Final Fantasy XIV joins the Sydney Mardi Gras parade

On the 2nd of March, 2019, history will be made with the collaboration of Final Fantasy XIV and the Sydney Mardi Gras parade. For the first time ever,  a video game will be represented with a float in the parade. Titled “Realms United”, the unique float will represent the joining of Sydney Gaymer’s 2,600-strong community and the local FFXIV players in the local area.

Sydney Gaymer’s  organiser Peak Distapan had the following to say about the milestone event:

“Sydney Gaymers is thrilled to be collaborating with FINAL FANTASY XIV Online for its 2019 float entry, titled Realms United.  It means so much to receive direct support, validation and acknowledgement from such a force in the industry. Not only that, to be supported by a game where so much of our community and values are represented. The FINAL FANTASY XIV Online community does not discriminate and respects everyone’s freedom and their individual values equally. For many LGBTQI+ people, online communities provide a space for the journey and exploration of personal identities They allow us to connect, and celebrate, and they reinforce that we are not alone. Sydney Gaymers could not have a better sponsor to help create the most ambitious float it has ever undertaken.”

This is a wonderful joining of our passions as gamers and members of the LGBTQI+ community.  FFXIV producer and director, Naoki Yoshida says the following of the history-making collaboration:

“This collaboration could never have been realised without the efforts of our community. When FFXIV took part in PAX Australia, it was the FFXIV players in Australia who offered us the greatest welcome and utmost support. This led on to our community and Sydney Gaymers working together to make the collaboration a reality. To see it makes me very happy indeed, both as the person in charge of FFXIV and also as just another player of the game. FFXIV is another world that continues to grow and expand online. In that world people become adventurers, known as the Warriors of Light, and can continue to be free. I would like to continue developing this world, hand in hand with communities across the globe.”

The Sydney Mardi Gras is in it’s 41st year as a celebration of the power and diversity of the LGBTQI+ community. This culminates in a parade through central Sydney, Australia. 2019 marks the 5th year that Sydney Gaymers will be participating in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade.

Will we see you there? Sound off in the comments!