FF9 Remake Buzz Intensifies on 25th Anniversary Site

Final Fantasy 9 is marking its 25th anniversary with a bang, and fans are buzzing with excitement over the new developments. Square Enix has launched a dedicated website to celebrate this milestone, teasing a variety of projects that include merchandise and collaborations. From character figures and plushies to vinyl records, CDs, and storybooks, the website is a treasure trove for FF9 enthusiasts. And that's just the beginning—Square Enix promises more announcements as the anniversary approaches.

Originally released on July 7, 2000, for the PlayStation, Final Fantasy 9 has sold over 8.9 million copies worldwide. Its journey continued with a re-release in the Final Fantasy 25th Anniversary Ultimate Box in Japan in December 2012. The game saw further life with a remastered version in February 2016 for iOS and Android, followed by a PC port later that year. It made its way to the PlayStation 4 in September 2017 and then to the Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Windows 10 in February 2019.

25th Anniversary Website Launched

The excitement doesn't stop at merchandise. 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, it's no surprise that fans are hopeful for a similar treatment for FF9. Although the website doesn't confirm a remake, FF9's popularity—ranked 4th in a 2019 NHK poll of the best FF games—makes it a strong candidate.

Possible Final Fantasy 9 Remake and Seemingly Forgotten Anime

Another project that has been on the back burner is the FF9 anime series, "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. However, updates have been scarce since its announcement. The project was initially set to be produced by Paris-based Cyber Group Studios, which had secured distribution and merchandise rights. Unfortunately, Cyber Group Studios declared bankruptcy in October 2024 and entered judicial recovery. Despite this setback, potential buyers like United Smile and Newen Studios have shown interest in continuing the production of the FF9 animated series.

As Final Fantasy 9 celebrates its 25th anniversary, fans are eagerly awaiting more news on these exciting projects. Whether it's a remake or the continuation of the anime, the future looks bright for this beloved game.