Able to really feel previous? At this time marks the twenty fifth(!) anniversary of Closing Fantasy 9, and Sq. Enix goes all out by… uh, launching a fan artwork mission.
If that falls a bit wanting your remake-shaped expectations, you are not alone. There was numerous pleasure concerning the much-discussed Closing Fantasy 9 remake after Sq. Enix launched an official Closing Fantasy 9 twenty fifth Anniversary web site earlier this 12 months, and whereas the writer has no less than acknowledged Closing Fantasy 9’s special occasion with an “anniversary particular film” and a request to gather particular reminiscences from followers, that is just about it.
“Celebrating 25 years of Closing Fantasy 9 right now,” mentioned a tweet posted to the sport’s official X/Twitter account yesterday, July 6. “When a theatre troupe set out for a royal kidnapping, Zidane and Princess Garnet are thrown into an emotional journey that is by no means left the hearts of those that’ve performed it. What does FFIX imply to you?”
Then, in a follow-up message posted right now (July 7), Sq. Enix invited gamers aged 13 and up in chosen nations to submit their FF9 fan artwork between now and the tip of October. If chosen, it’ll then be used on the Closing Fantasy portal website, in addition to official social community accounts.
Assist us have a good time the twenty fifth anniversary of Closing Fantasy IX: https://t.co/D9bh3mIWB1
From now till the tip of October, we’re accepting fan submissions commemorating the sport, and we would like to see your creations!
Submit them through the hyperlink above and submit with #FFIX25FanArt! pic.twitter.com/jsQWlhT0K5
— FINAL FANTASY (@FinalFantasy) July 7, 2025
The X/Twitter account of ardour mission Closing Fantasy 9: Memoria Mission additional stoked hypothesis earlier right now by quote-tweeting Sq.’s submit, including: “When are we going to inform them, Sq. Enix?”
When are we going to inform them, @SquareEnix? https://t.co/yLt8EQuWOD
— Closing Fantasy IX: Memoria Mission (@MemoriaProject) July 7, 2025
It is a far cry from what some followers had hoped for, not least as a result of final 12 months, Closing Fantasy 14 producer Naoki ‘Yoshi-P’ Yoshida talked a bit about what a Closing Fantasy 9 remake would possibly seem like, warning it might not all slot in one recreation and so go within the route of Closing Fantasy 7 Remake. Earlier in 2024, Yoshi-P additionally introduced Closing Fantasy 9-themed extras for the Collector’s Version and Digital Collector’s Version of Closing Fantasy 14 enlargement Dawntrail.
Maybe unsurprisingly, then, the sport’s social media and Reddit communities have been stuffed with shocked gamers commenting on the dearth of reports. “This CANNOT be it bro,” mentioned one. “The remake. Announce the remake,” whereas one other mentioned: “A minimum of verify or deny the remake rumors plz.”
“The twenty fifth anniversary is an enormous milestone and asserting it might be the most effective proper now. My hopes are gone,” added one other upset fan. Apparently, although, some followers have taken this lack of announcement as an indication there should still be information to come back.
“October is the month, boys,” mentioned this excited participant, whereas one other added: “Cutoff date is the tip of October as a result of y’all will reveal the FF9 Remake in November, proper?”
In a Reddit thread entitled, “You have reached a checkpoint. How are you doing given the up to now disappointment of no announcement?”, one fan replied: “At this level I’ve performed myself greater than I’ve performed the precise recreation. Simply name me Zorn & Thorn ‘trigger I am a licensed resident of Clown City.”
Even Domino’s Pizza cannot consider we’ve not had an announcement but…
Did @dominos simply develop into the good pizza firm? pic.twitter.com/VmK8KLTtj1
— Wickid 🇺🇸 (@PirateHunterWik) July 6, 2025
Closing Fantasy 9 remake rumors have swirled round Sq. Enix ever for the reason that unannounced recreation emerged as a part of a 2021 Nvidia leak of upcoming titles. The listing, confirmed legit by Nvidia however doubtlessly outdated, consists of a variety of Sq. Enix video games the corporate has both introduced or launched since, such because the Chrono Cross remaster, Kingdom Hearts 4, the Closing Fantasy Techniques remake, and naturally the Closing Fantasy 7 remake for PC. Nevertheless, Closing Fantasy 9 remake has but to materialize. Just some months earlier than the Nvidia leak, in June 2021, a Closing Fantasy 9 animated collection was reported to be in improvement, though we haven’t heard something about it within the years since, both.
Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, in addition to a critic, columnist, and guide with 15+ years expertise working with a few of the world’s greatest gaming websites and publications. She’s additionally a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually Excessive Chaos. Discover her at BlueSky.