Square Enix recently revealed that Nier: Automata has surpassed nine million copies sold worldwide. Despite being launched back in early 2017, this game continues to capture hearts with its unique universe, memorable characters, and stirring soundtrack.
As a follow-up to the 2010 game Nier and a branch of the Drakengard series, Nier: Automata swiftly enchanted audiences upon its release. Within just two months, it racked up over 1.5 million units sold, earning a slew of awards for its mesmerizing music and innovative design. Fast forward a few years, and its influence remains strong in the gaming landscape. A recent crossover with Stellar Blade only emphasizes how much Nier: Automata still resonates with players today. According to the game’s publisher, sales are showing no sign of slowing down.
In fact, the game has now shipped over nine million units when you tally up both physical and digital sales. Back in February 2024, it was reported that the game had reached eight million in sales. In the ten months since, another million units found their way into the hands of eager fans. Clearly, the buzz around Nier: Automata isn’t fading. An anime adaptation kicked off in January 2023, and Tokyo even hosted a quirky dinner show themed around the game just before New Year’s Eve.
With fans eagerly speculating about the future of the Nier series, especially after director Yoko Taro hinted at a new project in May 2024, excitement is high. However, whispers of concern have emerged following the departure of key developers from PlatinumGames. Still, with Nier: Automata’s characters popping up in various other games and its sustained popularity, a third installment seems promising, even if nothing official has been announced yet.
After Stellar Blade’s launch in April 2024, Yoko Taro praised the game, drawing comparisons to his own work on Nier: Automata, particularly admiring its visuals and overall appeal. While Stellar Blade’s director, Kim Hyung Tae, took the praise with humility, claiming his game couldn’t compare, it’s evident that Taro’s diverse portfolio allows him to explore new creative avenues, as seen in his recent Voice of Cards series. While a new Nier game might be in the cards at some point, who knows what Taro will dream up next?
