An animated series for Final Fantasy IX is being developed and produced by Square Enix and Cyber Group Studios.
The announcement came via Kidscreen yesterday that the French Cyber Group Studios has signed a co-development and co-production agreement with Square Enix to adapt Final Fantasy IX as an animated series for kids ranging 8-13 years of age.
Cyber Group has such names in its repertoire as Mini Ninjas, as well as adaptations of Zorro and Tom Sawyer. Cyber Group will manage worldwide distribution, licensing, and merchandise in addition to producing the show.
The company will be pitching the show to broadcasters in the coming months but for now, their finishing touches are going into a “project Bible”.
The company intends to begin production at the end of this year or early next year. They haven’t decided on the number of episodes in the series or their length as of yet.
Final Fantasy IX is an RPG that was launched in 2000 and has sold around 5 million copies worldwide. The story revolves around a struggle between nations in Gaia, a medieval fantasy realm. The players follow Zidane Tribal, a robber who kidnaps Alexandrian Princess Garnet Til Alexandros XVII as part of a ruse devised by the neighboring realm of Lindblum. He joins Garnet and a growing cast of characters on a mission to assassinate Queen Brahne of Alexandria, the war’s instigator.
The game has previously been adapted for television, but this will be the first time it is adapted into a show aimed exclusively at children.
Final Fantasy IX is apparently among the most popular kid-friendly game franchises ever. This is what attracted Pierre Sissmann, CEO of Cyber Group Studios. That and the chance to expand the brand with new characters and adventures.
Pierre Sissman stated: “The games have a strong co-viewing potential. For those who do know Final Fantasy IX, this will be an [introduction]. And for the many who don’t, this will immerse them in a universe they’ll love.”
This move was confirmed in a Tweet :
This is great news for Final Fantasy Fans and those who want to introduce their kids to the franchise. Stay tuned as we uncover all the juicy news related to this story.