Final Fantasy IX remake reportedly cancelled as Square Enix halts development

A reported update on the long-rumoured Final Fantasy IX remake suggests that development has been halted, with the project effectively cancelled for the time being by Square Enix.

According to industry insider Nate the Hate, Square Enix has put the remake on hold, bringing progress on the title to a stop.

The project was first mentioned in 2024 and had been described as a more modest undertaking compared to the ongoing Final Fantasy VII remake series.

However, the scale of remaking a PlayStation-era title remains significant in terms of cost and development resources.

The original Final Fantasy IX was released in 2000 for the PlayStation and has not received a full remake or remaster since its debut.

While it later returned as a PS1 Classic on the PlayStation Store in 2011 and received an enhanced port in 2016, a complete remake has not materialised.

The title is regarded as one of the stronger entries in the series, having achieved a score of 93 on GameRankings and selling approximately nine million copies.

The reported cancellation does not necessarily rule out the project’s future revival. As the remake is not tied to a new intellectual property or a direct sequel, it could be revisited by Square Enix at a later stage. However, there is currently no indication that development will resume in the near term.

No official statement has been issued by Square Enix regarding the report.