You've Got To Give Square Enix Kudos For Commitment.

With version 2.0, the publisher has announced it is set to finally start charging for the online world, after a catastrophic launch period resulted in the company letting players participate for free.

With the game finally getting on track, Square Enix has also announced that the PlayStation 3 version of the MMO will launch in Q3 2012 — that's somewhere between October and December next year.

“Between now and release of the new Final Fantasy XIV, we will do as much as possible by way of fine-tuning the game and adding new content. Our focus will be on the theme of a story that can only be experienced in the here and now, and the dramatic changes to Eorzea will be incorporated into that storyline,” producer Naoki Yoshida wrote in an open letter.

“Each update will deliver an unprecedented and unrepeatable game experience. For those of you continuing to play, I promise that the release of these updates and the eventual transition to the new Final Fantasy XIV will both come smoothly and seamlessly. ”

Square Enix's CEO Yoichi Wada — who previously noted that Final Fantasy XIV's reception had damaged the RPG's brand — continued: “In the ten months since the Final Fantasy XIV team’s restructuring, we have put forth the utmost effort into not only improving the game’s existing features, but also creating a concrete plan to outline the game’s new direction.

“Today, I am pleased to announce we can confidently present that plan to our customers. We fully realize this is but a single step towards our ultimate goal, and that to meet the high standards set in the plan, more time is required. In the meantime, however, we will not waver in our commitment to bringing players exciting and engaging content, even as the game moves through its evolution.”