Square Enix has refreshed the official 25th anniversary website for Final Fantasy 9, introducing stunning new character artwork and detailed profiles for four iconic protagonists. While this could simply commemorate the beloved JRPG's milestone anniversary, the gaming community is abuzz with speculation that these updates foreshadow an imminent remake announcement.

The remake rumors gained substantial credibility after Nvidia's massive GeForce Now leak in late 2021, which included Final Fantasy 9 among numerous unannounced titles. Though some skeptics argue Square Enix remains focused on completing the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy, the developer's continued celebrations - from special merchandise to surprising collaborations - suggest something bigger may be brewing for FF9's silver anniversary.

As first reported by Push Square, the updated anniversary website now features a dedicated Character section showcasing Toshiyuki Itahana's gorgeous new renditions of Zidane, Vivi, Garnet, and Steiner. Each illustration comes with an official biography, a move that typically precedes major game announcements in Square Enix's playbook.

The timing seems particularly significant as Square Enix plans to continue anniversary celebrations through July 7th - the original PlayStation release date. Many fans anticipate this could be the perfect moment to unveil the long-rumored remake.

Naoki Yoshida, producer of Final Fantasy 14 and 16, previously commented on the remake rumors in 2024. While stating he had no involvement in such a project, Yoshida acknowledged that recreating FF9 would be a monumental undertaking, potentially surpassing even the ambitious Final Fantasy 7 Remake project in scope.

For fans eager for more FF9 content, the upcoming Final Fantasy Magic: The Gathering card set will feature characters from across the series. Additionally, the anniversary website offers new merchandise including plush toys, jewelry, and collectible figures.

Originally released in 2000 for PlayStation, Final Fantasy 9 remains a fan favorite for its charming characters, heartfelt story, and return to classic fantasy elements. The game has since been re-released on modern platforms including PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

With its ESRB T for Teen rating (for violence and mild language) and enduring critical acclaim (81% critic recommendation on OpenCritic), FF9 continues to captivate new generations of players. Whether these website updates truly herald a remake or simply celebrate a quarter-century of adventure, the passion for this classic JRPG remains stronger than ever.