No: Dawntrail’s Final Fantasy IX references are not confirmation that a remake is coming. In an interview about the expansion’s creative process, Naoki Yoshida explained how the references took shape as the story developed. Separately, in a 2024 broadcast, he said he was not working on a rumored remake and did not know whether one existed.
Why does Dawntrail include so many FFIX references?
Yoshida, Final Fantasy XIV’s producer and director, said he was initially “rather torn” about drawing so heavily on Final Fantasy IX. As GamesRadar reported from a Game Watch interview translated by Automaton Media, he regarded FFIX as a masterpiece with a strong emotional hold on players and wanted to avoid pulling Dawntrail’s story too far in that direction. GamesRadar’s report on Yoshida’s explanation
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FINAL FANTASY IX - Nintendo Switch | $38.98 | Buy on Amazon |
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Final Fantasy IX Picture Book: Vivi and Grandpa's Memories for the Sky | $16.77 | Buy on Amazon |
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Final Fantasy IX | $21.00 | Buy on Amazon |
His account was not that the references began as a hidden remake clue. Rather, their purpose became clearer as Dawntrail’s narrative and structure developed. He gave Alexandria Castle as an example: it was not initially so important to the main story, but gained meaning as the team chose to incorporate more FFIX elements.
Reported nods include Alexandria Castle, character parallels, an apparent reference to FFIX’s sword-fighting minigame, and wind-up minions modeled on Princess Dagger (Garnet) and Zidane. These are connections within Dawntrail; their presence does not establish that Square Enix is developing a separate FFIX remake.
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What did Yoshida say about an FFIX remake?
That was a different comment, made during a 2024 Letter from the Producer Live. GamesRadar reported that Yoshida denied working on the rumored remake and said he did not know whether one existed. The distinction matters: saying he is not involved and lacks knowledge of a project is not the same as confirming that no project exists. GamesRadar’s report on the 2024 broadcast
In the same context, Yoshida spoke hypothetically about how he would handle combat if he were remaking FFIX: “If we were remaking FF9 people would complain we’d turn it into an action game! But I’d make it turn-based.” That remark describes his hypothetical preference, not an announcement that a remake is underway.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why did the remake rumors grow?
At PAX East 2024, Yoshida reportedly called the reason for Dawntrail’s FFIX references “a secret.” That tease gave fans something to speculate about, but it did not confirm a remake. GamesRadar’s report on the PAX East tease
The later explanation supplies a creative rationale for the references: they became more deliberate as the expansion’s story came together. It does not resolve whether another team or studio is making a remake. The cited comments establish only what Yoshida said about his own involvement, knowledge, and Dawntrail’s design.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Final Fantasy IX
- Dark times have spread over the world of Gaia.
- Four separate governing nations, some blinded by their short-sighted greed.
- Some persevering in the name of justice, are battling on and off in a deadly game for power.
- One kingdom, that of Lindblum, headed by the honorable and trustworthy Regent Cid, finally decides to take a stand against the unspeakable massacres by the troops of Alexandria.
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