FF14 Collab Not Remake Indication, Says Yoshida

Final Fantasy XIV's director, Naoki Yoshida (Yoshi-P), has addressed speculation linking the recent Final Fantasy IX collaboration event in FFXIV's Dawntrail expansion to a potential FF9 remake. Contrary to widespread fan theories, Yoshida clarified that the collaboration was entirely independent of any remake plans.

Yoshida explained the FFXIV team's approach to collaborations, stating that the game serves as a "theme park" for the broader Final Fantasy franchise. The inclusion of FFIX elements was driven by a desire to celebrate the beloved 1999 title and its impact on the team. The timing of the collaboration, he emphasized, was not influenced by any internal discussion or consideration of an FF9 remake project. He explicitly stated they hadn't considered it from a commercial perspective.

While acknowledging the marketing logic behind fan speculation, Yoshida highlighted the sheer scale of FFIX, emphasizing the significant undertaking a remake would represent. He expressed admiration for the game and the team's fondness for it, noting the numerous FFIX fans within the FFXIV development team. This sentiment underscores the genuine homage intended through the Dawntrail collaboration.

Although hopes for an imminent remake announcement were dashed, Yoshida concluded with a positive note, wishing any future team undertaking an FF9 remake the best of luck. For now, FFXIV fans will have to content themselves with the numerous FFIX references in Dawntrail, while the prospect of a remake remains firmly in the realm of speculation.