I have been playingFinal Fantasy 14for over a decade. Life in Eorzea was pretty rough back on the PS3, with the graphics noticeably dated and the lag being so bad that it was impossible for me to progress past the then-difficult Titan. I made due with patiently waiting for things to get better, and eventually they did, especially when I bought a PS4.
I mention this quick story because, much like being on PS3 and eventually upgrading to PS4, I’ve had to wait for a time in which my dark-skinned character can look appropriate in all backgrounds, especially when taking photos. Luckily, an update coming for the new expansion Dawntrail looks like it’ll address the longstanding issue.
Final Fantasy 14 Re-Review (2023): Ageing Gracefully
In 2023, FF14 still stands as one of the best MMORPG experiences especially on consoles.
The Upgrade I’ve Longed For
During the recent keynote speech at Final Fantasy Fan Fest Tokyo, Yoshi-P, representing the team, acknowledged the game’s historical struggle in accurately portraying characters with darker skin tones. You’ve likely noticed how the current renders often obscure facial features, particularly in dimly lit environments, hindering the representation of diverse characters.
“Historically, 14 has been pretty bad in terms of displaying this type of dark skin. You enter a shadowy area and it all looks bad and falls apart. But with our new shaders that will not be an issue.”
– Yoshi P, Final Fantasy 14 Director
The forthcoming graphical update for Final Fantasy 14 on the PS5 is set to rectify these issues by introducing new shaders specifically designed to enhance the details of even the darkest skin tones. In the presentation, Yoshi-P showcased various characters with darker skin, highlighting how these improved shaders will significantly enhance visibility and detail across all playable races.
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Over the last decade immersed in Final Fantasy 14, maneuvering through the game as a dark-skinned character has posed an ongoing challenge. From the early days on the PS3, the game’s low-resolution graphics struggled to faithfully render darker tones. My initial choice of a male Miqo’te with dark skin was a deliberate reflection of myself within the game—a crucial aspect for me, and many players no doubt, especially in games that offer character customization. Yet, the frustration emerged when attempting to capture moments through in-game photography; my character appeared to seamlessly blend into the shadows of the night, turning the simple act of preserving memories into a considerable challenge.
In navigating the constraints of Photo Mode, where dark skin tones were unfortunately not fully supported, I found myself making a compromise. Opting for lighter brown shades, I aimed to convey black skin while ensuring visibility in photos. However, this decision came with a complex feeling–a sense that, in choosing lighter tones, the ethnical identity of my character was somewhat diluted.
This self-consciousness lingered, especially when the in-game photo creator, GPose, debuted. Countless attempts at night photos resulted in disappointment.
The recent acknowledgment from Yoshi-P and the team about the struggle to depict darker skin tones in Final Fantasy 14 is a significant and conscious step toward inclusivity. With these forthcoming changes, there’s hope to finally recreate my character authentically in a darker skin tone and capture photos flawlessly, regardless of the time of day.
No Game Makes Me Feel As Small As Elden Ring Did
Sorry, Final Fantasy 16, I know you tried.
Custom Characters Are Important
Embarking on my 20+ year gaming journey, I’ve observed a persistent challenge in securing meaningful representation for Black characters. This gap often confines them to specific roles or stereotypes, exemplified by the prevalence of black characters in support roles rather than taking the lead as the main hero in the story. Unfortunately, this limited portrayal fails to capture the diverse spectrum of experiences within the Black community. The repercussions of this lack of representation directly affect my sense of connection and belonging in gaming spaces.
Personally, the significance I place on games featuring customizable characters with diverse skin tones, especially darker ones, is heightened by the current shortage of black main characters in video games. This goes beyond mere surface-level customization; it’s about forging a genuine connection and experiencing a profound sense of belonging. The ability to authentically represent myself in a game holds substantial value, not only for personal identification but also for acknowledging and validating the diverse player base. It becomes a crucial means of ensuring that individuals, like myself, along with others, feel genuinely acknowledged and represented in the virtual worlds we engage with.
The commitment to addressing the “dark skin” issue in the game extends beyond mere graphical enhancements, serving as a profound acknowledgment of representation’s impact on our gaming experiences. Every stroke of customization within these virtual realms goes beyond the cosmetic, transforming into a potent brushstroke weaving threads of connection, belonging, and a shared identity throughout the expansive tapestry of the gaming community.
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