It’s remarkable to think that Final Fantasy 9, often regarded as one of the finest installments in the franchise, first graced the gaming world in 2000. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, fans and enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement over potential announcements from Square Enix. With the phenomenal success of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy, many are speculating that Square Enix may finally unveil a long-awaited remake of Final Fantasy 9 during these anniversary celebrations.
There is a growing sentiment among the fanbase that, rather than continuing with the FF7 Remake, Square Enix should focus on highlighting FF9 for 2025. Given its immense popularity and the scarcity of new content related to FF9—save for a few crossovers—a remake seems like the logical next step. Encouragingly, it appears that the fervent desires of fans may be turning into a reality, as there have been consistent hints and supporting evidence suggesting that a remake is indeed in progress.
FF9 25th Anniversary Merchandise Celebration
Exclusive Merchandise Available on the Official Website
In honor of FF9’s 25th anniversary, Square Enix has released an exciting line of merchandise. Fans can explore and purchase an array of themed items—including books, plush toys, jewelry, and highly detailed figures—on the official 25th anniversary website. Among the standout pieces are exquisite figures of Garnet and Zidane, alongside an adorably crafted plush of Vivi, making it a fantastic opportunity for fans to acquire long-awaited collectibles.
While these products, such as the $30 plush of Adelbert, are certainly appealing, the overarching desire remains for a full-fledged remake. The community has expressed this yearning for years, with sporadic rumors reigniting hope. Although the official site and executives at Square Enix have yet to confirm any plans for a remake, the potential announcement around such a significant anniversary is tantalizingly plausible.
A Strategically Timed Announcement for the FF9 Remake
A Milestone Worthy of Big News
The whispers of a potential Final Fantasy 9 remake began gaining traction following a Nvidia GeForce Now leak in 2021. This leak showcased several games in development, later confirmed by Nvidia. Subsequently, an EpicDB leak in 2024 seemingly reaffirmed the discussions of an FF9 remake. Despite this, Square Enix has remained tight-lipped.
Director Naoki Yoshida of Final Fantasy XIV has also weighed in on the buzz. When probed about the inclusion of FF9-themed items in the Dawntrail expansion collector’s editions, he stated it was a secret, further stirring speculation. In a conversation with IGN, he acknowledged the fans’ demands for an FF9 remake, hinting at the complexities involved in transforming such a substantial game into a single title.
“Of course, I do know there are requests for Final Fantasy IX to be made, but when you think about Final Fantasy IX, it’s a game with huge volume. When you think about all of that volume, I wonder if it’s possible to remake that as a single title. It’s a difficult one. It is a tough question.”
With numerous hints pointing towards a remake, including FF9-themed merchandise, Yoshida’s comments, and the recent leaks, many enthusiasts believe that the 25th anniversary would indeed be the perfect occasion for Square Enix to make an official announcement. It is conceivable that development has been underway since the initial leaks surfaced in 2021, with the company waiting for an opportune moment to share this exciting news with the world.
Will the FF9 Remake Be Announced in July?
Potential Announcement on July 7
Final Fantasy 9 was originally launched on July 7, 2000, in Japan, marking this date as its upcoming 25th birthday. Many fans are optimistic that July 7, 2025, will see Square Enix unveil the anticipated FF9 remake. However, it’s essential to approach this speculation cautiously, especially since the developers have provided no direct indications of an impending game announcement. Their official statements have primarily focused on the development of numerous products and collaborations to honor this milestone.
Notably, July 7 will not coincide with any prominent gaming events like the Summer Game Fest, where major announcements are typically expected. For reference, the Final Fantasy 7 Remake was first revealed at E3 in 2015. While it’s possible Square Enix could organize a significant showcase on July 7 to introduce various new titles, this outcome remains uncertain. Should a FF9 remake be in the works, it is conceivable that it could be revealed as early as June during one of the major gaming expos.
Sources: finalfantasy.com, OnkelJupp/Reddit, IGN