Final Fantasy 9 is gearing up for a grand celebration of its 25th anniversary this year, and fans are buzzing with excitement over the upcoming projects. Square Enix has launched a dedicated anniversary website that promises a range of exciting initiatives, including new merchandise and collaborations. From character figures and plushies to vinyl records, CDs, and story books, there's something for every fan to enjoy. The website teases that more announcements are on the horizon as we approach the anniversary date, keeping the community eagerly anticipating what's next.
Originally released on July 7, 2000, for the PlayStation, Final Fantasy 9 has enjoyed widespread acclaim, selling over 8.9 million copies worldwide. The game has seen numerous re-releases, including its inclusion in the Final Fantasy 25th Anniversary Ultimate Box in Japan in 2012, a remastered version for iOS and Android in 2016, and subsequent ports to PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Windows 10.
25th Anniversary Website Launched
The launch of the 25th anniversary website has sparked widespread speculation about a potential Final Fantasy 9 remake. Following the success of the Final Fantasy VII Remake and Rebirth, many fans are hopeful that FF9 could be next in line for a modern reimagining. Although the anniversary website does not confirm any such project, FF9's enduring popularity—it was voted the 4th best FF game in a 2019 NHK poll—suggests it could be a strong candidate for a remake.
Possible Final Fantasy 9 Remake and Seemingly Forgotten Anime
In addition to the potential remake, fans are also curious about the status of the previously announced Final Fantasy 9 anime, "Final Fantasy IX: The Black Mages' Legacy." Announced in 2021, the series was set to explore the lives of Vivi's six children a decade after the original game's events. However, updates have been scarce since the initial announcement. The project was set to be handled by Paris-based Cyber Group Studios, which secured the rights for distribution and merchandise. Unfortunately, Cyber Group Studios declared bankruptcy by the end of October 2024 and entered the judicial recovery process. Despite this setback, potential buyers such as United Smile and Newen Studios have shown interest in acquiring the studio's IPs and continuing the production of the FF9 anime.
As Final Fantasy 9's 25th anniversary approaches, fans can look forward to a year filled with nostalgia, new merchandise, and perhaps even more exciting announcements. Whether it's a long-awaited remake or the continuation of the anime project, the future looks bright for this beloved game.
