Final Fantasy XIV's director, Naoki Yoshida, recently addressed speculation linking the recent FFXIV collaboration event with a potential Final Fantasy IX remake. The collaboration, featuring references to the beloved 1999 RPG, fueled fan theories about a forthcoming remake announcement. However, Yoshida clarified that the FFXIV event was entirely separate from any potential FFIX remake plans.
Yoshida explained that the FFXIV game serves as a "theme park" for the broader Final Fantasy franchise, and incorporating FFIX elements was a natural fit within this concept. The timing of the collaboration, he stressed, was unrelated to any ongoing remake project. He explicitly stated that the decision to include FFIX references in FFXIV was not driven by marketing considerations for a potential remake.
While dismissing direct links between the collaboration and a remake, Yoshida expressed his personal fondness for FFIX and acknowledged the significant development effort a remake would require. He highlighted the game's substantial size, suggesting that even the FFXIV team's homage was a significant undertaking. He wished any future team tackling an FFIX remake the best of luck.
Ultimately, Yoshida's comments confirm that the FFXIV collaboration was a standalone tribute to FFIX, separate from any official remake plans. While the news may disappoint some fans eager for a remake announcement, it offers a degree of clarity regarding the recent speculation. Those hoping for a FFIX remake will need to remain patient.
