Four years after its initial announcement, the Final Fantasy IX animated series has been resurrected. French animation studio Euro Visual has reportedly taken over production following the bankruptcy of the original developer, with a tentative 2028 release date now on the table.
According to French industry magazine Écran Total, the project is very much alive despite Cyber Group Studios’ closure earlier in 2024. The show will maintain the original concept developed by Cyber Group, focusing on an original story set in the beloved world of Gaia rather than retelling the 2000 PlayStation classic.
From Announcement to Bankruptcy to Revival
The Final Fantasy IX anime was first announced in June 2021 by Paris-based Cyber Group Studios. Square Enix partnered with the animation house to bring the fantasy world of Final Fantasy IX to television screens, targeting children aged 8 to 13. The plan was ambitious – production would begin by late 2021 or early 2022, with the series bible already completed and ready to pitch to broadcasters.
Then things went silent. For years, fans heard nothing substantial about the project beyond a brief appearance at the 2022 Las Vegas Licensing Expo. Behind the scenes, Cyber Group Studios was struggling financially. In November 2023, the studio entered judicial recovery, a French legal process aimed at resolving financial difficulties. Despite receiving four acquisition proposals from various production companies, the Paris Commercial Court ordered liquidation in April 2024.
Many assumed the Final Fantasy IX anime died with Cyber Group Studios. Production materials leaked online throughout 2024 revealed the show’s working title – “Final Fantasy IX: The Black Mages’ Legacy” – along with concept art and story details. These leaks only heightened fan disappointment that the project would never see completion.
What We Know About The Show
Euro Visual’s revival keeps the core concept intact. The series will consist of 13 episodes, each running approximately 22 minutes. It will use a 2D animation style and target a slightly younger demographic than originally planned – children aged 6 to 13 years old.
The plot focuses on an original story rather than adapting the game directly. According to leaked production materials and recent reports, the show follows the last four Black Mages whose peaceful life in Alexandria faces an unexpected disruption. The series draws heavily from Final Fantasy IX lore, particularly the fate of Vivi’s children following the events of the game.
The Black Mages’ Legacy
Vivi Ornitier remains one of Final Fantasy IX’s most beloved characters. The existential crisis of a Black Mage discovering his manufactured origins and limited lifespan resonated deeply with players. The game’s ending revealed Vivi had multiple children who carried on his legacy in the world of Gaia.
The animated series builds directly on this foundation. Rather than following Zidane, Garnet, or the other main party members, the show centers on Vivi’s offspring as they navigate their own adventures. This choice allows the series to explore familiar locations and themes while telling a fresh story that won’t conflict with the game’s carefully crafted narrative.
Production materials suggest the show will balance action and humor, staying true to Final Fantasy IX’s lighthearted tone compared to its predecessor Final Fantasy VII and successor Final Fantasy X. The series aims to introduce younger viewers to the world of Gaia while providing nostalgic callbacks for adult fans who played the original game.
Why This Matters For Final Fantasy
Final Fantasy has struggled to expand beyond video games despite multiple attempts. The franchise has produced several anime adaptations, including Final Fantasy: Unlimited and Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, with mixed results. More recently, the disastrous 2001 CGI film Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within nearly bankrupted Square and remains a cautionary tale in the industry.
Square Enix has been more conservative with animated adaptations in recent years, but the company clearly sees potential in Final Fantasy IX. The game’s 25th anniversary in July 2025 passed without the long-rumored remake announcement fans desperately wanted. Instead, Square Enix launched a fan art project and anniversary video, leading to widespread disappointment across social media.
The animated series represents a different approach to keeping Final Fantasy IX relevant. Rather than competing with the massive undertaking of a full remake – Final Fantasy VII Remake took years to develop and was split into multiple games – an animated series offers a lower-risk way to explore the IP. If successful, it could pave the way for additional Final Fantasy adaptations and prove the franchise works in animation format.
The 2028 Timeline
A 2028 release gives Euro Visual roughly three to four years to complete production, depending on when they officially took over from Cyber Group Studios. This timeline seems reasonable for a 13-episode 2D animated series, especially since much of the pre-production work – character designs, series bible, story outlines – was already completed by Cyber Group.
The timing also aligns with Square Enix’s broader Final Fantasy plans. The company aims to release The Witcher 4 trilogy starting in 2027, with Final Fantasy XVI already available and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’s sequel still in development. A 2028 animated series slots neatly into this release schedule without competing directly with major game launches.
What Fans Should Expect
Tempering expectations is crucial here. This is not a Final Fantasy IX remake, nor is it a direct adaptation of the game’s story. The show targets a younger audience, meaning the mature themes and complex narrative of the original game will likely be simplified or reimagined for children.
That said, Cyber Group Studios had a solid track record before their financial troubles. The studio produced award-winning children’s series like Gigantosaurus and earned recognition for quality animation. Euro Visual will need to maintain that standard while working with Square Enix’s strict quality control for the Final Fantasy brand.
The leaked concept art from Cyber Group’s development showed a colorful, expressive art style that captured Final Fantasy IX’s whimsical aesthetic. Characters featured the exaggerated proportions and fantastical designs fans remember from the game. If Euro Visual keeps this visual direction, the series should feel authentically Final Fantasy IX despite the new storyline.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Final Fantasy IX anime be released?
According to reports from French industry magazine Écran Total, the Final Fantasy IX animated series is targeting a 2028 release. This timeline is not officially confirmed by Square Enix or Euro Visual.
What happened to Cyber Group Studios and the original production?
Cyber Group Studios, the original animation studio developing the Final Fantasy IX series, entered judicial recovery in November 2023 due to financial difficulties. The Paris Commercial Court ordered the company’s liquidation in April 2024, selling off assets to pay creditors. Euro Visual has now taken over the project.
Will the anime adapt the game’s story?
No, the animated series will feature an original story set in the world of Gaia. The show focuses on the last four Black Mages, including Vivi’s children, rather than retelling Zidane and Garnet’s adventure from the original game.
How many episodes will the series have?
The Final Fantasy IX anime will consist of 13 episodes, each running approximately 22 minutes in length. The series will use 2D animation and target children aged 6 to 13 years old.
Is Final Fantasy IX getting a remake?
Square Enix has not announced a Final Fantasy IX remake. Despite persistent rumors and the game’s 25th anniversary in 2025, no official confirmation has been made. The animated series is a separate project and does not indicate a remake is in development.
Where can I watch the Final Fantasy IX anime?
Distribution details have not been announced. When the project was first revealed in 2021, Cyber Group Studios was pitching the series to broadcasters. It remains unclear which streaming service or network will carry the show when it releases in 2028.
Will the original voice actors or characters from the game appear?
No details about voice casting have been revealed. Since the show features new characters – primarily Vivi’s children – rather than the main cast from the game, it’s unlikely the original voice actors will reprise their roles. However, cameos from familiar characters are possible.
What is The Black Mages’ Legacy?
The Black Mages’ Legacy was the working title for the animated series revealed in leaked production materials. The show explores the fate of Black Mages in the world of Gaia after the events of Final Fantasy IX, focusing particularly on the children of Vivi Ornitier.
The Road Ahead
The resurrection of the Final Fantasy IX anime proves that even projects seemingly lost to development hell can find new life. Euro Visual faces significant challenges – taking over someone else’s vision, meeting the expectations of a passionate fanbase, and delivering quality animation on what’s likely a modest budget.
But there’s real potential here. Final Fantasy IX sold over 5.5 million copies and remains a fan favorite two and a half decades after release. The game’s themes of identity, mortality, and finding meaning in a chaotic world translate well to animation. If Euro Visual can capture even a fraction of what made the game special while crafting an engaging story for younger audiences, the series could introduce a new generation to the world of Gaia.
For now, fans wait. Square Enix has not officially commented on the reports, and Euro Visual hasn’t made any public statements about the project. But after years of silence and the crushing disappointment of Cyber Group’s bankruptcy, knowing the Final Fantasy IX anime lives on offers a glimmer of hope. 2028 suddenly doesn’t seem so far away.