FF14 Collab Does Not A FF9 Remake Make, Says Director

Final Fantasy XIV's director and producer, Naoki Yoshida (Yoshi-P), recently addressed speculation regarding a potential Final Fantasy IX remake, fueled by the recent FFXIV collaboration event featuring FFIX elements.

Yoshida clarifies the FFXIV collaboration's independence from any FFIX remake plans. He explains that the FFXIV's design incorporates various Final Fantasy titles as a thematic "theme park," and FF IX's inclusion was part of this overarching vision. The timing, he stresses, was not strategically linked to a potential remake announcement. He explicitly states that the decision to include FF IX in the collaboration wasn't driven by any commercial considerations related to a possible remake.

While acknowledging the significant fan base for FF IX within the development team, Yoshida highlights the sheer scale of FF IX, suggesting that a remake would be a substantial undertaking. He explains that the collaboration served as a way to immediately pay homage to FF IX without waiting for an uncertain remake project. This approach allowed fans to enjoy a taste of FF IX within the FFXIV experience.

Although the interview dispelled immediate remake hopes, Yoshida concluded with a supportive message, wishing any future team tasked with an FF IX remake the best of luck.

In short, the rumors of a Final Fantasy IX remake remain unsubstantiated. Fans eager for a remake will have to content themselves with the FFXIV: Dawntrail references or patiently await future announcements.