No longer able to log into Steam version with my non-Steam account. Why do this SE?

[Keebz]

Hello, I was really disappointed to find that upon logging into the game on Steam with my regular Windows account tonight I am now greeted with this message:

"FINAL FANTASY XIV has not yet been registered with this service account or your subscription has expired. To play the game, you must first complete the registration process using the registration code included with your purchase."

I am saddened that this harmless feature was removed. I bought the game a second time on Steam just so I could have it there in my Steam library, with all the community features that entails. I log in with my regular Windows account so that I am not subject to the restrictions of the Steam version, like not being able to buy expansions outside of Steam. But I like how Steam still tracks my playtime even if I wipe my computer or install the game on multiple computers. I like how I can feature the game on my Steam profile as my favorite game, showing how many hours I've played, and easily share screenshots to my friends.

YES, I know that you can add the regular Windows version to Steam as a non-Steam game, but I don't have any desire to do that because I lose out on some of those features above. No profile support, playtime tracking is lost if you reinstall Windows, etc.

Some people might consider this a really silly issue, but as an avid Steam user, I am actually more likely to play a game if it is officially part of my Steam library. I tend to forget about games I don't own on Steam. For example, I own ESO but not on Steam and I often forget about playing it or even downloading it. There are so many games in the world nowadays.

But the real point here is that I shouldn't have to justify my reasons. Being able to log into the Steam version with a regular Windows account has worked since the beginning, and I really cannot fathom why suddenly this harmless feature has been removed. I would really like an explanation, but most of all I would like the ability to use the Steam version again, which I purchased with real money, the way that I've always been able to.

Right now I kinda feel like Square Enix stole back a game I bought from them and won't let me launch it the way I always could.

[Connie-]

It wasn't really harmless though, people were using it as a way to exploit the game for fraudulent purposes. Sorry that you feel this way, but people were getting hurt because of it.

[Relynia]

It wasn't really harmless though, people were using it as a way to exploit the game for fraudulent purposes. Sorry that you feel this way, but people were getting hurt because of it.

They were launching steam accounts through non-steam launched XIV is what it seemed like from the post about this, there's no reason to not let windows accounts log in through the same launcher just with a steam launch attached to it.

EDIT:
Also SE why weren't we told that windows accounts would be effected by it also? It clearly sates STEAM ACCOUNTS will be effected but nothing about the other way around.

[Connie-]

They were launching steam accounts through non-steam launched XIV is what it seemed like from the post about this, there's no reason to not let windows accounts log in through the same launcher just with a steam launch attached to it.

It goes both ways. I'm plenty annoyed about having to disable the Steam overlay every time I want to play FFXIV and re-enable when I want to play something else with my Steam friends. It's just for security, I'm sure they have very good reasons and really it's only a pretty *minor* inconvenience to the players.

[nvt]

im not a computer person had someone set this game up for me and been playing it hard out now this happens. for the average joe how the hek do i get in to playt his game jesus christ couldnt they just leave it alone

[Lotharemas]

Confirming this, no longer able to login when launching with Steam on my Windows account, very annoying since i really like the hours tracking, Steam overlay and screenshot uploading, undo this please

[hqdm]

It goes both ways. I'm plenty annoyed about having to disable the Steam overlay every time I want to play FFXIV and re-enable when I want to play something else with my Steam friends. It's just for security, I'm sure they have very good reasons and really it's only a pretty *minor* inconvenience to the players.

you can disable the overlay on a game-by-game basis, it's in the config when you rclick a game in your library.
Two aren't related in the slightest.

I bought an extra copy of the game purely so I could track my Steam playtime, back in 2014 or whatever. Locking people out after the fact is like why even? Seems like a half-assed bandaid fix for a real problem that simultaneously shafts the people on the reverse. Nvm that you can STILL bypass the steam launcher, so this "fix" doesn't even address the problem, just screws actual customers.

[nvt]

can someonw please tell me how to play this game . im not the best with computers

[LTeel]

Are there sources to back up those claims about players using it in a way for exploits?

I too, am quite annoyed the decision made by SE with this.

[hqdm]

Are there sources to back up those claims about players using it in a way for exploits?

https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodes...727afe494a3b81

As part of our fraud prevention measures, we plan to implement a restricted login check process for Steam service account users. An implementation time-frame for the change has been decided and has been detailed below.

[Affected]
FINAL FANTASY XIV Steam Version

[Changes]
Current:
FINAL FANTASY XIV Steam version clients can currently be opened directly without going through the Steam application and is possible to use the regular Windows version client application for Steam version service accounts.

After the change:
For Steam version service accounts, the FINAL FANTASY XIV client application will need to be started up from the Steam application's Play button. Any other method of direct startup will no longer be available.

[Time and Date of Implementation]
Aug. 29, 2019

Spoilers: It only stops people from doing the opposite.

Imagine having to go into your Steam folder and add a Steam game as a non-Steam game just to get the stupid thing to launch, only now without any of the advantages of actually having bought a license. Thanks, SE.