Final Fantasy 14's Graphics Update Targets Better Representation of Dark Skin

Final Fantasy 14's latest announcement at the Dawntrail event centered on an upcoming graphical update aiming to significantly improve the representation of characters with darker skin tones. This move responds to long-standing complaints about the game's struggles to accurately render such characters, particularly in low-light settings where facial features became indiscernible.

(Photo : Square Enix/Photo taken from Steam.)
Square Enix/Photo taken from Steam.

Addressing Representation Concerns

During the keynote speech at Final Fantasy Fan Fest Tokyo, Yoshi-P, a key figure in the game's development, showcased the graphical enhancements. Acknowledging the game's previous shortcomings, Yoshi-P unveiled new shaders specifically tailored to bring out intricate details in the darkest skin tones.

This demonstration notably highlighted the improvements across various playable races, emphasizing enhanced visibility of facial features for characters with darker skin.

Acknowledging Past Criticisms

Yoshi-P's focus on rectifying these graphical limitations is crucial given past controversies. Previously, he faced criticism for comments made during the development of Final Fantasy 16, where he expressed reluctance to "over incorporate" diversity due to concerns about fitting within the game's medieval setting. These remarks stirred debates about the inclusion of people of color in fantasy settings, prompting discussions about the creative liberties in fictional worlds.

While Yoshi-P didn't address these controversies directly during the recent graphical update reveal for Final Fantasy 14, his emphasis on visual enhancements for Black characters hints at a potential positive step forward. Notably, his earlier statement acknowledging the ease of incorporating diversity in Final Fantasy 14's world contrasts with his prior stance on Final Fantasy 16, indicating a willingness to prioritize representation within the MMO's universe.

As Final Fantasy 14 prepares for these graphical improvements, questions linger about the update's performance under various lighting conditions. The community eagerly anticipates further details and demonstrations to determine the efficacy of these enhancements in diverse settings.