In a statement shared by Square Enix today, the company says that it has settled with the administrator of “Netoge Breaking News” (formerly “FF14 Breaking News”) regarding an article that was posted said to contain content “denigrating the social standing of the Final Fantasy XIV staff.
Square Enix says they contacted Livedoor, the company who hosts the FFXIV-themed news and discussion blog, and obtained contact information of the administrator. In their discussions, it was agreed upon that an apology would be issued, the site would be closed, and an undisclosed settlement would be paid.
The administrator of the blog posted an apology, stating that they “deeply regret the inconvenience to Square Enix and their affiliates” and that “while the article didn’t intent to infringe on the rights of [Square Enix’s employees or affiliates], we would like to apologize for the concern caused.”
Back in January 2025, we reported on Square Enix’s update of their “Group Customer Harassment Policy” which included the following verbiage:
“…instances where certain customers take actions directly or through our support centers, or towards our group executives, employees, partners who are involved in the creation and distribution of our group products and services, that constitute “customer harassment,” such as denial of personality, violence, defamation, intimidation, advance notice of wrongdoing, advance notice of obstruction of business, harassment.”
The new stance towards harassment of its employees is also in line with other Japanese companies like Capcom, Sega, and others who have detailed similar policies with regard to customers harassing staff.
AloJapan.com