Square Enix Celebrates Final Fantasy IX’s 25th Anniversary, Says Nothing on Remake

Final Fantasy IX Fans’ Anticipation Unabated Amid 25th Anniversary Celebrations and Silence on Remake Rumors

Final Fantasy IX marked its 25th anniversary this week. Square Enix commemorated the occasion with a short, one-minute video compiling iconic sequences from the original game, set to a new version of the “Melodies of Life” theme. This video joins other recent commemorative efforts, including a dedicated website and new illustrations. Despite these celebrations, Square Enix has remained silent on the highly anticipated, unconfirmed remake of the game, whose existence has been a subject of speculation since 2021. Fans expressed disappointment and frustration online that Square Enix did not confirm the Final Fantasy IX remake in the anniversary video. The anticipation was so widespread that even Domino’s Pizza publicly hoped for an announcement. Square Enix has launched a fan art project for the 25th anniversary, allowing fans aged 13 and up in select countries to submit their creations until the end of October. Further fueling rumors, the X (formerly Twitter) account of the fan project, “Final Fantasy IX: Memoria Project,” retweeted Square Enix’s post with the provocative question, “When are we going to tell them, Square Enix?” Social media and Reddit communities have been actively discussing the lack of news regarding a potential remake.

Expectations for a Final Fantasy IX remake stem largely from a 2021 NVIDIA GeForce NOW leak. This leak has a strong track record, accurately preceding announcements for titles such as Chrono Cross Remastered, Final Fantasy VII Remake, and Final Fantasy Tactics Remaster. Square Enix has not yet officially announced the Final Fantasy IX remake, making it the only project from that comprehensive list. However, recent reports have introduced uncertainty. Last month, a reliable source, NateTheHate, shared an update on the ResetEra forums suggesting the Final Fantasy IX remake might be on pause, though Square Enix has not officially confirmed this. Conversely, other rumors indicate the Epic Games Store database may list Final Fantasy IX Remake with pre-order bonuses, including a “Tetra Master Starter Pack,” “Thieves Knives,” and a “Cuisine Set.”

Final Fantasy IX Remake Hints in Anniversary Art and Upcoming Releases Fuel Speculation

Further speculation arose from the art for Square Enix’s Final Fantasy IX 25th-anniversary calendar, illustrated by Yuya Ishihata, known for his work on Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, Ground Zeroes, and The Phantom Pain. A Moogle depicted next to the July 7th date prompted theories that major remake news might emerge on July 7, 2025. Another reliable leaker claims the Final Fantasy IX remake is complete, with Square Enix making graphic adjustments this year, suggesting its style could resemble the Memoria Project, a fan-made demo developed with Unreal Engine 5. New fan-driven theories continue to emerge. The upcoming vinyl release, Timeless Tales, scheduled for July 9, has led some fans to believe it could be the eventual title of the remake. Additionally, Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail, the new expansion for Square Enix’s MMORPG, includes several references to Final Fantasy IX. While producer Naoki Yoshida has denied involvement in the game’s remake, these connections have fueled speculation about a potential return to the world of Gaia.

Celebrating Final Fantasy IX’s 25th Anniversary: A Look at Vivi and Potential Remake Spirits Amidst Square Enix’s Evolution

Originally released in 2000, near the end of the PlayStation’s lifecycle, Final Fantasy IX marked a return to the series’ more classic, medieval style. Its beloved character, Vivi, originated from a picture book conceptualized by game event designer Kazuhiko Aoki and character designer Toshiyuki Itahana. Should a remake maintain this spirit, it could signify a reunion with the franchise’s foundational elements, particularly as Square Enix explores new directions, exemplified by Final Fantasy XVI’s action-oriented approach. For now, players can experience the adventure in its remastered version, available on PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices. The remake, however, remains an unconfirmed promise.