In an emotional outpouring, fans of the beloved MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) have been paying tribute to Eikichi Iwai, the bassist for the game's official band, The Primals. Iwai passed away suddenly on November 11, 2026, leaving a void in the gaming community and beyond. His bandmates from Chirinuruwowa, as well as the FFXIV development team, announced his death with heartfelt statements expressing their shock and grief.
The Primals, formed to create some of the music for Square Enix's blockbuster MMORPG, have become a beloved fixture in the Final Fantasy fanbase over the years. Their iconic tunes resonated deeply with players worldwide, and Iwai was instrumental in delivering unforgettable performances at various FFXIV events.
In response to his passing, players across servers held virtual funerals in some of the game's fantastical locales. European server Omega formed a circle around Limsa Lominsa’s Aetheryte Plaza, lighting campfires in remembrance of Iwai. Players on Sephirot, Materia DC server, spent over seven hours at Ultima Thule, sitting calmly amidst flowers as a symbolic tribute.
The gaming community has shared fond memories and expressed condolences on social media platforms. Many have praised Iwai's contributions to the game and his impact on their lives. Game composer Alex Moukala wrote, "FFXIV fans lost an absolute icon... Rest in peace, Eikichi-san."
Iwai was 57 years old at the time of his death. He joined The Primals in 2014 and performed with the band until his passing. The group held a concert at the Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival in Tokyo, Japan on November 1, with further performances planned for Chirinuruwowa – concerts that have now been canceled due to this tragic news.
[EllyRedacted, Twitter/X Virginia (she/her) is IGN’s News Editor. With ten years of experience reporting on games and entertainment, she's got a storied background in the fighting game community, influencer news, and viral online trends. Find her on Twitter at @TheeMissGlaze.]