Final Fantasy XIV's director, Naoki Yoshida (Yoshi-P), recently addressed speculation linking the recent FFXIV collaboration event with a potential Final Fantasy IX remake. The collaboration, featuring numerous references to FFIX within the Dawntrail expansion, fueled fan theories about an imminent remake announcement.
Yoshida definitively dispelled these rumors, clarifying the collaboration's independent nature. He explained that FFXIV's design philosophy is to act as a "theme park" for the Final Fantasy franchise, and incorporating FFIX elements aligned with this vision. The timing, he stressed, was unrelated to any ongoing FFIX remake project. He stated that the decision to include FFIX references was purely a creative choice, not a calculated marketing strategy.
While dismissing the remake connection, Yoshida acknowledged the FFXIV team's deep affection for FFIX and recognized the game's immense scale. He highlighted the significant undertaking a remake would represent, explaining that the collaboration served as a way to pay homage to FFIX while avoiding a lengthy wait for a potential future remake.
Although the interview dashed immediate remake hopes, Yoshida concluded with a supportive message for any team potentially undertaking an FFIX remake, wishing them success. For now, fans eagerly anticipating a remake will have to content themselves with the FFXIV Dawntrail references or patiently await future announcements. The rumors remain just that—rumors.
