Square Enix has reignited excitement among fans of the Final Fantasy series by updating the official 25th anniversary website for Final Fantasy 9. The update introduces new character artwork and official profiles for four of the game’s beloved main characters. While this could simply be part of the ongoing celebrations for the classic RPG’s milestone, many fans are convinced that the changes point toward the long-rumored remake finally becoming a reality.
Rumors surrounding a potential Final Fantasy 9 remake have swirled for years, especially after a significant Nvidia GeForce Now database leak in 2021, which included the title among a list of unannounced projects. While skeptics have questioned whether a remake is feasible given Square Enix’s current focus on finishing the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy, the timing of these updates – combined with Final Fantasy 9’s ongoing 25th anniversary celebrations – is fueling fresh hope in the community.
The latest update, spotted by Push Square, sees a new ‘Character’ section on the anniversary website, now featuring updated art for Zidane, Vivi, Garnet, and Steiner by the original character designer, Toshiyuki Itahana. Each character is also given a detailed biography, prompting many to speculate that this kind of refresh is typically done in the run-up to a big reveal or announcement. With anniversary festivities scheduled through July 7 – the date the original PlayStation game launched – fans are bracing for what could be major news.
Speculation was further stoked by comments from Final Fantasy 14 and 16 lead producer Naoki Yoshida, who stated in 2024 that he was not involved in any FF9 remake and suggested that, if such a project existed, it would be an enormous undertaking – possibly even more ambitious than the FF7 Remake series.
In addition to the website updates, Square Enix has rolled out a wave of new merchandise for the anniversary, ranging from plush toys and jewelry to apparel and figures. The Final Fantasy 9 cast is also set to appear in the upcoming Magic: The Gathering crossover collection, keeping the game’s legacy alive among fans old and new.
For now, the Final Fantasy community is watching Square Enix closely, hoping that the long-awaited return to Gaia will finally be confirmed during the anniversary’s peak. As anticipation builds, the latest site refresh has only added fuel to the speculation that a Final Fantasy 9 remake could soon be more than just a dream.
