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A popular online JRPG experiences disruptions across multiple regions as players can’t get into the game.
Players of the massively popular multiplayer online role-playing game Final Fantasy XIV have experienced issues logging into the game, as its servers have come under multiple distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks over the past week.
The initial attack occurred on 6 May, with a spokesperson for the game saying: “We are currently experiencing technical difficulties due to a DDoS attack.”
“We are investigating the attack and taking countermeasures. Additional information will be provided as the situation develops,” the spokesperson said on the game’s official website.
The DDoS, the alert explained, was causing login and disconnection issues, as well as causing “difficulty accessing, sending, and receiving data from JP/NA/EU/OC data centres”.
The game’s developers then posted a recovery notice on 7 May, with much the same content and warning of more disruptions. However, they did add that they were continuing to “monitor the situation and work with ISPs to come up with countermeasures”.
However, the attacks continued on 8 May and have continued now into 10 May – though the most recent update does note that currently only the Japan and EU servers are being impacted.
The game’s developers have not named any particular threat actors, and none of the groups known for their DDoS activity have taken responsibility.
The DDoS attacks come at an awkward time, as the game is set to launch its latest expansion on 2 July, Dawntrail.
David Hollingworth has been writing about technology for over 20 years, and has worked for a range of print and online titles in his career. He is enjoying getting to grips with cyber security, especially when it lets him talk about Lego.