The Final Fantasy XIV Weapon Design Contest is an exciting opportunity for fans to showcase their creativity and potentially have their designs featured in the game. Square Enix runs this contest annually or bi-annually, allowing artists and players to contribute unique weapon concepts. Here’s a guide on participating in the 2024 contest, from understanding the guidelines to submitting your best designs.

Go over the official guidelines

Every year, Square Enix publishes precise rules and regulations for the competition. Read them carefully on the official FFXIV website once the 2024 contest is announced. Typical guidelines include:

• Eligibility: Contestants are usually required to be at least 18 years old.
• Originality: Your design must be original and not infringe on other designs or intellectual properties.
• Theme: Each year, Square Enix may provide a specific theme for the designs. Check if the 2024 contest has a particular theme or if it’s open to any creative interpretation.

Understand Weapon Type Categories

The contest often includes various weapon categories that correspond to in-game classes or jobs. Some typical categories might include:

• Swords, daggers, and shields for Gladiator or Paladin.
• Polearms for Lancers or Dragoons.
• Bows for Archers or Bards.
• Staves or rods for magic-based classes like Black Mage or White Mage.

If the 2024 contest specifies categories, decide on which weapon you’ll design and make sure it matches the style and aesthetic of that class or job.

Design Process and Specifications

Square Enix usually provides a template or specific design requirements for the contest. Here’s what you’ll typically need:

• Digital or Hand-drawn Art: Designs can be submitted digitally or as high-resolution hand-drawn illustrations.
• Multi-Angle Views: Square Enix often requests front, back, and side views of the weapon. This helps the development team understand the dimensions and unique features of your design.
• Art Details: Include details like colour scheme, texture, and any special effects, such as glowing edges or animated parts. Make sure your design matches the game’s style while remaining distinct.

For a winning entry, keep in mind the visual aesthetics of FFXIV and consider the game’s fantasy elements. Pay attention to small details like intricate patterns, symbols, or materials that fit with the game’s lore.

Provide a quick summary and Explanation

Provide a quick summary to aid judges in understanding your inspiration.

• The Concept: Explain the underlying idea or history of your weapon.
• Special Features: Describe any special components or capabilities your weapon has.
• Lore Connection: Explain how your concept fits into the FFXIV universe, if at all possible, referring to already-existing locales, characters, or plots.

Send in Your Entry

Visit the contest’s official website to send in your entry when your design is complete. Enter your personal information, design title, and artwork in the submission form. Important pointers for submitting:

• Comply with Submission Deadlines: Square Enix demands that you submit your design by the deadline.
• Use the Correct File Formats: Square Enix will outline the types and sizes of files that are permitted. PNG and JPG are common formats, and each has a resolution recommendation to guarantee that your design appears clear.
• Confirm Receipt: An email confirming receipt ought to be sent to you following submission. If not, contact support or see if there were any submission mistakes.

What Takes Place Next? The Judging Process

The Square Enix judging panel evaluates contributions according to their originality, inventiveness, and applicability to FFXIV. A few weeks after the contest ends, the winners are often revealed on the official website and social media accounts. In-game goodies or the chance to have your design included in Final Fantasy XIV are among the possible rewards.

Promoting Your Entry (Optional)

Sharing your design on social networking sites might help you gain support from the community, but it’s not required. To expand your reach and establish connections with other artists, use trending hashtags such as #FFXIVDesignContest or #FFXIV2024Contest.

Crucial Dates for the Contest in 2024

Square Enix usually hosts the contest early in the year, with deadlines around mid-year, though exact dates have not yet been revealed. Check out the FFXIV Lodestone or follow the official FFXIV social media accounts to stay up to date.

Get Ready for Upcoming Competitions

Think of this as a worthwhile experience even if you don’t succeed! You can always apply your abilities because FFXIV sponsors various competitions all year long, such as armour and housing item design challenges.

In conclusion

One excellent approach to showcase your artistic abilities and contribute to the game is to enter the FFXIV Weapon Design Contest. You have the opportunity to influence the FFXIV universe by adhering to the rules, accepting the mythology, and uniquely creating a weapon. This competition gives everyone a chance to shine, regardless of experience level as an artist or level of fandom. I wish you well and hope your concept is implemented in Eorzea!