FFXIV Complete Edition Somehow Sold Out Despite Being Digital
For a brief time, the Final Fantasy XIV Complete Edition was sold out - despite being digital-only. During this period, attempting to purchase the bundle would result in a "waiting list" option where "add to cart" would typically be. The issue has been resolved, but the strangeness of the situation remains.
Final Fantasy XIV is an MMO in the popular role-playing series. However, unlike many MMOs, players are able to play almost entirely alone, if they so desire. Various FFXIV expansions have been released since launch, adding new realms and features to the title. The Complete Edition includes FFXIV: A Realm Reborn and the Shadowbringers, Heavensward, and Stormblood expansion packs.
According to Kotaku, shoppers were unable to buy the Complete Edition for Windows or PlayStation 4 on the Square Enix store. The Mac version of the game was still accessible, and buyers on Steam or the PlayStation store had no issues either. It was just the Square Enix store with a problem, telling players they would be added to a waiting list to buy. Typically, a waiting list is used when a title is sold out. But Final Fantasy XIV is digital, so it's confusing to imagine that copies are sold out. This is not a case of the materials running low or out, preventing the game from being printed. Digital games just require the code and game data. The issue was ultimately resolved with no major incidents.
The most likely explanation is that Square Enix was trying to ensure even download speeds and prevent bottlenecking on their servers. FFXIV has been experiencing a jump in player count, so adopting these preventative measures is logical. It was also a temporary limitation that was fixed quickly. Finally, the fact that it only occurred on the Square Enix store adds credence to the theory. It's not confirmed, but it is the most likely story.
With a shift towards cloud-based gaming, the possibility of a digital title truly selling out is becoming worryingly likely. For now, however, the notion remains nothing more than a humorous tale. If Square Enix was attempting to throttle the player base, albeit temporarily, that would remain nothing more than a laughable footnote in the history of digital game distribution. Luckily, the situation has been resolved and players should be able to buy their copy in the digital store.
Final Fantasy XIV Online: Complete Editon is available now for PC, Mac, and PlayStation.
Source: Kotaku