Since its debut in 2017, NieR: Automata has reached a monumental milestone, officially surpassing 10 million copies sold worldwide. To commemorate this achievement, publisher Square Enix released a tribute video on YouTube. However, the celebration quickly shifted from a retrospective to a teaser for the future, as the final moments of the footage displayed a cryptic and tantalizing message: “NieR: Automata to be continued…”
The gaming community was quick to take notice, with industry veteran Geoff Keighley sharing a snapshot of the unexpected cliffhanger on X shortly after the video premiered.
As a follow-up to the original 2010 NieR, Automata saw a mobile-based successor in 2021, though the title struggled to maintain momentum and was eventually shuttered in 2024. For fans longing for a traditional high-budget experience, the road has been fraught with disappointment. Last year, series creator Yoko Taro addressed the lack of a proper sequel on PC and consoles, revealing that while he has been actively developing new projects, several of them were unfortunately scrapped behind the scenes.
However, Yoko Taro appears to be directly involved in whatever this new “continuation” entails. The eccentric director shared the milestone video on his own social media, expressing deep appreciation for the community’s enduring support. Furthermore, he was a central figure in the game’s ninth-anniversary livestream that aired earlier today, fueling speculation that a major announcement is imminent.
While the exact nature of this project remains shrouded in mystery, the explicit promise of a continuation suggests that the story of 2B, 9S, and A2 is entering a new phase. This could manifest as a long-awaited direct sequel, a high-profile spin-off, or perhaps another multimedia expansion following the success of the NieR: Automata Ver1.1a anime series. Regardless of the format, the message has reignited excitement for one of the most beloved narratives in modern gaming.
Source: Polygon
