Rumors suggest that Square Enix has stopped development of the Final Fantasy IX remake and that its animated series would also be in danger

For years, the redo the Final Fantasy IX It was one of the most pursued dreams by followers of the saga. From that famous leak NVIDIA GeForce Now in 2021the project felt real. Many of the titles listed in that leak, such as Chrono Cross: Radical Dreamers edition, Kingdom Hearts 4 or the expected Final Fantasy Tactics Remaster– ended up being confirmed over time. But say Final Fantasy IX… Nothing. And now everything indicates that it may never arrive.

A broken dream?

According to the well-known insider NateTheHategame development it would have stopped completely. Although there is no official confirmation from Square Enixthe leaker recently stated on his X account that he has “no new information to share” and that he “assumes the game is on pause.” In his words: “The unknown is whether or not Square Enix will return.”

The reason could be linked to the controversial plan “Square Enix Reboots and Awaken”an internal restructuring that aims to stop losses and optimize resources. According to this strategy, several projects in development would have been canceled or “frozen” and remade Final Fantasy IX I would be one of his victims.

The weight of remakes and Rebirth sales

While Remake of Final Fantasy VII and its sequel Rebirth they were applauded by criticssales of the second title did not meet expectations. This may have dampened the company’s enthusiasm for undertaking big-budget remakes. However, Square Enix is ​​moving forward with other re-releases, including one based on a controversial title from 2000which suggests that the reasons for the possible cancellation of the Ff9 They are more complex.

If we consider this the situation gets worse 2025 marks the 25th anniversary from the original game, released in 2000 for the first PlayStation. Many fans expected Square Enix to take the opportunity to announce the remake with great fanfare. However, the only celebration so far has been the launch of merchandising and new commemorative artwithout a trace of any important announcement.

An animated series lost in limbo

The remake wasn’t the only project underway. In 2022 it became known that the French production company Cyber ​​Group Studies was working on an animated series called Final Fantasy IX: Legacy of the Black Mages. But I study it filed for bankruptcy in November 2024leaving production up in the air. Even if they are said to be there buyers interested in saving the projectthere has been no public progress. Everything indicates it the series was also canceled or, at best, frozen.

Despite everything, the fervor of the followers has not diminished. Final Fantasy IX is considered by many to be the last great classic of the golden age of the franchise, a hymn to medieval fantasy with a story full of melancholy, friendship and destiny. The chance to relive the adventures of Zidane, Garnet and Vivi with modern graphics is something fans have been dreaming about for more than a decade.

Some continue to hope that the game could make a surprise appearance at The Game Awards or in some future event, but NateTheHate’s recent comments are not at all encouraging. “For now it seems to be on ice,” said the insider, a phrase that spread like wildfire on social networks.

Why Final Fantasy IX is it that special?

Published when the saga was already flirting with science fiction, Final Fantasy IX It was a return to the origins: castles, dragons, wizards and a warmer, more nostalgic tone. Its message about life and mortality, its unforgettable soundtrack Nobuo Uematsu and its cast of endearing characters have made it one of the most beloved titles in Square’s catalog.

Precisely for this reason many believe that if Square Enix fails to do it justice, it’s better not to do it at all. Some analysts believe the company may reevaluate its strategy after the lackluster results Rebirthgiving priority to new titles over expensive remakes.

An uncertain future, but not impossible

It wouldn’t be the first time a project Final fantasy rises from the ashes. Final Fantasy XVFor example, he was paralyzed for years like Against XIII before being reborn. Therefore, even if the prospects do not look good, not all is lost.

Square Enix could resume development at another time or even reinvent the project with a new approach. For now, though, fans will have to settle for revisiting the original classic or its 2019 remaster while they wait for more encouraging news.

In summary: the redo the Final Fantasy IX It seems he has entered a long crystal dream… and no one knows if he will ever wake up again.