Since gaming has become one of the main hobbies nowadays, it's just a matter of time till people start celebrating their holidays online while playing MMORPGs. A Santa Claus in World of Warcraft? No, you've got it wrong, I'm talking about Valentine's Day in Square Enix's Final Fantasy XI. It's Valentione for those that played FF XI recently and saw the in-game announcements. There's even a story that explains how this holiday appeared in Vana'diel. It seems that a peasant named Valentione disobeyed the law and sent a special gift to one of the nobles.

The party began yesterday and it will last two weeks and it will take place in the following areas: Southern San d'Oria (J-9), Northern San d'Oria, (D-8) Bastok Mines (I-9), Bastok Markets (G-8), Windurst Waters (F-5), Windurst Woods (K-10). The little creatures called moogles will dance and sing all over the place and you should listen to what they have to say. Hunts for special rings have begun and now the wars have a reason: giving your virtual in-game girlfriend the ring and popping the question.

Too bad the beautiful fields of San d'Oria will be ripe, since everyone will be on flower-picking spree to please the loved one. MMORPG have become more and more realistic, taking up plenty of space in our lives. Remember that there's still a true Valentine's Day out there and you shouldn't spend it playing Final Fantasy XI. On the bright side, if you're alone and sad on that special day, you can find your consolation by playing Square Enix's title and joining the moogle's party.