Final Fantasy IX Remake Still in Development at Square Enix Despite Challenges

Square Enix, the legendary Japanese game developer, is once again in the spotlight as rumors and reports circulate regarding its next major project: a remake of the beloved PlayStation classic, Final Fantasy IX.

Originally released in 2000 for the original PlayStation, Final Fantasy IX has long held a special place in the hearts of JRPG fans thanks to its rich storytelling, memorable characters, and traditional turn-based gameplay.

While Square Enix enjoys a strong track record with high-profile remakes, including the critically acclaimed Final Fantasy VII Remake series, its approach to tackling Final Fantasy IX for modern platforms such as the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S continues to spark widespread discussion across the gaming industry. The excitement surrounding a possible Final Fantasy IX Remake intensified after an update from industry insider Nate Drake on the ResetEra forums.

Addressing fans' concerns about the project's status, Nate Drake shared that, to his knowledge, the game remains in development as of his last inquiry.

However, he also underscored that he had heard reports approximately a month prior suggesting the remake was facing significant internal challenges and may have even been at risk of cancellation.

He made it clear that this information came from a single source and that he planned to seek further verification before making any definitive claims. "As of my most recent check, my understanding is that development is ongoing," Nate Drake stated.

"There were some rumors about trouble and possible cancellation, but I only had one source for that information and would need to confirm it before saying anything conclusive." Despite the scrutiny and speculation, Square Enix has not issued any official confirmation that a Final Fantasy IX Remake is currently in development.

Historically, the company has maintained tight control over its announcements, often selecting high-profile events such as Nintendo Directs or their own dedicated showcases to reveal major projects.

With Final Fantasy IX's enduring popularity—spanning multi-platform re-releases on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation Network, and PC via the eShop—fans are eager to see how Square Enix might reimagine the game using modern hardware capabilities. In recent years, the company has proven its commitment to revitalizing its legacy titles, as demonstrated by the ongoing success of both new entries and remakes within the Final Fantasy franchise.

The original Final Fantasy IX has shipped millions of units worldwide and has consistently ranked among the highest-rated games in the series. For now, the development status of the Final Fantasy IX Remake remains officially unconfirmed, with only select insiders providing periodic updates.

Nevertheless, anticipation continues to build among fans and industry figures alike, all hoping that Square Enix can bring a new dimension to a timeless RPG classic.

Final Fantasy Square Enix Final Fantasy IX Enix Square PlayStation ResetEra Nintendo Switch Final Fantasy series Nate Drake