On the night before VanaFest, I had a chance to sit down with Matt Hilton and Devin Casadey of the North American Community Team and Kohei Okada of the European Community Team. The respective teams were in Tokyo to cover the event for players overseas who could not be there in person. It was the first such undertaking for the NA and EU offices, as previous VanaFests, such as those held in Osaka and Tokyo's Kourakuen Hall, were only seen by Japanese audiences, with limited video and pictures making their way online.

This unprecedented level of coverage was a great victory for the Community Team and all players worldwide. Together, we discussed how it happened, and how Square Enix intends to improve communication with adventurers in Vana'diel.

Discuss this on the ZAM Forums!

When the exhibitor list for GDC 2010 was revealed, most people didn't pay much mind to a company calling itself "En Masse Studios." That is, they didn't pay attention until the curtain was dropped and En Masse declared their intent to publish the upcoming fantasy MMO, TERA. Known as "the next generation MMO," TERA has been turning heads not only for its amazing graphics but also for the fact that it finally brings true console controller-type action to MMOs.

We can hear all of your heads filling with anticipation already, so don't wait any longer and keep reading to take a look at our in-depth sneak peek of TERA.

Absolute Virtue means Absolutely nothing after the level cap is raised to 99 in this week's Happy Friday.

(Click the image to view full size)

Discuss this on the ZAM Forums.

Have an idea for Happy Friday? Email us. We'd love to see it!

Ever since the announcement of the server merges, my emotions have been on a seemingly neverending roller coaster. At first, I thought it was great that I'd be seeing a lot more people walking around beside me than I usually do. I was ecstatic that my destination world held a wonderful friend, Susperia, on it. However, it didn't take long for me to realize that I could soon lose something I'd had since November 2003. Something that has become more a part of my personality than the name I was given at birth: the name Pikko.

Discuss this on the ZAM forums.

This poor Final Fantasy XI and XIV fan just couldn't handle a week so full of exciting news... or at least his face couldn't.

(Click the image to view full size)

Discuss this on the ZAM Forums.

Have an idea for Happy Friday? Email us. We'd love to see it!

With the forums still burning with discussion over all the world shattering announcements revealed at VanaFest this past weekend, another segment of Final Fantasy fandom had things to discuss as well, namely the first wave of beta testing invitations sent to Final Fantasy XI subscribers on March 1.

We are pleased to announce that the ZAM Network has partnered with Square Enix to offer current Final Fantasy XI players a special opportunity to enter the highly anticipated Final Fantasy XIV Beta!

Adventurers eager for a spot in this early phase of the Beta Test will only need to enter their Square Enix Account's e-mail address and region to be considered for a chance to be one of the first to step foot in Eorzea.

This contest is now closed.

Opinions of every variety have been flying across the forums after players were hit by the numerous bombshells dropped at VanaFest this year.  Whatever side you may be on, you cannot dispute that the face of Vana'diel will be forever changed.  Unexplored areas, 24 more levels to surmount, fresh-looking Notorious Monsters, enhanced jobs, weapons infused with untold power... the announcements just seemed to keep on coming!

For a persistent online world 8 years running, it looks like Final Fantasy XI is finding brand new life.  The "death" of FFXI has always been the topic that would never die.  If anything, VanaFest should put that fear to rest.  With the wealth of new content planned for this year alone, adventurers will have no trouble filling their online hours with new quests and goals.

Let's jump in a take a look at what the developers brought to the table in Tokyo!  In this final wrap-up, I'll take you through the announcements and information that rocked the world of Vana'diel.

What does it all mean for the future of the game?  Discuss this in the ZAM Forums!