FF14 Collab Not a FF9 Remake, Director Clarifies

Final Fantasy 14's producer and director, Naoki Yoshida, recently addressed the swirling rumors about a potential Final Fantasy 9 remake. Dive into the details of his statements and what they mean for fans eagerly awaiting news on this beloved game.

FF14’s Yoshi-P Shuts Down FF9 Remake Rumors

No Connection Between FF14 Collaboration and FF9 Remake, Said Yoshida

Naoki Yoshida, the beloved producer and director of Final Fantasy 14, has put an end to speculation linking the recent FF14 collaboration event to a potential Final Fantasy 9 remake. This clarification comes after the event in Dawntrail, which included numerous nods to the cherished 1999 RPG.

Online theories suggested that the FF14 event might be a prelude to an announcement about a FF9 remake. However, Yoshida firmly debunked these rumors, stressing that the collaboration was a standalone homage to Final Fantasy 9.

"The original concept that we had for Final Fantasy XIV is that it serves as a theme park for the Final Fantasy franchise," Yoshida explained in an interview with JPGames. "We wanted to incorporate Final Fantasy IX because of that."

He further clarified that the timing of the collaboration had no connection to any potential remake project. "We had never thought about doing Final Fantasy IX in relation to any sort of Final Fantasy IX Remake—we had never thought about it in that commercial sense," he stated, acknowledging the understandable marketing speculation.

Despite dismissing any direct link to a remake, Yoshida's passion for FF9 was evident. "But of course in our development team as well, we have a lot of staff who are huge fans of Final Fantasy IX," he admitted.

He also highlighted the extensive content of the original game, saying, "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?’" This sentiment struck a chord with fans, who appreciated the homage to FF9 within FF14 through its many references.

Although the interview might have disappointed those hoping for an immediate remake announcement, Yoshida offered a note of optimism. "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."

The rumors of an upcoming Final Fantasy 9 remake remain just that—rumors without substance. Fans longing for a remake may find solace in the numerous references within Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail, but for now, patience is key.