Gaming

Square Enix celebrates Final Fantasy IX 25th anniversary

With New Artwork, Merchandise, and Community Events

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Final Fantasy IX

Square Enix is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy IX. And while fans are clamoring for a remake, the company instead is serving up a whole bunch of other things.

Available are a wide array of commemorative content and collectibles. The milestone campaign includes new illustrations, exclusive merchandise, major discounts, and fan-driven projects, all highlighting the legacy of one of the franchise’s most beloved titles.

New illustrations

To mark the occasion, original character designer Toshiyuki Itahana has created two new illustrations featuring the iconic Iifa Tree—one from the perspective of Zidane and his companions, and another centered on Kuja. Updated character art was also released alongside a new anniversary video reflecting on the game’s legacy.

Final Fantasy IX discounted, events, merch

As part of the celebration, Final Fantasy IX is currently available at a 70% discount on multiple platforms. The promotion runs through July 10 on Steam and until July 16 on the Nintendo eShop.

Fans are also invited to participate in a special art showcase, with submissions open through October 31. This community event encourages artists around the world to share their love for the game through original artwork.

Looking ahead, Square Enix is set to release a new illustrated picture book starring Vivi Ornitier, one of the game’s most iconic characters. Titled Final Fantasy IX: Vivi’s Story – Memories of My Grandpa, the book explores Vivi’s quiet life with Grandpa Quan. Written by Kazuhiko Aoki and illustrated by Itahana, the 48-page hardcover will be available on May 19, 2026, for $17.99.

In August 2025, the company will also launch a 25th anniversary vinyl album titled Timeless Tale. The release includes newly recorded versions of classic tracks, including “Melodies of Life,” with liner notes by composer Nobuo Uematsu. Each copy will include an MP3 download code and feature new art by Itahana. The vinyl is priced at $52.99.

Official merchandise

A range of official merchandise, including acrylic figures, apparel, and stationery, is available through the Square Enix Store. The company has also made a commemorative July calendar featuring the Final Fantasy IX cast available for download via its social media channels.

In a related collaboration, Japanese eyewear brand Zoff is launching a limited-edition Final Fantasy IX collection. Available from July 7 to August 3 in select Tokyo and Osaka locations, the line includes three character-inspired glasses, each packaged with exclusive cleaning cloths, themed cases, and capsule toy novelties.

The campaign highlights Final Fantasy IX’s enduring appeal, combining nostalgia with new creative expressions and collectible releases. While fans continue to speculate about a potential remake, Square Enix’s official anniversary celebration reinforces the game’s lasting significance in the Final Fantasy legacy.

Final Fantasy XI Remake?

The Final Fantasy official social media account has been pushing these updates over the past few weeks. This has led to a speculation that a Final Fantasy IX Remake is on the horizon. After all, it was one of the titles seen during the massive NVIDIA leak from a couple of years back. All of the titles listed then had since come out, save for FFIX Remake. 

Curiously, a group of experienced game developers came out with a fan-made trailer showing their take on what an FFIX Remake could look like.

While Square Enix didn’t announce the remake on the exact date of the title’s 25th anniversary, some fans are still hoping the announcement will come eventually.

Gaming

Star Wars: Galactic Racer shows off new gameplay at State of Play

Podracing returns

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Star Wars: Galactic Racer

Star Wars: Galactic Racer made a fresh appearance at Sony’s State of Play, revealing new gameplay ahead of its 2026 launch.

The new trailer highlights high-speed races across both new and familiar planets from the Star Wars galaxy. It also confirms the return of podracing, the franchise’s most iconic motorsport, alongside a wider range of repulsorcraft built for different racing styles.

Players step into the role of Shade, a lone pilot drawn into the Galactic League. The league operates outside the law in the Outer Rim and is currently controlled by Kestar Bool, a powerful and corrupt figure. With his league on the brink of collapse, organizer Darius Pax turns to Shade to fight back and reclaim control.

The campaign features a branching structure. Choices affect events, alliances, and access to parts, tools, and upgrades. Players can experiment with landspeeders, skim speeders, speeder bikes, and podracers, then fine-tune each vehicle with the help of mechanic Hibi.

Beyond the story, the game offers multiple modes. Online races support up to 12 players across several competitive formats. Arcade mode focuses on instant action, time trials, and leaderboard runs. Scenarios mode introduces unique challenges, from practice sessions on new tracks to demanding races designed to test mastery and precision.

Star Wars: Galactic Racer launches on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC in 2026.

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Gaming

New Resident Evil Requiem trailer teases a return to the RPD

The title officially launches on February 27.

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Fresh off a stellar 2025 filled with award-winning titles, the world of games is now going through a calm before another inevitable storm. We’re still some ways away from the next explosion of amazing titles. For now, however, an upcoming major title is looking to kick off 2026 with a huge bang. Coming very soon, Resident Evil Requiem just got another trailer, and yes, there’s more Leon to go around.

Late last year, Capcom revealed a bombshell announcement it’s been saving up since the title’s big reveal. Resident Evil Requiem will feature the return of the franchise’s most iconic protagonist, Leon Kennedy. The suave agent will play alongside FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft, who heads to Raccoon City to investigate a series of strange deaths.

Since the two characters clearly have opposing personalities, fans have speculated that they will have opposing playstyles. Now, through a new trailer, Capcom has confirmed that Resident Evil Requiem will mix the two genres that the franchise is known for.

Ashcroft, unused to fighting, will have portions more tailored for survival horror, akin to the more recent titles in the series. Meanwhile, Kennedy is back to his gun-toting ways, featuring the same action he’s known for in Resident Evil 4.

Beside the playstyles, there are few Easter eggs for the upcoming title. For example, Sherry makes a very subtle appearance. Also, and this is the kicker, Leon is coming back to Raccoon Police Department in the trailer’s final moments.

Resident Evil Requiem is now available for preorders. The title will officially launch on February 27 for all major platforms.

SEE ALSO: Resident Evil Requiem unveiled at Summer Game Fest 2025

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Entertainment

Jason Momoa will star in upcoming Helldivers film adaptation

Justin Lin is set to direct.

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Jason Momoa in A Minecraft Movie

PlayStation’s State of Play is about games. However, there are a few times when the semi-regular event can spawn hype for something outside the realm of gaming. Today is one of those times. Sony Pictures and PlayStation have released more information about the upcoming Helldivers movie adaptation.

Early last year, Sony teased a variety of upcoming adaptations for its tentpole franchises. This announcement included Horizon Zero Dawn, Ghost of Tsushima, and Helldivers.

Today, as reported by Variety, the Helldivers film finally has a leading man. Jason Momoa, who starred in the Minecraft adaptation previously, will star in the film.

Since the franchise isn’t really known for a specific main character, it’s unknown who the star will play. We also don’t know his co-stars yet.

Alongside Momoa, Justin Lin will direct the film. The director is known for his work with the Fast and Furious franchise.

Plot-wise, the Helldivers franchise seems tailor-made for the movies. It’s not a supremely story-driven game, but its premise is endlessly adaptable. The games always revolve around a group of soldiers called Helldivers, who protect Super Earth from a host of alien threats. These threats include rogue robots and bug-like creatures.

The film, whatever it might tackle, will premiere on November 10, 2027.

Helldivers 2 launched back in 2024. At the time, the game was exclusive for the PlayStation and PC. However, it recently launched on the Xbox, too.

SEE ALSO: Helldivers 2 review: SIP ON SOME LIBER-TEA!

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