MMOSite is reporting on a rumor that Final Fantasy XI may be shutting down this year. The rumor originates from a "Japanese game media" that has published the supposed public admittance from a Square Enix employee that Final Fantasy XI would be shutting down this year due to the release of Final Fantasy XIV.  According to the MMOsite report, Square Enix Yoichi Wada has since denied the report.

Image Credit: MMOsite

GameCrep (via VG247) appears to have a bit more information, stating that a top human resources employee at Square Enix posted the following on their personal blog (which has since been taken down):

"I think some amongst you will know, but FF11 started in 2002 … Well, this year it’ll end and the stage will shift to FF14.”

Given Final Fantasy XIV's similarities to the original game, Square Enix's desire to allow players to transition easier (such as the ability to carry over one's name), as well as the fact the blog post has since been taken down, there is certainly some plausibility to this rumor. However, since we cannot confirm anything either way at the moment, this story remains a rumor.

We'll be contacting Square Enix for comment, so stay tuned!

What do you think the chances are that Final Fantasy XI will be shut down this year to make room for Final Fantasy XIV? Let us know in the comments below!

[Thanks bubu_3k for the tip!]