Final Fantasy IX: The Black Mages' Legacy[1] is an animated television series based on the world of Final Fantasy IX, originally produced by French production company Cyber Group Studios, with character designs by Charles Lefebvre, aimed at children from the ages of eight to 13. Initially announced as an adaptation of Final Fantasy IX in 2021, the production company filed for bankruptcy in 2024, leaving the series' release uncertain.
Production[]
A Final Fantasy IX animated series was first reported to be in production in 2021, with Cyber Group Studios building a project bible with the goal to pitch the series and begin production by the end of 2021 or beginnings of 2022, with the group acting producer, distributor, and licensor for the series and merchandising associated with it. Set to be produced in its Paris and Roubaix studios, the series would be supervised by Square Enix in an effort maintain consistency with the world of the game.[2][3][4] In 2022, the studio presented the show to potential licensees at the Licensing Expo in Las Vegas.[5] By 2023, the studio continued touting their work with Square Enix on the series as part of their partnerships,[6] and the Final Fantasy IX IP as a project they felt was attractive to buyers.[7] The series' character designs were handled by Charles Lefebvre.[8]
In October 2024 Cyber Group Studios faced financial issues, filing a KBIS Extract to the Paris commercial court,[9] entering judicial recovery processes by November.[10] Following this, four potential buyers expressed interest in obtaining the IP and assets of the company, with two bidders explicitly wishing to continue and finish production of the Final Fantasy IX animated series.[11]
In March 2025, a pitch deck for the series was leaked, revealing the intended title of the series as well as the premise: the series would follow the children of Vivi Ornitier, 10 years after the events of the game.[12]
Citations[]
- ↑ https://i.imgur.com/Pp10g3O.png
- ↑ (2021, June 22). "FINAL FANTASY® IX to be adapted into an Animation Series for the First Time". Cyber Group Studios. PR Newsire. Archived from the original on 24 March 2014.
- ↑ Tuchow, Ryan (2021, June 21). "Cyber Group lines up Final Fantasy IX series". From Kidscreen. Brunico Communications. Archived from the original on 24 March 2014.
- ↑ Parrish, Ash (2021, June 22). "Final Fantasy IX Is Getting An Animated Series". From Kotaku. G/O Media. Archived from the original on 24 March 2014.
- ↑ Zahed, Ramin (2022, May 22). "Licensing Expo Exclusive: Cyber Group Studios Outlines Key L&M Activities in 2022". From Animation Magazine. Archived from the original on 24 March 2014.
- ↑ (2023, February 6). "DOMINIQUE BOURSE NAMED CHAIRMAN & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF CYBER GROUP STUDIOS". Cyber Group Studios. Archived from the original on 24 March 2014.
- ↑ Zahed, Ramin (2023, October 11). "Cyber Group Studios Brings Dinos, Digital Heroes & Wacky Monsters to MIPCOM". From Animation Magazine. Archived from the original on 24 March 2024.
- ↑ Milligan, Mercedes (2024, June 7). "La Chouette Co. Celebrates 10 Years with Launch of New 2D Anime Studio". From Animation Magazine. Archived from the original on 19 March 2025.
- ↑ Tuchow, Ryan (2024, October 25). "Cyber Group Studios signals possible financial troubles". From Kidscreen. Brunico Communications. Archived from the original on 19 March 2025.
- ↑ Tuchow, Ryan (2024, November 7). "Cyber Group Studios enters judicial recovery process". From Kidscreen. Brunico Communications. Archived from the original on 19 March 2025.
- ↑ Tuchow, Ryan (2024, December 18). "Four potential buyers are bidding for Cyber Group". From Kidscreen. Brunico Communications. Archived from the original on 19 March 2025.
- ↑ Vatankhah, Matt (2025, March 19). "A ‘Final Fantasy IX’ Animated Series Based on Vivi’s Six Children Was Reportedly in the Works before Its Studio Filed for Bankruptcy". From VICE. Vice Media. Archived from the original on 19 March 2025.