Final Fantasy 14 Director Yoshi-P Threatens Legal Action Against 'Stalking' Mod

In early 2025, a Final Fantasy XIV mod ignited concerns about player stalking after reports surfaced detailing its ability to harvest hidden player data. This data included character details, retainer information, linked alternate characters, and more.

The mod, "Playerscope," enabled users to track nearby players' data, transmitting it to a central database controlled by the mod's creator. This included access to information typically unavailable through in-game tools, such as "Content ID" and "Account ID," allowing cross-character tracking via the Dawntrail expansion's Content ID system. This system was originally designed to allow players to blacklist others across multiple characters and accounts.

Opting out required joining the mod's private Discord server. Essentially, any player outside this server was potentially having their data scraped, raising significant privacy concerns. Community backlash was swift, with many labeling the mod's purpose as "stalking."

Following its discovery on GitHub and subsequent surge in popularity, Playerscope was removed due to Terms of Service violations. While attempts to locate it on alternative platforms like Gittea and Gitflic proved unsuccessful, the possibility of its continued circulation within private communities remains.

Naoki 'Yoshi-P' Yoshida, producer and director of Final Fantasy XIV, addressed the issue on the game's official forum, acknowledging Playerscope and similar third-party tools capable of accessing hidden account information. Yoshida's statement outlined potential responses, including removal requests and legal action, while reassuring players that sensitive account data like addresses and payment information remained inaccessible through these tools. He reiterated the prohibition of third-party tools as per the game's User Agreement and urged players against sharing information facilitating their use.

While tools like Advanced Combat Tracker are commonly used by the raiding community and integrated with sites like FFlogs, Yoshida's legal threat represents a significant escalation.

Community Reaction:

The community's response to Yoshida's statement was largely critical. Many players questioned the lack of focus on addressing the underlying vulnerabilities allowing such mods to function, suggesting alternative solutions that would prevent data exposure on the client-side. The Playerscope author has yet to comment.