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. He definitively stated there's no connection.
Yoshida Quashes FF9 Remake Speculation
Yoshida explained the FFXIV collaboration's inclusion of FFIX elements stemmed from the game's overarching concept: FFXIV as a "theme park" celebrating the Final Fantasy franchise. The decision to feature FFIX was independent of any remake plans.
"The timing of the collaboration wasn't influenced by any potential remake," Yoshida clarified, acknowledging the understandable marketing-driven speculation. He emphasized that the FFXIV team's decision to incorporate FFIX was purely a tribute from fans within the development team.
Yoshida acknowledged the extensive scope of FFIX, stating that undertaking a remake would be a massive undertaking. He expressed his understanding of why fans connected the collaboration to a potential remake announcement, but reiterated the two were unrelated.
While the interview dispelled immediate remake hopes, Yoshida concluded with a supportive message for any team potentially tackling an FFIX remake in the future.
In short, the rumors remain just that: rumors. Fans anticipating a FFIX remake will need to continue waiting, finding solace in the FFXIV Dawntrail event's numerous FFIX references for now.