NieR: Square Enix hints at a sequel to NieR: Automata, but no sequel in sight.

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Mark Tomson
Managing Director of PlayFront. Mark Tomson shapes the vision of independent PlayStation reporting. His focus: technical analysis, hardware evolution, and the strategic positioning of the gaming industry. He stands for...
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Square Enix is ​​teasing the future of Nier after Automata sold 10 million copies. But what's behind "to be continued"—a sequel or just an event?

Nine years after its release, Nier This has sparked further discussion. During an anniversary livestream... Never: Automata Square Enix let the words “NieR:Automata to be continued…” fall – briefly, directly and without further explanation.

The game has now shipped and sold over 10 million units worldwide digitally. However, there has been no clear statement regarding its future. Under the creative direction of Yoko Taro, Never: Automata to the most commercially successful installment in the series. For Square Enix, the action role-playing game has long since become more than a niche project; it's a stable mainstay in their portfolio.

Nier remains relevant – the numbers speak for themselves.

Alongside the teaser, Square Enix confirmed current sales figures: over 10 million units for Never: Automata. Also NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139 has surpassed the 2 million sales mark worldwide.

These figures are important. They show that Nier It has long since outgrown its cult status. The community is large enough to remain economically relevant – and that is likely to be crucial internally.

Sequel, spin-off, or just an anniversary promotion?

This is where the speculation begins. Series producer Yosuke Saito spoke in the stream about “just a little something“, which is planned for the ninth anniversary. At the same time, he dampened expectations: A full-fledged sequel should not be expected at this time.”

This is a classic balancing act. On the one hand, you want to keep the brand present, on the other hand, you don't want to raise false hopes. Many things would be possible: a concert project, a collaboration, a small story update, or a spin-off. A big one. Kidney 3Square Enix would hardly announce such a project casually.

Realistically speaking, a new main game is probably already in an early concept phase, if it even exists at all. The development cycles of modern AAA titles support this. But until there's an official announcement, it all remains speculation.

Nier is definitely not over. The franchise is alive; the only question is in what form. Sales figures provide Square Enix with every argument to continue. At the same time, Nier is heavily dependent on creative vision, especially that of Yoko Taro. A sequel shouldn't exist simply because it sells well; it must tell a new story.

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Crydog
20. February 2026 22: 47

And by the way, it's ridiculous how many games Square appears in as a guest character these days. She's now more known for appearing in other games and making money for you instead of getting her own sequel. That's tasteless, and the character certainly doesn't deserve that.

Crydog
20. February 2026 22: 41

Hey square, do you guys want to do something real? There are currently 70 developers available, and they're said to be very talented when it comes to reworking old classics.
A Parasite Eve remake/reboot, or in this case Nier Automata, would be two IPs where I'd have respect for you again; unfortunately, FF7 Part 3 will be the last.
This is the transaction you'll receive from me.
Because otherwise you don't have a broad lineup that might interest me

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