Final Fantasy XIV's director, Naoki Yoshida (Yoshi-P), recently addressed speculation linking the recent FFXIV collaboration event with a potential Final Fantasy IX remake. The collaboration featured numerous references to the beloved 1999 RPG, sparking fan theories about an imminent remake announcement.
Yoshida definitively dispelled these rumors, clarifying the collaboration's independent nature. He explained that FFXIV's design incorporates elements from across the Final Fantasy franchise, and FFIX's inclusion stemmed from this "theme park" concept, not any connection to a potential remake. The timing, he stressed, was entirely coincidental.
While denying any direct link, Yoshida acknowledged the significant affection for FFIX within the FFXIV development team. He highlighted the sheer scale of FFIX, suggesting that a remake would be a massive undertaking. This explains the team's decision to pay homage through the collaboration rather than waiting indefinitely for a hypothetical remake project.
The interview, while disappointing for those eagerly anticipating a remake announcement, concluded on a positive note. Yoshida expressed his support for any team undertaking such a project, offering a subtle hint of future possibility.
In short, the FFXIV collaboration is a standalone tribute to FFIX, not a precursor to a remake. Fans hoping for a FFIX remake will need to continue waiting, though Yoshida's comments leave the door slightly ajar for future developments.
