 7, 2024
Now, Final Fantasy 14 players far and wide are reacting to the upgrade, as well as Yoshida's statement. The player just below really "wasn't expecting" Yoshida to openly acknowledge the criticism of the MMO's dark-skinned characters, but says it was nonetheless a welcome sentiment.
Hearing Yoshi P legitimately go"Yeah in the past dark skinned
Read more on gamesradar.com
