The venerable video game franchise Final Fantasy has been tapped for film and series content before, but for the first time, Cyber Group Studios of Paris is developing a version for children, aged from eight to 13.
CGS says it has signed a deal with Square Enix, the game developer, to co-produce a new TV series based on the popular title Final Fantasy IX. Cyber Group will also be handling distribution, licensing agreements, and merchandise.
Final Fantasy has a dedicated—perhaps even fanatical—fan base, so Cyber Group CEO Pierre Sissmann says the studio will work directly with the franchise creator, Hironobu Sakaguchi, to make sure the series remains true to the Final Fantasy canon.
The show has not yet been picked up by broadcasters, but Sissman says production will begin by the beginning of next year.
The prodco is working closely with Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi to make sure the series stays true to the brand, says Pierre Sissmann, CEO of Cyber Group Studios. The company is putting the finishing touches on a project bible, and plans to begin pitching it to broadcasters in the coming months. While episode count and length had not been finalized at press time, Sissmann says the goal is to begin production by the end of 2021 or beginning of 2022.
The Final Fantasy series has been running as a major video game franchise for 30 years, and has been adapted for TV and film in the past, including a new live-action series that is under development right now by Sony and Square Enix. Sissman says Final Fantasy is one of the most popular kid-friendly video game franchises in history, with more than 154 million copies sold worldwide.
“The games have a strong co-viewing potential,” Sissman says in explaining the studio’s interest. “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.”