AFinal Fantasy 14fan recently discovered a reference to the critically-acclaimed MMORPG in an international politics textbook. This subtle reference provesFinal Fantasy 14’scultural impact is far-reaching enough to be found in classroom material.Final Fantasy 14fan and Twitter user Javier was the player who discovered the reference while doing work for his international politics class. The reference itself was found in Chapter 6 ofEssentials of International Relations 9th Edition–a highly-rated political science textbook published in 2021 and used in classrooms globally.RELATED:Final Fantasy 14 to Host Little Ladies' Day SoonSeveral sections of this textbook have quiz questions to check student understanding. One such question pertaining to war and security asks the reader to identify the principle of just war being upheld by an example conflict. However, the two fictitious countries identified in the question are Ishgard and Gridania–twomajor nations fromFinal Fantasy 14.
It is no coincidence these two nations appeared in this book together. Ishgard andGridania are geographical neighbors in the world ofFinal Fantasy 14. While the two nations have rarely warred with one another, they were historical rivals for a long time. That these two nations appeared together in this textbook proves at least one of the writers or editors not only playsFinal Fantasy 14but has a working knowledge of the game’s lore.
Javier’s fellowFinal Fantasy 14fans were floored at the reference in his textbook. Some fans debated whether the authors could get in trouble for copyright infringement, while others discussed the context of the question as it would appear inFinal Fantasy 14. A few politically-minded players even offered their guesses as to the right answer for the quiz question. Javier will be keeping a keen eye out for other references in the textbook as he continues his studies.
Luckily, Isghard and Gridania are unlikely to go to war inFinal Fantasy 14any time soon. After the events ofHeavensward, Ishgard joined forces with Gridaina along with the rest of the major factions of Eorzea.Final Fantasy 14players can even buy houses in the new Empyreum districtof Isghard, which was rebuilt through the efforts of the community.
Final Fantasy 14is currently selling tickets for its first in-person Fan Festin several years. Players can expectFinal Fantasy 14to announce its next expansion at the first event in July. If the critically-acclaimed MMORPG continues to grow in popularity, players might start finding even more references toFinal Fantasy 14in places where they least expect it.
Final Fantasy 14is available now for PC, PS4, and PS5.
