FF14 Collab Does Not A FF9 Remake Make, Says Director

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. Let's delve into his comments.

Yoshi-P Debunks FF9 Remake Speculation

Yoshida clarified that the FFXIV collaboration, featuring nods to Final Fantasy IX, was entirely independent of any remake plans. He explained the collaboration's purpose:

"The original concept for Final Fantasy XIV is that it acts as a theme park for the Final Fantasy franchise," Yoshida stated in a JPGames interview. "We included Final Fantasy IX elements because of this overarching vision."

He explicitly denied any connection between the collaboration's timing and a hypothetical remake project. "We never considered Final Fantasy IX in relation to a remake – not in a commercial sense," he said, acknowledging the understandable fan speculation.

Despite dismissing the remake connection, Yoshida expressed his team's love for FFIX: "Many of our developers are huge Final Fantasy IX fans," he admitted. He also highlighted the game's extensive content, stating that a remake would be a massive undertaking. He explained that incorporating FFIX elements into FFXIV was a way to pay homage to the game while avoiding the lengthy wait a full remake would entail.

While the interview dashed hopes for an immediate announcement, Yoshida concluded with a supportive message: "If any team were to tackle a Final Fantasy IX remake," he said with a laugh, "I wish them the best of luck."

In short, the rumors of a Final Fantasy IX remake remain just that: rumors. For now, fans will have to enjoy the FFIX references in FFXIV: Dawntrail, or patiently await future developments.