FF14’s Yoshi-P Addresses FF9 Remake SpeculationYoshida Denies Link Between FF14 Collaboration and FF9 Remake

Naoki Yoshida, the acclaimed producer and director of Final Fantasy 14, recently addressed ongoing speculation regarding a potential Final Fantasy 9 remake. This follows the recent FF14 collaboration event, where he alluded to a deeper rationale for Dawntrail’s allusions to the popular 1999 Japanese RPG.

Online theories suggested the FF14 event foreshadowed a remake announcement. However, Yoshida has firmly dismissed this speculation, highlighting the collaboration's independent nature.

"The initial concept for Final Fantasy XIV was to function as a theme park for the Final Fantasy franchise," Yoshida said in a recent interview with JPGames. "We included Final Fantasy IX for that reason."

He further explained that the collaboration's timing wasn't influenced by any potential remake project. "We never considered Final Fantasy IX in relation to any Final Fantasy IX Remake—we never considered it from a commercial standpoint," he stated, acknowledging the understandable marketing connection implied by the speculation.

He then pointed out the sheer volume of content in the original game. He said, "as you know—Final Fantasy IX has [a] huge volume, it’s a big game. If we were to wait for any sort of Remake project, we would just be waiting and waiting and we would be thinking: ‘When would we be able to incorporate that essence of Final Fantasy IX and make our homage?’" The sentiment resonated with fans who were thrilled to experience a taste of FF9 within FF14 through its many subtle and on-the-nose references.

While the interview dashed hopes of an immediate revamp announcement, Yoshida’s closing remarks offered a glimmer of encouragement. "I think potentially if any team was to take on doing a remake for Final Fantasy IX," he said with a chuckle, "I would wish them the best of luck."

Rumors of an upcoming remake of Final Fantasy 9 are just that: rumors—words whispered with no weight. Fans awaiting a remake will likely have to settle with the many references in Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail or need to exercise patience in the meantime.