Fans of Final Fantasy 14 have expressed their concerns regarding accessibility issues surrounding the upcoming Fan Fest event set to take place in California. After the “accessibility disaster” at a recent convention in Las Vegas, attendees worry that the organizers for next year’s event may not adequately handle the needs of those requiring assistance, prompting some fans to reconsider attending.

Fan Fest gatherings, which occur regularly across the United States, Europe, and Japan, unveil details about upcoming expansions for the MMORPG. The Las Vegas event held earlier this year received backlash due to several accessibility shortcomings. Although I personally attended and am not disabled, I observed considerable organizational problems, long food lines, and insufficient facilities; in contrast, the event in London was notably better managed.

The move to Anaheim, California, for the 2026 event was initially welcomed due to its better climate compared to previous venues. However, fans have since raised alarms regarding how a third-party company enlisted by Square Enix is addressing accessibility needs.

When attendees purchase tickets, they can indicate the need for ADA accommodations. Although this feature seemed promising at first, it requires fans to engage in a phone conversation with the third-party vendor to clarify their specific requirements. Following this initial communication, attendees must confirm their accommodations within 24 hours.

Regrettably, it appears there is only one person from the third-party vendor, The Trade Group, handling accessibility inquiries. This has led fans to believe their needs may not be adequately addressed, as the vendor does not seem to be taking these issues seriously, raising concerns about the safety and accessibility of the convention.

Sara Winters, a blind player of Final Fantasy 14 and an accessibility consultant, shared her experiences in a forum. She noted that while previous conventions had made significant strides in accessibility, the approach for the upcoming Fan Fest is reminiscent of earlier failures. “When I noticed the ADA option during the ticket purchase, I felt hopeful, believing lessons had been learned from past events. Unfortunately, the vendor’s handling has been inadequate, with a single point of contact for all inquiries,” said Winters.

Through her survey of a thousand convention attendees, Winters found that around 14% have accessibility requirements. With an expected attendance of 15,000 at the next Fan Fest, this translates to over 2,000 individuals that just one person is tasked to communicate with personally. Additionally, basic necessities like access to food or quiet areas were categorized as accessibility requests rather than standard features of any event, suggesting that many attendees may not have their essential needs met.

Winters emphasized that the single employee assigned to deal with accessibility queries bears responsibility for a task that is overwhelming. “The fault lies not with this employee but with the organization’s failure to engage real accessibility experts who can implement effective measures,” she stated.

She also shared insights on social media, warning that the current measures are burdensome for disabled individuals and do little to deter those without disabilities from exploiting the system.

Another participant in the discussions expressed frustration at the phone call requirement, believing it adds unnecessary complication to the process of securing accommodations. They hoped for a simpler solution that wouldn’t involve navigating such hurdles ahead of the event.

Concerns echoing Winters’ sentiments surfaced as other players noted that simplified and adaptable communication channels are essential, particularly in cases where medical needs may suddenly change.

While the Anaheim Convention Center has its own general accessibility policies in place, including wheelchair ramps and accessible seating, some feel that it’s insufficient for individual event requirements, which are left to the event hosts to arrange.

As a final note, Winters articulated her reluctance to attend, stating, “I don’t feel comfortable investing my time and resources in what has proven to be a problematic environment.” The most recent expansion of Final Fantasy 14, named Dawntrail, did not garner as much enthusiasm as its predecessors, highlighting the importance of these upcoming Fan Fest events for ensuring the future viability of the game, especially with competing titles on the horizon.