Final Fantasy IX animation is resumed with a focus on 2028

The adaptation project of Final Fantasy IX into an animated series format has taken a productive turn. According to information from the French magazine Écran Total, the production has officially resumed and is now under the responsibility of Euro Visual. The series will be developed in 2D animation and will consist of 13 episodes, each lasting 22 minutes. The new release date has been set for 2028, bringing a concrete perspective to a work that was in an indefinite hiatus.

The narrative of the animation promises to expand the universe of the original game in a technically interesting way. The official synopsis indicates that the story will follow six Black Mages, identified as children of Vivi, one of the most emblematic protagonists of the Square Enix franchise. These details align with leaks that occurred in early 2025, mentioning the title Final Fantasy IX: The Black Mages’ Legacy. Previously released concept arts showed the group of mages, including a character in a frozen state, a detail now included in the official project description.

On the other hand, the development history of this adaptation is marked by instabilities that generate severe criticisms of the project management. Originally announced in 2021, the series was initially under the responsibility of Cyber Group Studios, the company behind Mini Ninjas. However, the studio closed its doors in early 2025, leading to a complete halt in production and almost resulting in the definitive cancellation of the work. It is regrettable that an intellectual property of such relevance has been exposed to such institutional uncertainty for four years, disappointing the fan base eagerly awaiting news since the original announcement.

Furthermore, the choice of a new studio and the fixed release date only in 2028 demonstrate that the project still faces a long execution path. The fragmentation of information and the reliance on foreign magazines to confirm the continuity of production highlight a communication failure on the part of the brand owners. The market for game-based animations is expanding, and the excessive delay of Final Fantasy IX may cause the series to miss the moment of cultural relevance compared to other more agile adaptations.

Therefore, the takeover by Euro Visual is a necessary step, but the execution will need technical rigor to make up for the lost time in the production limbo. The gaming community remains vigilant to see if the quality of the 2D animation will live up to the aesthetic legacy of the title originally released in the year 2000.