Final Fantasy IX Remake Rumors Intensify for Anniversary

Square Enix has launched a special 25th anniversary website for Final Fantasy IX, outlining several upcoming projects. Learn more about the celebrations and potential future developments for this classic title.

Final Fantasy IX Marks Its 25th Anniversary

Anniversary Website Goes Live

A new dedicated website has been unveiled by Square Enix to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy IX. According to the site, the company is "preparing various projects, including goods and collaborations, to commemorate this milestone."

The anniversary merchandise lineup features an array of FF9 collectibles, from character figures and plush toys to vinyl records, CDs, and storybooks. Beyond these items, further announcements are expected in the coming months as the anniversary approaches.

Originally released on July 7, 2000, for the PlayStation, Final Fantasy IX has sold over 8.9 million copies globally. The game was later included in Square Enix's Final Fantasy 25th Anniversary Ultimate Box, released in Japan in December 2012. A remastered version came to iOS and Android devices in February 2016, followed by a PC version later that year. PlayStation 4 owners received the game in September 2017, with Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Windows 10 versions launching in February 2019.

Speculation Surrounds a Potential FF9 Remake and the Unseen Anime

The launch of the anniversary site has reignited conversations about a long-rumored FF9 remake. Given the acclaim for the Final Fantasy VII Remake and Rebirth, many believe a similar treatment for FF9 is a strong possibility. In a 2019 NHK poll, Final Fantasy IX was ranked the fourth best game in the series. While the anniversary site does not confirm a remake, the title's enduring appeal places it high on the list of candidates.

Another project that remains shrouded in mystery is the Final Fantasy IX anime series, first announced in 2021. Titled "Final Fantasy IX: The Black Mages' Legacy," the show was set a decade after the original game and planned to follow the adventures of Vivi's six children. However, there have been no updates since the initial reveal.

Cyber Group Studios, a Paris-based company that partnered with Square Enix, had secured distribution and merchandising rights for the anime and intended to produce it internally. Unfortunately, the studio filed for bankruptcy in October 2024, entering a judicial recovery process. Since then, multiple parties, including United Smile and Newen Studios, have shown interest in acquiring the company's assets and continuing production of the FF9 animated series.