Square Enix has officially confirmed that NieR: Automata* will receive a continuation, marking a long-awaited victory for fans after nearly nine years since its original release. The news arrives alongside a significant sales milestone: the game has surpassed 10 million units sold across all platforms, cementing its status as a modern cult classic.
The project’s development has been anything but straightforward. Director Yoko Taro, known for his unconventional approach to game design, had previously expressed skepticism about the feasibility of a sequel. In 2018, he suggested that a follow-up would require an unprecedented creative vision—one he doubted anyone would anticipate. At one point, he even framed the discussion in financial terms, implying that Square Enix would need to invest heavily if they wanted his involvement.
For years, Taro’s public statements hinted at frustration with the industry’s direction. He worked on smaller projects, including the canceled mobile gacha title NieR Reincarnation and the niche RPG Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars, while maintaining a low profile. Recent revelations, however, confirmed that he had been secretly developing multiple unannounced projects—most of which never saw the light of day. Despite the setbacks, his persistence may now be paying off, as Square Enix appears to have reached a compromise that aligns with his creative vision.
While the teaser does not provide concrete details about the continuation—whether it will be a direct sequel, a prequel, or an expanded narrative—fans are cautiously optimistic. The announcement comes alongside another sales update: NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139, the remastered version of the original game, has now sold over 2 million units, further proving the franchise’s enduring appeal.
The delay in development underscores the challenges of balancing artistic ambition with commercial expectations. Taro’s insistence on creative freedom often clashed with Square Enix’s traditional publishing model, leading to prolonged negotiations. Yet, the breakthrough suggests that both parties have found a middle ground—one that could finally deliver the closure fans have been waiting for since 2017.
For now, the exact nature of the continuation remains unclear. Whether it will be a full sequel, a remastered expansion, or an entirely new entry in the NieR* universe, the confirmation alone is a landmark moment for one of gaming’s most beloved yet enigmatic franchises.
