Earlier today, VanaFest 2010, an official event in Tokyo held for the fans and players of Final Fantasy XI took place. During the build up to the gathering, Square-Enix promised exclusive Final Fantasy XIV news. Of course, expectations soared.

The event contained a mini-concert, more content detailed for Final Fantasy XI and a two-segment chat with the development team. However, the most exciting part of the evening was when Square-Enix fulfilled their promise and all attendees were treated to a chance to play an alpha version of Final Fantasy XIV.

Details on the alpha test are scarce, but people who received a code at the event will reportedly be sent an email sometime tomorrow with further instructions enclosed.

Square-Enix also stated that a beta registration site will be launched on March 11th. It is unclear whether the beta phase, when it is launched, will be open to people outside of Japan, or if it will effect the Western sign-up site Square-Enix launched at the tail end of last year.

If that wasn't enough for the Final Fantasy XI loyalists in attendance, Square-Enix also revealed a brand new trailer for Final Fantasy XIV. Reports say that the trailer featured the games opening movie, which was only completed one week prior, as well as gameplay footage.

This news may be a little vague and disappointing for Westerners, with no definitive information about Final Fantasy XIV's alpha or beta phase outside of Japan. However, this event at least shows the game is nearing a public release, as well as demonstrating there will be continued support for Final Fantasy XI.

Final Fantasy XIV is expected to be released later this year worldwide for the PC and PlayStation 3 platforms.