FF9 animated series in development by SQUARE ENIX and Cyber Group

Paris-based Cyber Group Studios will be producing an FF9 animated series co-developed by SQUARE ENIX, with production starting between 2021 to early 2022.

A Final Fantasy 9 (FF9) animated series is now in development by Paris-based Cyber Group Studios. It's being co-developed by Final Fantasy creators SQUARE ENIX, Kidscreen reports. Apart from the animation, Cyber Group will be taking care of worldwide distribution, licensing, and merchandising. The animated series will be aimed at children between the age of 8 and 12.

Final Fantasy 9 returned to the series' roots. Coming off from the seminal but divisive Final Fantasy 8, FF9 returned to the high fantasy setting of older titles in the series. It's also arguably the most family-friendly title in the series, with goofy characters and good humor. It's by far the least edgy Final Fantasy title – but don't misunderstand us, FF9 still knew how to pull at heartstrings and discuss serious and deep topics at the right time.

Currently, Cyber Group Studios is finalizing the Series Bible of the FF9 animated series. The episode count and the number of seasons have not yet been finalized. Cyber Group Studios CEO Pierre Sissmann says that production will start either at the end of 2021 or early 2022.

Cyber Group became interested in Final Fantasy and approached SQUARE ENIX for this project. According to the company's 2020 annual report, the entire Final Fantasy franchise has sold over 154 million copies. This popularity, along with the chance of introducing new characters and adventures to the series, is what attracted Cyber Group to do this deal, says Sissmann.

We're just not sure if fans would appreciate an animated series adding “new characters and adventures” to FF9, though.