Final Fantasy XI Celebrates 3-Year Mark With Event

Square Enix's popular MMORPG, Final Fantasy XI, is celebrating three years since its original release in Japan with the third annual special fan event, which will allow participants to preview the upcoming Treasures of Aht Uhrgan expansion, due for release in March 2006. The live event, to be held at the Santa Monica Pier in California, will take place from March 9th to 11th, 2006. In addition to trying out the new expansion, which includes the much-requested Blue Mage class, attendees will be able to meet the game's Japanese development team, listen to presentations and panels on the game, participate in FFXI tournaments and contests, listen to live music at a DJ party, and see one yet-unannounced special event. According to the official word from Square Enix, the event will also feature presumably rare or exclusive prizes to be won in a raffle, as well as a Final Fantasy XI machinima contest. In a similar style to the recently sold-out BlizzCon convention, which was set around Blizzard's titles, including World Of WarCraft, special in-game items will also be given out to attendees, alongside a bonus bag of real-life extras. Those wishing to attend the Oceanside Fan Festival can pre-register at the official event site for $85 or buy tickets at the door for $100. The official site also lists nearby hotels, for fans of the game traveling in from out of town.