Final Fantasy 9 is marking its 25th anniversary this year with a flurry of exciting developments. Dive into the details of what Square Enix has planned for this beloved title and what the future might hold.
25th Anniversary Website Launched
Square Enix has unveiled a dedicated website to celebrate Final Fantasy 9's 25th anniversary. The site teases a range of upcoming projects, including merchandise and collaborations. Fans can look forward to an array of FF9-themed items such as character figures, plushies, vinyl records, CDs, storybooks, and more. The website promises further announcements in the coming months leading up to the anniversary celebration.
Originally launched on July 7, 2000, for the PlayStation, Final Fantasy 9 sold over 8.9 million copies worldwide. It was later included in the Final Fantasy 25th Anniversary Ultimate Box Japanese package in December 2012. A remastered version hit iOS and Android devices in February 2016, followed by a PC port later that year. The game also made its way to the PlayStation 4 in September 2017 and to the Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Windows 10 in February 2019.
Possible Final Fantasy 9 Remake and Seemingly Forgotten Anime
The launch of the anniversary website has sparked rumors and speculation about a potential Final Fantasy 9 remake. Given the success of the Final Fantasy VII Remake and Rebirth, many fans are hopeful that FF9 will receive similar treatment. Although the website does not confirm a remake, FF9's enduring popularity—highlighted by its 4th place ranking in a 2019 NHK poll of the best Final Fantasy games—makes it a strong candidate.
Another project that has been quiet for some time is the FF9 anime series, "Final Fantasy IX: The Black Mages' Legacy," announced in 2021. Set a decade after the original game, the series was to follow the adventures of Vivi's six children. Despite initial excitement, there have been no updates since the announcement. The project was set to be produced by Paris-based Cyber Group Studios, which had secured distribution and merchandise rights. However, the studio declared bankruptcy in October 2024 and entered judicial recovery. Potential buyers, including United Smile and Newen Studios, have shown interest in continuing the production of the FF9 animated series.
![Love and Ashes – New Version v24Oct2023 [EngelKuchKuch]](https://img.hpncn.com/uploads/62/1719586547667ecef3ca549.png)
