Final Fantasy XIV game director and producer Naoki Yoshida (affectionately referred to as Yoshi-P by players) has posted a warning against “abusive” and “uncooperative” behavior; especially in the game’s new Crystalline Conflict PvP mode.

PvP in the MMO has experienced a renaissance since the latest Endwalker patch which introduced the new Crystalline Conflict PvP mode as well as streamlined the job abilities of players in PvP. However a surge in popularity seems to also mean a surge in toxicity.

Players have reported players going AFK when their team is losing, abusive chat and emote spam towards fellow players, and harassment directed at players outside of the game via social media.

Players found guilty of such behavior may receive a suspension of 3 to 20 days and depending on the severity or repetitive nature of their actions even stiffer penalties.

You can read the statement from Naoki Yoshida below.

Hello, this is Naoki Yoshida, Producer and Director of FINAL FANTASY XIV.

I would like to thank you for your interest in Crystalline Conflict, the new 5v5 PvP content implemented in Patch 6.1.

However, we are receiving an unprecedented number of reports concerning uncooperative/lethargic or taunting behavior during matches. Thus I’d like to warn against such behaviors by reviewing the main types of prohibited behaviors.

1. Uncooperative/Lethargic behavior

All PvP content, including Crystalline Conflict, is intended to be a battle/contest of skill between players. Participants must bring their best to the fight, and for this reason uncooperative or lethargic behavior is prohibited. Let’s strive to do our best even in situations where defeat is imminent, regardless of whether or not you’re interested in the rewards.

2. Taunting/Abusive behavior

Taunting, abusive, or slanderous language on chat is prohibited not only in Crystalline Conflict, but in all PvP content. The following examples of target marker/emote usage and other behaviors are also considered taunting behavior and fall under prohibited activities.

・Repeatedly using the Quick Chat phrase “Nice job!” during a disadvantageous situation
・Repeatedly using the Quick Chat phrase “Good match!” before the outcome of the match has even been decided
・Excessively repeating a particular Quick Chat phrase
・Persistently placing a negative target marker on another ally player
・Using and repeating an emote on top of a downed opponent
・Setting off fireworks on top of a downed opponent
・Using Tell or other methods to directly harass/criticize a player outside of a duty after a match has ended
・Slandering other players through means outside of the game, such as social media
*Adjusted the text in response to feedback.

The above is not an exhaustive list of what constitutes taunting/abusive behavior; what’s most important is how your actions affect the recipient and others around you, as well as your intent behind them.

The behaviors described in 1 and 2 above fall under Prohibited Activities. Reports received against specific players are handled in the following way.

・Logs are investigated and reviewed to confirm the validity of the report
・If the reported action is confirmed, the case is reviewed for penalty

After the above steps have been taken, FINAL FANTASY XIV may place a temporary suspension (of 3 to 20 days) on the reported player’s account. If repeated violations are confirmed, or the violations are deemed to be exceptionally heinous, the account may be permanently banned.

PvP matches are win-or-lose battles between players, and thus can get very heated. This also applies to the gameplay itself; there may be times when, in the heat of the moment, you accidentally spam a Quick Chat phrase because you were pressing the wrong button or frantically trying to coordinate with your team.

There may be cases when actions taken during the fervor of battle are reported for taunting or lethargic behavior, but this is what the careful log review process is for: to prevent false charges. Each case must be investigated thoroughly, which takes time. For this reason, we ask that before placing a report, you have calmly and clearly assessed whether the observed behavior truly falls under prohibited behaviors.

In any case, we will continue to make adjustments to PvP job balancing to bring even more exciting, passionate PvP content to you. Please continue to enjoy your matches while upholding the code of conduct.