Final Fantasy XIV Billed Model Coming January 6, Discounted Prices

The subscription-based update for troubled MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV, originally due to launch at the start of December, will now launch at the beginning of the new year. Square Enix revealed in October that the unbilled period for the game is coming to a close, and that a subscription-based system is being put in place in preparation for the Version 2.0 update, due to be released in the fourth quarter of 2012. The subscription-based period has now been dated, and will launch on January 6, 2012, at which point any players who have not signed up to the billing option will have their accounts suspended. The company also revealed that, until the Version 2.0 update is released, the game will see discounted subscription rates. 30 days of play will cost $6.99, 90 days is set at $17.97, and 180 day subscriptions will set you back $29.94. Payment options will be made available via the game's client from December 16. Version 2.0, a remade version of the game, is due to be integrated into the game between October and December 2012. The full client will then go on sale at the start of 2013 for both PC and PlayStation 3. The PS3 version of the game was delayed back when the game launched for PC, as Square Enix said that it was looking to improve stability, performance and functionality before the launch.