Square enix and jollibee: a chicken-fueled collaboration that’s seriously weird

A bizarre alliance has emerged from the gaming and fast-food worlds: Square Enix, the creators of Final Fantasy XIV, are partnering with Filipino giant Jollibee to deliver a series of in-game and real-world goodies centered around a bucket of chicken.

Aetheryte meets chickenjoy: it’s actually happening

During the latest Producer Letter, director Naoki Yoshida unveiled the collaboration, a surprisingly direct tie-in with the beloved Jollibee chain. Forget elaborate lore connections; this is about crispy chicken and a limited-edition blue raspberry drink – a nod to the game’s iconic aetheryte visuals.

The loot breakdown

Players can snag the centerpiece: the ‘Eat Chicken’ emote, allowing their characters to dramatically devour a bucket of chicken. But it’s not just the emote. Jollibee is offering six-piece chickenjoy meals, combo deals, and a brand-new blue raspberry drink with clear boba – a confection designed to mimic the game’s signature energy spheres. Plus, there’s a limited-time apparel line featuring Jollibee’s mascot, Chocobo, and the adorable Moogles indulging in various menu items. Each piece of clothing sports the cryptic Hydaelyn quote: "Hear.feel.think.Jollibee."

How to get your hands on the ‘eat chicken’ emote

Here’s the catch – and it’s quite specific. You’ll need to either purchase a qualifying meal at a participating Jollibee in the US or Canada, or buy one of the apparel items from Complex.com. Then, you submit your order information via the Jollibee redemption page. Validation is required, and an item code will be emailed, which you’ll then input into your Mog Station account. It's a surprisingly involved process for a bucket of chicken.

Fan fest flavor

The collaboration kicks off on April 21st and runs through May 31st. Adding to the madness, the Anaheim, CA location near the FFXIV Fan Fest will be transformed into a Jollibee popup event, complete with exclusive stickers. This is a genuine opportunity for fans to immerse themselves in the cross-over – a delightful, if slightly surreal, experience for those who grew up with both the game and the chain.

A word from hydaelyn

No chocobos were harmed in the making of this culinary adventure, thankfully. It’s a clever detail, highlighting the brand’s commitment to responsible fun. This is more than just a marketing stunt; it’s a demonstration of Square Enix’s willingness to engage with its audience in unexpected ways. Let’s be honest, the prospect of watching your character enthusiastically consume a bucket of chicken is undeniably captivating.

Final thoughts

This collaboration is a testament to the enduring appeal of Final Fantasy XIV and the global reach of Jollibee. It’s a delightful, and undeniably quirky, example of how gaming and popular culture can intersect. And for a longtime Filipino player who’s spent countless hours exploring Eorzea, it's a particularly nostalgic and exciting development.