Final Fantasy XIV's director and producer, Naoki Yoshida ("Yoshi-P"), has addressed speculation linking the recent Final Fantasy IX collaboration event in FFXIV's Dawntrail expansion to a potential FF9 remake. He definitively stated there's no connection.
Yoshida clarifies the FF14 collaboration's purpose: "The original concept for Final Fantasy XIV is that it serves as a theme park for the Final Fantasy franchise," he explained in a JPGames interview. The inclusion of FFIX elements was driven by this overarching vision, not by any plans for a remake. He confirmed that the timing was purely coincidental, emphasizing that a commercial connection to a potential remake was never considered.
While dismissing the remake rumors, Yoshida expressed his team's deep affection for FFIX. He acknowledged the game's immense scope, stating that the sheer volume of content would make a remake a significant undertaking. He highlighted the team's desire to pay homage to FFIX sooner rather than later, explaining the decision to incorporate references in the FFXIV collaboration as a way to celebrate the game's legacy.
Though the interview dispelled immediate remake hopes, Yoshida concluded with a supportive message: "I think potentially if any team was to take on doing a remake for Final Fantasy IX," he chuckled, "I would wish them the best of luck."
In short, the FFXIV collaboration is a standalone tribute, and the prospect of a FF9 remake remains purely speculative. Fans eager for a remake will need to remain patient, finding solace in the numerous FFIX references within FFXIV: Dawntrail for now.
