Final Fantasy IX 25th Anniversary: Square Enix Celebrates Milestone Amid Remake Rumors

Final Fantasy IX, originally released in 2000 as the final mainline entry in the beloved RPG series for the PlayStation, marks its 25th anniversary.

Square Enix, the renowned developer behind the Final Fantasy franchise, has launched special celebrations to honor this milestone, captivating long-time fans and introducing a new generation to the game's rich legacy. On the official Final Fantasy IX anniversary website—a hub opened by Square Enix earlier this year—fans were treated to a series of commemorative updates.

Instead of unveiling the heavily rumored Final Fantasy IX remake, the Japanese publisher announced a program featuring exclusive anniversary artwork and a community fan art project, set to run until October 31, 2025.

These events reinforce the enduring impact of Final Fantasy IX on the RPG genre and highlight Square Enix's continued engagement with its passionate player base. While hopeful players had speculated about a major reveal during this celebration, particularly in light of persistent online rumors, Square Enix has not announced any official plans regarding a remake of Final Fantasy IX.

The speculation gained traction after the game's title appeared in a 2021 Nvidia GeForce Now database leak, which has since proven accurate for several other projects, including the recently revealed Final Fantasy Tactics remaster.

However, the company has kept silent on the subject of a Final Fantasy IX remake, fueling both anticipation and concern among the gaming community. Addressing the speculation, gaming podcaster and industry analyst NateTheHate shared an update on the Resetera forums.

He stated, "As of my last check, the project was still in development, to my knowledge." However, he acknowledged that recent, unverified sources had raised concerns about possible trouble or even cancellation, clarifying the information came from a single, unconfirmed source and recommending caution until more is known. In the absence of an official announcement, dedicated fans continue to celebrate Final Fantasy IX’s legacy through the newly released anniversary content.

Social media channels have been abuzz with artwork and tributes—an indication of how deeply the game still resonates after a quarter of a century.

The outpouring of support, from social campaigns to even major brands expressing their wishes for a remake, underscores the game’s enduring popularity. Final Fantasy IX remains available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC via the eShop and other digital storefronts, ensuring that new audiences can continue to discover its charm.

As Square Enix honors this historic RPG milestone, the world waits for news about the long-awaited remake—but for now, fans can enjoy celebrating the legendary adventure that has captivated hearts for 25 years.

Final Fantasy Square Enix Milestone Final Fantasy IX Enix Square PlayStation Nintendo Switch Nvidia GeForce