FF14 Collab Does Not A FF9 Remake Make, Says Director

Final Fantasy XIV's director and producer, Naoki Yoshida (Yoshi-P), recently addressed speculation regarding a potential Final Fantasy IX remake, fueled by the recent FFXIV collaboration event featuring FFIX elements.

Yoshida clarifies the FFXIV collaboration's independence from any FFIX remake plans. He explains that the FFXIV's design philosophy is to act as a "theme park" for the Final Fantasy franchise, and incorporating FF IX was a natural fit within this concept. The timing, he emphasizes, was unrelated to any ongoing remake project. "We had never thought about doing Final Fantasy IX in relation to any sort of Final Fantasy IX Remake," he stated.

While acknowledging the team's love for FFIX and the extensive content within the original game, Yoshida highlights the sheer scale of a potential remake. He explains the decision to incorporate FFIX elements into FFXIV's Dawntrail expansion as a way to pay homage to the game while awaiting a potential, separate remake project.

Although the interview dispels immediate remake hopes, Yoshida concludes with a supportive message for any team undertaking an FFIX remake: "I would wish them the best of luck."

In short, the FFXIV collaboration is a standalone tribute, and the possibility of an FFIX remake remains purely speculative. Fans eagerly awaiting a remake will have to content themselves with the FFXIV references for now.