The height of summer brings with it a variety of traditions, including vibrant festivals that aim to unite people. Final Fantasy 14 players can now experience the spirit of community without leaving their homes or enduring the blazing heat by attending Mogstock, a virtual summer music celebration. Inspired by the iconic Woodstock festival (not the unfortunate Woodstock '99), Mogstock will be a three-day event from July 14 to July 16.
For Final Fantasy 14 players interested in participating, please note that Mogstock will take place in the Lavender Beds Ward 22 on the Mateus server, which is a part of the Crystal data center. The festival promises a complete immersive experience with over 40 talented musical performers, roleplay events, thrilling sparring matches, delightful restaurants, exciting giveaways, and more. Clayde Lockheart, the event leader, along with Demytrya Eno'traeh, Tromad Moonrose, and Mihna Cohrvenn, the co-event leads, discussed their enthusiasm for the upcoming festival in an interview with Game Rant.
Unlike many bards and roleplay venues in Final Fantasy 14 who seek payment in in-game currency (gil), Mogstock is driven by the community's love and passion. Those who contribute to the festival do so out of their dedication to the idea and their fellow players. Lockheart, the festival's organizer, explains that while he has hosted various events in the past, Mogstock has surpassed them all. It was initially deemed impossible due to logistical concerns, but he met an incredible group of people who shared his vision. Together, they believed in their ability to make it happen. Lockheart also emphasizes the significance of volunteers in making Mogstock the success it is today. Without their support, the event would not have grown to such scales, with numerous venues, staff, and sponsors generously donating their time and in-game currency out of pure love for the festival.
Mogstock showcased the remarkable collaborative efforts of the community, showcasing a multitude of talents that extend far beyond the headline acts of The Songbirds, Broken [W]ings, and The Wiggles. Its ambitions far surpass the involvement of 37 musical performers. Spanning across a significant portion of the subdivision, the event site serves as a gathering point for various factions of the Final Fantasy 14 roleplaying community. These factions include the politically driven Project Ishgard, the gastronomic enthusiasts of the annual festival A Feast Reborn, and the very place where it all began–Maggie's Tavern.
Eno’traeh recalled the pivotal moment at Maggie’s Tavern where she, Lockheart, Moonrose, and their partner-in-organization, Viyene Vaitisionne, held their first discussion about the concept that eventually blossomed into Mogstock. Amidst the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lockheart yearned for live concerts and aspired to create an event on an unprecedented scale. Through numerous meetings of their clandestine collective known as TinyClub, the blueprint for Mogstock gradually took shape. Eventually, their deliberations transitioned from mere conversation to determined action, transforming Lockheart’s initial vision into the magnificent reality that is Mogstock today.
Eno’traeh further elucidated on the extensive scope of the event and emphasized the necessity of a full three-day weekend to allow it to thrive.
"For me, although it entailed additional work, it also ensured that the festival would truly blossom and acquire the magnificent scale we had envisioned. We aimed for it to be more than just an 'event,' but rather a highly anticipated destination where attendees would depart with cherished memories and hopefully forge new friendships. Alongside the bards and music, the festival encompasses various sponsors who serve as roleplay settings that we have incorporated into the game's environment, providing delightful spaces. Attendees can immerse their characters in the experience by visiting Camp Cloudtop in between performances, engaging in roleplay interactions while enjoying ice cream with friends or savoring a beaver burger or pizza. They can dance at the Honky Tonk or engage with representatives from the Ishgardian sponsorship contingent. There are opportunities to win prizes by staying attentive to giveaways organized by our sponsors, or by participating in late-night games of Ballafel or sparring matches organized by fight clubs. Alternatively, they can unwind at the hillside spa."
Lockheart and Cohrvenn will be showcasing their octet Final Fantasia at the festival, while Eno’traeh will also be a part of the Fens performance. Additionally, DJ Luna K, also known as Moonrose, will be actively participating in the event. Moonrose is not only a talented DJ, but also holds a prominent position within the Final Fantasy 14 performing arts community as one of the leaders of the Curtain Call Theater Company. Through this role, they have gained valuable insights into the creative potential of the player community.
"I am an avid supporter of creativity and take great pleasure in nurturing and cultivating it. I believe that there is an abundance of talent within the community, often hidden in unexplored corners or right in front of us. It is crucial that we foster this growth with the understanding that we are all united in our efforts to create a world that brings joy to everyone. And even when that world comes to a close, I hope to reminisce fondly and embark on new adventures alongside my friends."
As for Mogstock itself, the organizers aim for more than just an event. Player-run events, particularly roleplaying events, occur daily in Final Fantasy 14, resulting in a jam-packed social calendar. However, Mogstock aspires to be more than just another weekend distraction for players in Eorzea. It strives to be a digital medium that encapsulates the essence of a true festival experience, akin to the nostalgic vibes of Woodstock ‘69. In other words, the goal of Mogstock is to become a sought-after destination.
Throughout its existence, Mogstock has constantly pushed the boundaries of its accomplishments. Paradoxically, being a destination has proven to be more of an ongoing journey for the organizers of Mogstock. They continually raise the bar, maintaining a goal post that always shifts to inspire them to strive for even greater success each year. While there are challenges associated with the grand scale of Mogstock, as Cohrvenn explained, they are deemed worthwhile in order to create the sought-after experience that players desire.
"It can sometimes feel like herding cats. With multiple individuals signing up for the event, it becomes necessary to collect specific information from each of them. However, everyone has different schedules and varying levels of availability to check their direct messages (DMs). Consequently, there is often a need to diligently track people down and gather essential details at the last moment. It's as if I'm an octopus, spreading myself thin to obtain all the necessary information from such a wide array of individuals... Mogstock truly embodies the essence of a destination rather than solely a show. It permeates every aspect of the neighborhood – from the bands to the venues. Attendees can walk around and still feel completely immersed in the festival. It's a truly captivating event."
However, this immersive experience can easily be disrupted by malicious individuals. Bards in the game are provided with a music system, but there are ways for it to be abused or exploited. There have been instances in the past where the festival has been disrupted by griefers. Despite taking place in the Crystal datacenter, which is known for its Final Fantasy 14 roleplaying community, there are still those who aim to spoil the event. Fortunately, Square Enix has taken action against those who have attempted to ruin the festival for others.
With the support of both the game's staff and its community, Mogstock '23 is set to be the ultimate summer destination for Final Fantasy 14 enthusiasts. More information about the event can be found on the Carrd for Mogstock.
Final Fantasy 14 is available now for PC, PS4, and PS5.
