Fans of Final Fantasy IX might want to brace themselves. The long-speculated remake of the beloved PlayStation classic is once again shrouded in uncertainty, with fresh whispers suggesting its development could be in trouble—or, worse yet, shelved entirely. While nothing has been officially confirmed, the timing of these rumours is especially frustrating for fans, as they coincided with what should have been a celebratory moment: the game’s 25th anniversary.
Key Takeaways:
- Rumours suggest the Final Fantasy IX Remake may be facing development issues or possible cancellation.
- Speculation surged around the original game’s 25th anniversary on July 7, 2025.
- The remake was first hinted at in the 2021 Nvidia GeForce Now leak, which has proven accurate for other titles.
- Square Enix has not formally confirmed the remake.
- Fans have expressed disappointment over the silence, particularly given the recent anniversary.
As July 7, 2025, passed—marking 25 years since Final Fantasy IX debuted in Japan—many fans were hoping, maybe even expecting, a formal reveal of the rumoured remake. Instead, they were met with radio silence. And that silence has only amplified the anxiety within the community.
Fueling this wave of concern is a recent post by noted insider NateDrake on ResetEra. According to them, while the project was still in development as far as they knew, they had heard roughly a month ago that it might be “in trouble and possibly cancelled.” NateDrake made it clear that this information required further verification, but that caveat hasn’t stopped fans from speculating. Conversations across Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and gaming forums have intensified, blending frustration with cautious optimism.
The idea of a Final Fantasy IX Remake first started gaining serious traction in 2021 when it appeared on a comprehensive list of unannounced games unearthed in the Nvidia GeForce Now database leak. That list, which included several high-profile projects—among them Final Fantasy Tactics Remake (now confirmed) and Kingdom Hearts 4—has since been validated by multiple accurate reveals. The remake’s name also surfaced in a separate Epic Games Store database leak last year, further bolstering fans’ belief that something was in the works.
For context, Final Fantasy IX originally launched on July 7, 2000, in Japan and quickly cemented itself as a fan favourite. It marked a return to the franchise’s more traditional, medieval fantasy roots after the tech-heavy aesthetics of Final Fantasy VII and VIII. With characters like Zidane Tribal, Princess Garnet, Vivi Ornitier, and Adelbert Steiner, the story explored profound themes of identity, mortality, and purpose, leaving a lasting impression on those who played it.
Square Enix hasn’t completely ignored the anniversary. They’ve rolled out celebratory content including new artwork by original character designer Toshiyuki Itahana, a commemorative video, and themed merchandise. But for fans eagerly awaiting news of a full remake, these gestures feel more like a bittersweet reminder than cause for celebration. Some are holding out hope that Square Enix is waiting for a larger platform, such as a PlayStation State of Play or Gamescom, to drop the big news. Others worry that the company’s recent pivot toward focusing on fewer, high-priority titles—a move prompted by recent restructuring—may have deprioritized the Final Fantasy IX Remake altogether.
Public sentiment on communities like Reddit’s r/FinalFantasy and r/GamingLeaksAndRumours reflects this tension. There’s a consistent theme: many fans want a remake that’s faithful to the original, something more akin to Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion rather than the ambitious reimagining we’ve seen with the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy. The fear, quite plainly, is that too many changes might strip away what made the original game so special in the first place.
At the moment, everything remains speculative. Until Square Enix breaks its silence, fans are left in limbo—hoping that the dream of revisiting Gaia with modern visuals and gameplay enhancements isn’t dead just yet.
FAQ
Q1: Has Square Enix officially confirmed the Final Fantasy IX Remake?
A1: No, Square Enix has not officially confirmed the development or existence of a Final Fantasy IX Remake. All current information stems from leaks and industry speculation.
Q2: Where did the rumours about the Final Fantasy IX Remake originate?
A2: The first major rumour came from the 2021 Nvidia GeForce Now leak, which listed numerous unannounced titles. Recent talk of development issues surfaced from insider posts on forums like ResetEra.
Q3: Why are fans concerned about the remake’s development?
A3: Despite the 25th anniversary milestone, there has been no official announcement. Insider reports hinting at trouble or cancellation have only deepened fan concerns.
Q4: What is the significance of the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy IX?
A4: July 7, 2025, marks 25 years since the game was released in Japan. Many believed this would be the perfect time for Square Enix to reveal the remake.
Q5: What kind of remake do fans hope for?
A5: A large segment of the fanbase is hoping for a faithful remake that stays true to the original’s story and gameplay, with graphical updates and modern quality-of-life improvements—something in the vein of Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion rather than a full reimagining.
