Final Fantasy XIV's director, Naoki Yoshida (Yoshi-P), has addressed speculation linking the recent FFXIV collaboration event with a potential Final Fantasy IX remake. The collaboration, featuring numerous references to FF9 within the Dawntrail expansion, fueled fan theories suggesting it foreshadowed an imminent remake announcement.
Yoshida, however, clarified that the FF9 elements in FFXIV were purely a celebratory homage, unrelated to any ongoing remake project. He explained that FFXIV's design philosophy is to act as a "theme park" for the entire Final Fantasy franchise, and incorporating FF9 was a natural fit within this framework. The timing of the collaboration, he stressed, was entirely independent of any potential remake plans.
While acknowledging the marketing logic behind the speculation, Yoshida emphasized that the decision to include FF9 references in Dawntrail predated any consideration of a potential remake. He further highlighted the sheer scale of FF9, stating that a remake would be a significant undertaking. This, he suggested, was a key reason for choosing to incorporate elements of FF9 into FFXIV as a tribute in the interim.
Despite dispelling the immediate remake hopes, Yoshida expressed his personal fondness for FF9 and the enthusiasm within his development team for the title. He concluded by wishing any future team tasked with a potential FF9 remake the very best of luck.
In short, while the FFXIV collaboration provided a delightful nod to FF9, it does not indicate an impending remake. Fans hoping for a revamped FF9 experience will need to continue waiting, though Yoshida's comments leave the door open for future possibilities.
