Ever since FFXIV was released back in September 2010, there have been many complaints about the “Click and Buy” and Crysta payment options for the game. The complaints ranged from not being able to use the service, a cumbersome and confusing payment process, and even paying extra fees. Those complaints obviously died down once the game went free-to-play for a while. Then, back in December 2011, it was announced that they’d be introducing new payment options, and many thought this would coincide with the reintroduction of subscription fees back in January 6. Well, Square Enix has finally delivered today.

As stated on the Lodestone, players can now enter credit/debit card information directly into the Square Enix Account Management System to handle subscription payments. This was hands down one of the most highly requested features from the community since, although many players have had no issues with the previous payment services, it’s been quite an ordeal for many others. It’s just a shame they were only able to implement this AFTER subscription billing has been active for the better part of a month already. It would’ve been preferable to delay reinstatement of subscription services until after this new billing option was implemented, simply due to the fact that players who’ve purchased three to six months worth of service already had to do it the hard way. Fortunately, those who have been unable to play the game at all may finally be able to actually give Square Enix their money.

Still this only brings FFXIV on par with other MMOs that have been using the standard way of charging their player base since the beginning of time. Make no mistake, this was sorely needed, and a welcome feature to a game that still needs a great deal of work. It just would’ve made more sense to have this kind of system in place from the start, back in September 2010. But it’s good to know that SE is listening and doing what they can to fix their past mistakes and current issues. As long as they continue on in this manner, we can expect good things from them when 2.0 comes out in 2013.

In order to see the new easier-to-use payment options, log into the Square Enix Account Management System. Then, click on the “Register/Update Payment Method” link under the “Payments and Services Fees” section in the sidebar of the service account page.

Source: The Lodestone