Final Fantasy IX has unveiled its 25th anniversary website showcasing multiple upcoming initiatives. Discover what Square Enix has planned for this beloved classic's milestone celebration and potential future projects.
Final Fantasy IX Celebrates a Quarter Century in 2024
Dedicated Anniversary Website Goes Live
Square Enix has officially launched a commemorative portal honoring Final Fantasy IX's silver anniversary. The website indicates plans for "various anniversary projects including exclusive merchandise and special collaborations."
Fans can explore an extensive collection of anniversary goods featuring character figurines, plush collectibles, vinyl records, musical soundtracks, illustrated storybooks, and more. The developers have promised additional announcements leading up to the actual anniversary date.
Originally debuting on PlayStation on July 7, 2000, Final Fantasy IX has surpassed 8.9 million global sales. The classic RPG has seen multiple re-releases, including a 2012 Japanese collector's edition, mobile remasters in 2016, PlayStation 4 compatibility in 2017, and Nintendo Switch/Xbox ports in 2019.
Revival Speculations and Dormant Animation Project
The anniversary website's launch has reignited discussions about a potential remake. Following the commercial success of Final Fantasy VII's remake trilogy, industry observers consider FFIX a strong candidate for similar treatment. The title ranked fourth in NHK's 2019 poll of Japan's favorite Final Fantasy entries. While the anniversary materials make no explicit remake announcements, the game's enduring popularity keeps expectations high.
Separately, questions remain about the previously announced anime adaptation "Final Fantasy IX: The Black Mages' Legacy." Revealed in 2021, the animated continuation was set to explore the adventures of Vivi's descendants a decade after the original story. The project's current status remains unclear following production partner Cyber Group Studios' financial difficulties in late 2024. Multiple entertainment groups have reportedly expressed interest in reviving development should they acquire the studio's assets.