On March 13, Square Enix decided to shut down the servers for both games to conserve power after earthquakes and a tsunami ravaged Japan. Square Enix has announced today when Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XIV will return.

By shutting off their air conditioning system and reducing lighting in their offices, Square Enix will be able to start up the servers for Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XIV on March 25, 2011 at 4:00 PDT. Suspended PlayOnline services will also be restored. Square Enix asks players to be aware that there might be a need to once again shut down the servers for both games in the event the power situation worsens. Players will not be charged for the April billing cycle.