SomeFinal Fantasy 14players are upset about a recent addition to the massively multiplayer online RPG: a chair for Lalafell characters. These diminutive people, similar in appearance to Tarutaru fromFinal Fantasy 11albeit slightly taller, are a gnome-like race inFinal Fantasy 14.They have long ears, slight frames, and are described by Square Enix as having a “childlike countenance.”Understandably, most of the furniture encountered in the decade-old RPG is not suited for the smaller size of a Lalafell, conforming more generally to the otherplayable races inFinal Fantasy 14. While this might be more easily overlooked out in the game world, it’s a noticeable issue when it comes to personal housing, where players can decorate their abodes with everything from beds to musical instruments to flower pots.RELATED:Final Fantasy 14 Is Getting Its Own Shoe Line from PumaOne thing that Lalafell players have long been asking for is furniture more suited to their stature, and Square Enix somewhat fulfilled this request withFinal Fantasy 14’s recent Patch 6.35. The new Lalafell Lifter is a chair aimed at giving the small characters a boost, with the description stating, “Tired of being forgotten in conversation and hitting the edge of the table with your nose?” The item has extended legs and a short back and, unfortunately, has offended some players’ sensibilities.
On the official Square Enix forums and other social media,Final Fantasy 14players with Lalafell characters have protested the addition of the Lalafell Lifter. They state that it’s “insulting” and is more akin to a toddler’s high chair than respectable adult seating. The coloring of the item, pink and white, adds to this childlike impression. Forum user Pyshiro pointed out that the game already has Lalafell-sized furniture that is more mature, which can be seen when visiting Tomra. Gamers have asked Square Enix for access to these items inFinal Fantasy 14to furnish their player housing, yet they’ve instead received a chair that seems more suited to a child’s bedroom.
For someFinal Fantasy 14Lalafellplayers, the appearance of the chair only adds to the negativity they regularly deal with for playing a small, childlike race. In the forum thread, some people pointed out that they’ve faced harassment and mockery from others in the community, even being called predators for their character choice. One user stated, “Lalafell players already hate the infantilization we keep getting barraged with.” On the other hand, some players are vocally amused by the entire debacle. Either way, Square Enix will hopefully hear the feedback from the player base and add more Lalafell furniture with a greater range of colors and styles.
Final Fantasy 14is currently available on PC, PS3, PS4, and PS5.
