How a data centre united Australia's gaming community

Key points

• Australian players of online role-playing game Final Fantasy XIV say a local server, launched by developer Square Enix in January 2022, has transformed their gaming experience. Before the server arrived, players faced delays and difficulty finding English-speaking teammates.
• Community organisers now run events, including an annual meet-up at PAX Australia in Melbourne. Developers Michael-Christopher Koji Fox and Toshio Murouchi attended this year's gathering.
• Players say the local server has given them a stronger sense of ownership over the game.