Final Fantasy IX Shockingly Receiving an Animated Series Aimed at Younger Audiences

Animation Group Studio, Cyber Group Studios has announced that they have signed a deal with Square Enix to co-develop and co-produce an animated series adaption based on Final Fantasy IX. Cyber Group Studios will handle the series’ production, merchandising, distribution, and licensing.

Specifics such as the show’s runtime and episode count have not been determined yet. Still, the CEO of Cyber Group Studios, Pierre Sissmann, has stated that the group’s goal is to begin production of the series either by the end of 2021 or the start of 2022.

To say this is an odd development would be putting it mildly. Final Fantasy receiving a T.V. adaption is unusual enough, but a kid-centric program developed with 8-13-year-olds in mind is even more of a headscratcher. Final Fantasy games are typically rated T for Teen by the ESRB, with the occasional M for Mature in particular outings. That isn’t to say that the series has never been for kids, though. Several children have grown up on Final Fantasy games despite their collectively darker undertones and themes, so an animated series being made for kids does make some degree of sense.

Part of me wonders if 9 was chosen expressly for its setting. Its more medieval context can potentially aid with an approachability to younger demographics, but regardless, I still find the choice to be perplexing. Hopefully, we see more news of this animated series shortly.

Thanks to Kidscreen for the report on this animated series.