FFXIV Sage Icon Changed Amidst Phobia Concerns

Last Updated on: 4th August 2021, 09:47 pm

Alongside the huge release of info contained in the Benchmark released last month for Final Fantasy XIV, the Endwalkers promotional site also launched fairly recently. While most fans were preoccupied with trying to find out the new moves or level 90 job gear, some noticed the revealed icons for the two new jobs coming to the MMORPG. Recently, however, the FFXIV Sage icon has been replaced, so here’s all about it.

As a disclaimer, the old Sage icon will be shown for illustrations’ sake, but it will be placed near the end of the article. If you have trypophobia, I would advise stopping before then, as only the outro will follow.

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As explained in a post by the Producer and Director, Naoki Yoshida, showing off the Job icons for the two new classes wasn’t considered much of a reveal to the team. Fans, however, eat this stuff up, as it got a fair bit of attention. Interestingly, though, the icon was said to have made many players feel anxious or uncomfortable and was changed as a result. Here is the updated Sage icon.

This is due to a phobia known as trypophobia. Basically, its a phobia of bunches of bumps or small holes which can cause deep discomfort or anxiety. The original FFXIV Sage icon had small holes similar to the bottom one present in the current icon but on all four of the nouliths.

As someone who actually knew a fella with trypophobia, I think the change is one that is welcome among the community and fans. Anything to make the game more accessible to people is appreciated, and the core design of the Job icon hasn’t changed in any significant way. Still, it is nice to see devs adjust to fan outcry quickly and professionally.

The old FFXIV Sage icon will appear below the read more:

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Final Fantasy XIV seems to only be growing, and small yet powerful actions like these show a dev team which is clearly listening to the player base and aims to improve user experience wherever possible. Let’s hope this continues for expansions to come!