Yoko Taro, creative director of the acclaimed NieR saga, has once again expressed his desire to work on a sequel. Although no project in development has been confirmed, his recent statements have reignited the interest of a community that considers NieR: Automata to be one of the most important titles of the last decade.
NieR: Automata could be on its way back
What makes Taro’s comment relevant is not only his desire to continue, but the way in which this universe has remained latent. Despite not having new main installments since 2017, NieR: Automata is still present in events, merchandising, collaborations and ports for new platforms. The franchise has not lost validity, and that makes it an ideal candidate for a new installment that expands on what has already been built.
However, Taro is not a traditional developer. His creative approach does not respond to market strategies or strict schedules. His interest in storytelling stems from personal concerns rather than external demands. In other words, a sequel will only happen if he feels he has something meaningful to say. This adds a layer of authenticity to his work, but it also means that development times can be long and unpredictable.
The NieR franchise is known for breaking both narrative and mechanical conventions. Its ability to address themes such as identity, memory, death and the meaning of existence has been key to establishing a strong bond with an audience that is not just looking for entertainment, but for an emotional and philosophical experience. The possible continuation of the NieR universe is not just another announcement: it is a sign that there are still ideas, stories and emotions to explore within that world.
Since its debut, NieR: Automata became a phenomenon thanks to its non-linear narrative, its melancholic aesthetic and its combination of action, RPG and fourth-wall-breaking moments. Not only did it raise Yoko Taro’s profile as a creator, it also positioned the PlatinumGames studio as a benchmark in combat design and gameplay fluidity. In parallel, Keiichi Okabe’s music contributed significantly to the emotional impact of the game, becoming one of its most recognizable elements.
While there is no official roadmap or confirmed team for a new game, the fact that the creator is actively thinking about a sequel is a clear indication that the NieR universe is not closed. Community and critical interest remains high, and Square Enix, the company responsible for publishing the games, has shown in the past that it supports Yoko Taro’s projects when it sees both creative and commercial potential.
The current market context could also play in favor. In an industry that tends more and more towards safe products, NieR represents a different proposition. A new title would have the potential to stand out for its deep content and for its fidelity to an authorial vision rarely seen in large-scale productions.
It is important to mention that it is not yet known what might happen with the license. Yoko Taro does not own his games, but he does own some of the manga on which it is based, so perhaps there would be some legal conflicts involved, and it would be a considerable stumbling block at the time of wanting to continue with the franchise. For now, there is nothing left to do but wait.
But if there’s one thing NieR has proven over the years, it’s that good stories don’t need to be rushed. And if Taro decides to return to that universe, he will do so on his own terms, with an installment that will surely not be a conventional sequel, but a work that once again questions what it means to be human, to exist and to remember.
