FF9 Remake Rumors Swirl Amid 25th Anniversary Project Announcements

As the iconic Final Fantasy 9 celebrates its 25th anniversary, fans are buzzing with excitement over the new developments announced on the dedicated anniversary website. Launched by Square Enix, this site not only marks the milestone but also teases a variety of projects and merchandise to come, igniting speculation and hope among the game's dedicated followers.

25th Anniversary Website Launched

Square Enix has unveiled a special website to celebrate Final Fantasy 9's 25th anniversary, which falls this year. The site hints at a range of exciting projects, stating that they are "preparing various projects such as goods and collaborations to commemorate the 25th anniversary." Enthusiasts can already browse a selection of FF9-themed merchandise, including character figures, plushies, vinyl records, CDs, storybooks, and much more. The excitement doesn't stop there; the website promises additional announcements in the lead-up to the anniversary, keeping fans eagerly awaiting what's next.

Final Fantasy 9, originally released on July 7, 2000, for the PlayStation, has sold over 8.9 million copies worldwide. Its enduring popularity led to its inclusion in the Final Fantasy 25th Anniversary Ultimate Box Japanese package in December 2012. A remastered version brought the game to iOS and Android in February 2016, followed by a PC port later that year. The game has since found its way to the PlayStation 4 in September 2017 and to the Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Windows 10 in February 2019, showcasing its lasting appeal across various platforms.

Possible Final Fantasy 9 Remake and Seemingly Forgotten Anime

The launch of the anniversary website has fueled speculation about a possible Final Fantasy 9 remake. Given the success of the Final Fantasy VII Remake and Rebirth, fans are hopeful that FF9 might be next in line for a modern retelling. While the anniversary site doesn't explicitly mention a remake, FF9's high ranking in a 2019 NHK poll, where it was voted the 4th best FF game, underscores its strong candidacy for such a project.

Additionally, whispers of a long-awaited anime adaptation, "Final Fantasy IX: The Black Mages' Legacy," have resurfaced. Announced in 2021, this series was set to explore a storyline a decade after the original game, focusing on the six children of the beloved character Vivi. However, updates have been scarce since its announcement. The project, initially in partnership with Paris-based Cyber Group Studios for distribution and merchandise, faced a setback when the studio declared bankruptcy by the end of October 2024 and entered judicial recovery. Despite this, potential buyers like United Smile and Newen Studios have shown interest in acquiring the IP and continuing the production, keeping the hope alive for fans eager to see this narrative come to life.