Final Fantasy IX Animated Series Being Revealed For the First Time This Week

Entertainment publication AnimationMagazine has announced that the Final Fantasy IX animated show will be presented for the first time during the licensing expo in Las Vegas. Nothing specific regarding the showcase of Final Fantasy IX was stated, but the licensing expo takes place from May 24, 2022, through May 26, 2022, so we won’t have to wait long. For those unaware, this series is to be aimed toward the 8-13 year old demographic.

This animated series was initially announced in June 2021 by Cyber Group Studios, which is handling its production, merchandising, distribution, and licensing.

We’ll be sure to keep you all updated on this intriguing series when it is revealed.

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 IX 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 perplexing.