Despite being a sequel to a 2010 cult classic that not many people played, 2017's NieR: Automata far exceeded everyone's expectations, especially those of publisher Square Enix.
Its initial success led Square Enix to turn NieR into a full-fledged franchise. But while this has since led to a modern remaster of the original NieR, an anime adaptation, a now-defunct mobile spin-off, and crossovers with so many other video games, there's no sign of a proper sequel left.
However, a NieR 3 is likely to happen, considering NieR: Automata is still selling well over seven years later, and fans have had a glimmer of hope that an announcement or teaser could happen in 2025.
Will there be a NieR 3?
Recently, Japanese outlet 4Gamer spoke with several game creators about their plans and ambitions for 2025. Among them was Square Enix's Yosuke Saito, producer of the NieR series.
Saito had said earlier this year that he was once again working with NieR series creator Yoko Taro and NieR composer Keiichi Okabe on a new project, cryptically teasing “might be NieR, might not be NieR.”
'I would like to do something for [the 15th anniversary]' said Saito (translated by Gematsu). “What should we do… maybe something with the next game, or developments related to that… I've been listening to the fans' expectations.”
Unfortunately, he stopped short of explicitly promising anything. But an anniversary year is perhaps the best time for Square Enix to at least show off a new game.
Considering Square Enix itself called NieR: Automata “a global success that far exceeds our expectations,” one would think the publisher would have started pushing for a sequel in 2017.
Otherwise, the continued sales success of NieR: Automata certainly would have. Last year, it was confirmed to have sold 7.5 million units worldwide, and that number has since skyrocketed even further to over 9 million units, as revealed by the official NieR X account.
The real question is whether any NieR sequel will release as a PlayStation exclusive like NieR: Automata did and only come to other platforms afterward. The answer is probably no, as Square Enix has decided to more vigorously pursue cross-platform releases.
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