Final Fantasy XIV Online

Final Fantasy XIV is an MMORPG where you create a character, pick a class, and complete quests across the fantasy realm of Eorzea. The 2010 launch was rough—clunky menus, confusing systems, and gameplay that didn't click despite solid visuals and music. Square Enix yanked subscription fees and shelved the PS3 port while reworking the entire game. That overhaul became A Realm Reborn in 2013, which rebuilt combat, streamlined progression, and added story-driven content that turned the disaster into one of the genre's success stories. The original version ran until late 2012, when servers shut down to make way for the relaunch. If you're curious about MMO history or how a studio can salvage a failing project, this represents a rare second chance that actually paid off.