FF9 Remake Rumors Run Rampant As 25th Anniversary Website Lists Several Projects

The gaming world is abuzz with excitement as Final Fantasy 9 marks its 25th anniversary this year. Square Enix has kicked off the celebrations by unveiling a dedicated 25th anniversary website, which hints at a plethora of upcoming projects and collaborations. This special site not only showcases a wide range of FF9 merchandise including character figures, plushies, vinyl, CDs, and story books but also teases fans with promises of further announcements as the anniversary approaches.

Originally launched on July 7, 2000, for the PlayStation, Final Fantasy 9 has sold over 8.9 million copies worldwide, cementing its place as a beloved classic. Over the years, it has seen multiple re-releases, including as part of the Final Fantasy 25th Anniversary Ultimate Box in Japan in December 2012, and a remastered version that hit iOS, Android, and PC in 2016, followed by releases on PlayStation 4 in 2017, and on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Windows 10 in 2019.

25th Anniversary Website Launched

The launch of the anniversary website has set the stage for speculation, particularly around the much-discussed possibility of a Final Fantasy 9 remake. With the resounding success of the Final Fantasy VII Remake and Rebirth, fans are eagerly anticipating whether FF9 will get the same treatment. Despite no explicit mention on the website, the game's enduring popularity—it was voted the 4th best FF game in a 2019 NHK poll—makes it a strong candidate for a remake.

Possible Final Fantasy 9 Remake and Seemingly Forgotten Anime

Another project that has slipped under the radar is the previously announced FF9 anime series titled "Final Fantasy IX: The Black Mages' Legacy." Announced in 2021, this series was set to explore a story a decade after the original game, focusing on the six children of the iconic black mage Vivi. However, updates have been scarce, and the situation became more complex when Paris-based Cyber Group Studios, which had secured the rights for distribution and merchandise, declared bankruptcy by the end of October 2024 and entered judicial recovery. Despite this, there's a glimmer of hope as potential buyers like United Smile and Newen Studios have expressed interest in picking up the project and continuing its production.

As Final Fantasy 9 celebrates this significant milestone, fans can look forward to a year filled with nostalgia, new merchandise, and perhaps even the realization of long-awaited projects. Keep an eye on the anniversary website for the latest updates and announcements.