Tried to switch from editions Steam to PC

[HollowBastien]

So I was very interested in this game and tried to "upgrade" the PC Version so I read the terms and purchased the Complete edition not understanding that would mean start over. The person who helped me was very knowledgeable but I couldn't get past the fact that I couldn't change the account over and keep the progress. I understand now why people unsubscribe to no return from the steam version rather than transfer to PC (their loss even though I only played until level 27) This must have been so frustrating to this employee to answer all of my curiosities I definitely hope I came off as respectful. Anyways I submitted this in technical support in hopes for a better understanding of the lack of compatibility and why it's like this. I understand its a separate interface but still on the same operating system. Does it have to do with the nature of Steam updating it's code every so often and does that mean the launcher has to run in a compatibility/legacy mode in order for the server to still be able to communicate with steam? Does this mean I'm not the only new player who has seen this problem before or is this a unique case. Below is how my said problem was addressed.

Jenna 14:45：I do apologize for any confusion, that is the policy for Steam if you wish to refund a digital item.

Customer 14:45：By the way Jenna I'm really sorry for taking up your time I just wish to get this resolved

Customer 14:45：does an account ban also ban the email associated with it?

Jenna 14:47：Yes that would be correct, if you would like to request a refund for the Windows code purchased this will not result in a ban as the code is unused.

Customer 14:47：But the idea is to use the windows version and not the steam version.

Jenna 14:48：I understand your concern, and do apologize once again. Unfortunately, both platforms are seperate.

Customer 14:50：Yes but the account ban removes my use of my personal email for FFXIV right? Which is what I want to be able to use for the windows version.

Jenna 14:51：Yes that is correct. I do apologize.

Jenna 14:52：Once an account has been banned, the email that is registered will not be valid and usable.

Customer 14:54：How will this feedback get reviewed today?

Jenna 14:56：I will submit this information as feedback. There is no estimated time of completion on when this request will be reviewed as we are experiencing higher than normal contact volumes.

Customer 14:56：I'm more or less curious to see if this would truly make a difference for future people who get introduced to this game via steam

Jenna 14:56：At this time, is there anything else I can assist you with today?

Customer 14:57：Is it prioritized like a ticket submission?

Jenna 14:58：Yes that is correct, cases are reviewed by order received.

Customer 14:59：Oh so its by date time received and not by severity of problem.

Jenna 15:01：Please note, issues can vary case by case. But for any specific information, I do not have access to this additional information.

Customer 15:04：I have the slight feeling I'm going to have to bring this up more than once. I appreciate your time and knowledge for today. Looking forward to keep on playing once my resolve comes around to start over.

Jenna 15:05：Not a problem, is there anything else I can help you with today?

Customer 15:06：No ma'am, you're very knowledgeable on this subject manner is there any survey or recommendation I can submit for you.

Jenna 15:07：Thanks again for contacting the SQUARE ENIX Support Center! If you encounter any other questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us again and we will be happy to assist.

We are always looking for ways to improve our customer experience, and our customer service survey is a great way to make your voice heard. If you would like to leave feedback regarding your experience with us, please feel free to complete a brief survey we will send to you. Take care!

System 15:07：Jenna has ended the chat session.


Once again I should add she was very professional by the book and efficient as a support staff member would be, so much to her credit for staying patient with me.

[AurelleFauxtemps]

This has been a topic of curiosity of mine for quite some time. I was gifted the game a few years ago on Steam and have since progressed significantly (nearly all lv 80, seasonal equips, mogstation items, house, etc).
If there was a way that I could migrate my Steam character data to a PC edition (even if that means I would need to buy it) it would be incredible.
I'd like to believe that there is a method to this as PS4 users can migrate to PC, why can't Steam users do the same?

[Dynratygus]

Good afternoon and thank you for posting in the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums

The Steam and Windows versions of Final Fantasy XIV are incompatible with each other as they are treated as two separate PC platforms. If the Steam version is already registered to the SQUARE ENIX ID, the Windows code cannot be added as the system will not accept the registration code.

As this issue is not a technical concern, this thread will be moved to "General Discussion"

Thank you for visiting the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums

[tdb]

AFAIK it's possible to have both PC and PS4 licenses on the same service account and switch between the platforms at will, all the while using the same character data. I wonder why this can't be done between the Steam and standalone PC versions.

[HollowBastien]

Good afternoon and thank you for posting in the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums

The Steam and Windows versions of Final Fantasy XIV are incompatible with each other as they are treated as two separate PC platforms. If the Steam version is already registered to the SQUARE ENIX ID, the Windows code cannot be added as the system will not accept the registration code.

As this issue is not a technical concern, this thread will be moved to "General Discussion"

Thank you for visiting the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums

Interesting and I understand they are separate platforms (just like PS4 and PC) but where exactly does the difference stem I understand its a different sales platform but what holds it back from being like PS4 to PC? It seems It's a licensing issue and there are legalities behind it, I am very curious if it's that or a legitimate software limitation. Thank you for your response by the way it's always nice to know that we get heard in a community so large.