For years, fans have been clammering for confirmation of a rumored Final Fantasy IX remake. The rumors started thanks to a now infamous Nvidea Leak. Final Fantasy IX remake is one of the only games from the list that still has not been confirmed by the publisher, although over the years, gaming leakers have claimed they know it is in development, including Giant Bomb’s Jeff Grubb.
With nothing concrete from the publisher, Square Enix, Final Fantasy fans had begun to give up hope on the long-awaited remake, even after Final Fantasy IX mistakenly showed up in the Epic Games store in 2024. However, on March 31st, Square Enix did something that sparked the rumors once more and has fans of the series drooling over what it could mean.
Square Enix Unveils Final Fantasy IX Website
Final Fantasy IX is coming up on its 25th anniversary, and the milestone has fans and players hyped. Square Enix is never one to miss an opportunity for fanfare, so their leaning into social media posts and new merchandise would not come as much of a surprise. Even the new picture book that was announced is not a novel concept, given there have been two such books released previously.
However, the thing that has fans reigniting rumors is the newly released Final Fantasy IX website and news portal. The website is only in Japanese at this time. On the website, besides the picture book release, Square Enix has also revealed that it will be selling collectibles this summer in the form of character plush dolls. Merchadise is a common theme for Square Enix, and these reveals are no exception.
What Is On The Website That Has Fans So Excited?
Aside from just the existence of the website, which is an indicator in and of itself that more announcements are on the horizon, several other elements have fans’ eyes wide open. It appears Square Enix is leaning into a tease of the fanbase, something that has happened since Naoki Yoshida of FF XIV theorised that an IX remake could span multiple games.
For one, the figures that are being designed have altered the appearance of the characters. Give a potential remake that would have updated character designs a la Final Fantasy VII Remake; new designs feed into the rumor mill. According to Square Enix, “To commemorate the 25th anniversary, they have been recreated in a three-dimensional form with a reinterpretation of the texture of their costumes.” Three-dimensional designs on the surface appear to be in line with a remake.
Second, the website features a new logo for the game. Now, it is not uncommon for anniversaries of games to reveal new imagery for marketing purposes. However, an entirely new logo would have a secondary purpose if, indeed, a remake was on the horizon to be released.
Finally, the wording on the website is also something many fans picked up on. Specifically, the website references the idea of multiple “projects” to be revealed in time. Now, it does go on to specify merchandise and collaborations. However, the chosen use of the word project does not seem to be a mistake. It is certainly possible that fans are reading too much into word choice, but typically, gaming companies are deliberate about the language they use in marketing. Perhaps that intent is simply to get people talking, but it is not a mistake.
Expectations Moving Forward
None of this is concrete. It is speculation based purely on the release of a single website. However, the indicators are there, and Square Enix is intentionally teasing Final Fantasy fans with the changes. If we were to get an announcement, it is possible it could come at the Summer Games Fest, or possibly on a Playstation showcase, given Final Fantasy’s long history and relationship with Sony. Either way, fans will certainly have their eyes peeled for any more information regarding this highly anticipated remake.
