FFXIV Crossover Dismisses Hopes for a FFIX Revival

Final Fantasy XIV's director and producer, Naoki Yoshida (Yoshi-P), recently addressed speculation about a potential Final Fantasy IX remake fueled by the recent FFXIV collaboration event, Dawntrail. Let's delve into his comments.

Yoshi-P Debunks FF9 Remake Speculation

Yoshida clarified that the FFXIV Dawntrail's references to Final Fantasy IX were purely a tribute, unrelated to any ongoing remake project. He explained the collaboration's intent:

"The core concept of Final Fantasy XIV is to act as a theme park for the entire Final Fantasy franchise," Yoshida stated in a JPGames interview. "Including Final Fantasy IX was a natural fit within that framework."

He explicitly denied any connection between the collaboration's timing and potential remake plans. "The FFXIV collaboration with FF9 wasn't conceived with any commercial considerations regarding a potential remake," he emphasized.

While dismissing the remake link, Yoshida expressed his team's deep admiration for FFIX: "Many on our development team are huge fans of Final Fantasy IX," he conceded. He acknowledged the game's extensive content, stating that undertaking a remake would be a massive undertaking. "FFIX is a huge game. Waiting for a hypothetical remake to incorporate its essence into our homage would have been an unacceptable delay," he explained.

Although the interview dispelled immediate remake hopes, Yoshida concluded with a supportive message: "If any team ever tackles a Final Fantasy IX remake, I wish them all the best!"

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