Those logging into Final Fantasy XIV in the near future will be able to continue exploring the universe of newer Square Enix franchise NeiR. First releasing in 2010, Final Fantasy XIV is an MMO that's had a tumultuous history. Starting off in a state so offputting that players revolted, forcing the game to shut down just two years after launch. Following that, Square Enix completely retooled the experience into 2013's Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn this overhauled edition of the MMORPG has pleased fans and critics alike, leading to a string of updates and new content that continues to this day.

In the years following the rerelease, Final Fantasy XIV grew to an enormous subscription base. Over 20 million players now regularly pay to enjoy the world of Eorzea and fight against the Garlean Empire. The game has had three full expansion packs as well, with Heavensward in 2015, Stormblood in 2017and Shadowbringers just last year. Available on PlayStation 4 and PC with an Xbox version in development, it's also an MMORPG that can be enjoyed from places where the kings of the genre aren't yet ruling the roost. With the newest update, Square Enix continues to provide players reasons to come back even as newer releases try to tempt them away.

Related: Fable Reboot Revealed With Magical Teaser At Xbox Games Showcase

In a new press release, Square Enix boasted the 20 million player milestone and detailed what would be included in the Version 5.3 patch, which is named Reflections in Crystal for some reason. Scheduled to release on August 11, part of the patch will streamline the main quest of the original game and let players enjoy an expanded free trial. This will include all content from A Realm Reborn and Heavensward, taking characters up to Level 60. Heavensward is also going free to play for existing players who hadn't yet taken the plunge, providing a great bonus for Final Fantasy XIV veterans.

As for the NieR content, Reflections in Crystal will provide the next chapter in the YoRHA: Dark Apocalypse alliance raid series. The white-robed android 2P returns in The Puppets' Bunker, a new raid where players will need to take on an "unforeseen danger to Komra." As far as the main game, the patch will bring an end to the main storyline of the Shadowbringers questline, which is described as featuring the Scions "endeavoring to shed light upon the Ascian Elidibus' dark plot." Alongside these new quests, there are updates to New Game+, new battle content, and a Yo-Kai Watch collaboration event somehow.

For the 20 million people who play or have played Final Fantasy XIV in the past, this is sure to be a rousing good time. For the rest of the world, the words depicted above might as well be in another language. However, that's not a bad thing. As games keep moving more and more towards the mainstream, games with enormous depth should be cherished by the fortunate few who have the time to delve into them. For some folks, unlocking a new skin in Overwatch can be a monumental task, so it's nice that there are games for all types out on the market.

Next: New Magic: The Gathering Card Art Is Basically A Dark Souls Crossover

Source: Square Enix