What Happened to Nier: Automata?
Nier: Automata is a critically acclaimed action role-playing game developed by PlatinumGames and published by Square Enix, released in 2017. It garnered widespread praise for its philosophical narrative, unique gameplay, and evocative soundtrack, selling over 10 million units worldwide by February 2026. The game has since expanded into various media, including an anime adaptation, and Square Enix has recently teased a continuation of the 'Nier: Automata' story.
Quick Answer
Nier: Automata, a highly successful action RPG, continues to thrive nearly a decade after its initial release. As of March 2026, it has sold over 10 million units worldwide across multiple platforms, including PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Its anime adaptation, 'Nier: Automata Ver1.1a', premiered its second season in July 2024. Most notably, in February 2026, Square Enix officially teased 'Nier: Automata to be continued...', hinting at future developments for the beloved franchise, though the exact nature of this continuation remains undisclosed.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
YoRHa Stage Play Ver.1.0 Premieres
The first iteration of the 'YoRHa' stage play, written by Yoko Taro, which serves as a prequel to the events of Nier: Automata, debuts in Japan.
Nier: Automata Announced at E3
The game, initially known as 'Nier New Project', is officially announced at E3 2015, revealing its development by PlatinumGames and direction by Yoko Taro.
Japanese Release on PlayStation 4
Nier: Automata is first released in Japan for the PlayStation 4, marking its official debut.
North American Release on PlayStation 4
The game launches in North America for the PlayStation 4, quickly gaining critical acclaim.
Worldwide PC Release via Steam
Nier: Automata becomes available globally for Windows PCs through Steam, expanding its reach to a broader audience.
Xbox One 'Become as Gods Edition' Released
An enhanced version of the game, including previously released DLC, is launched for Xbox One worldwide, further increasing its player base.
Exceeds 5 Million Units Sold
Nier: Automata achieves a significant sales milestone, surpassing 5 million units shipped and digitally sold worldwide.
Official PC Patch Released
After years of fan-made fixes, an official patch addressing graphical and performance issues for the PC version is finally released.
Nintendo Switch 'The End of YoRHa Edition' Launches
The game is released on Nintendo Switch, allowing players to experience the acclaimed title on a portable console.
Anime 'Nier: Automata Ver1.1a' Season 1 Premieres
The first season of the anime adaptation, produced by A-1 Pictures, begins its broadcast, bringing the game's story to a new medium.
Nier Reincarnation Ends Global Service
The mobile spin-off game 'Nier Reincarnation', launched in 2021, ceases its global operations.
Anime 'Nier: Automata Ver1.1a' Season 2 Premieres
The second season (2nd cour) of the anime adaptation begins streaming, continuing the narrative of 2B and 9S.
Exceeds 9 Million Units Sold
Nier: Automata reaches another significant sales milestone, surpassing 9 million units worldwide.
Producer Teases 9th Anniversary Surprise
Nier series producer Yosuke Saito hints at 'just a little something' being prepared for Nier: Automata's ninth anniversary in 2026, urging fans not to get 'too excited'.
Surpasses 10 Million Sales & 'To Be Continued' Tease
Nier: Automata officially exceeds 10 million units sold worldwide. Square Enix celebrates this milestone with a video concluding with the cryptic message 'Nier: Automata to be continued...', sparking speculation about future game developments.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Nier: Automata, an action role-playing game developed by PlatinumGames and published by Square Enix, first launched in Japan on February 23, 2017, for the PlayStation 4, followed by North America on March 7 and Europe on March 10 of the same year. A PC version was released via Steam on March 17, 2017. The game quickly distinguished itself with its compelling, philosophical narrative crafted by director Yoko Taro, fluid hack-and-slash combat, genre-bending gameplay mechanics, and a critically lauded soundtrack by Keiichi Okabe. Critics widely praised its story, themes, characters, and music, contributing to its 'generally favorable' reception with a Metacritic score of 84 for the PS4 version.
The game's success led to its expansion onto other platforms. An Xbox One port, titled 'Become as Gods Edition', was released worldwide on June 26, 2018. Years later, a Nintendo Switch version, 'The End of YoRHa Edition', brought the game to a portable audience on October 6, 2022. These ports, along with continued digital sales, contributed to its impressive commercial performance. By December 2024, Nier: Automata had sold 9 million units worldwide.
Beyond gaming, Nier: Automata's universe expanded into other media. It is based on earlier stage plays, 'YoRHa', penned by Yoko Taro, which explored events preceding the game. The game also inspired novels, manga, and various crossovers. A significant development was the anime adaptation, 'Nier: Automata Ver1.1a', which premiered its first season from January to July 2023. Despite initial production delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the anime proved popular, leading to a second season (or '2nd cour') that began streaming on July 5, 2024.
The franchise's momentum continued into 2026. In February 2026, Square Enix announced that Nier: Automata had surpassed 10 million units in worldwide shipments and digital sales, marking a substantial increase from its December 2024 figures. This milestone was accompanied by a significant tease: a video concluding with the message 'Nier: Automata to be continued...'. While the exact form of this continuation—whether a direct sequel, a spin-off, or another form of media—remains unconfirmed, it signals an active future for the 'Nier' universe. Series producer Yosuke Saito had previously hinted in December 2025 at 'just a little something' being prepared for the game's ninth anniversary in 2026, further fueling anticipation among fans. Meanwhile, the mobile spin-off 'Nier Reincarnation', launched in 2021, concluded its global service in April 2024.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Nier: Automata made different choices?