NieR: Automata sequel rumors intensify; 2025 announcement speculated

NieR: Automata, released in 2017, was a breakout JRPG hit. It transports players to a post-apocalyptic future where machines have run amok and declared war on humanity, forcing them to abandon Earth and establish a resistance army of androids on the Moon to reclaim the planet.

The game, a sequel to 2010's NieR, carries forward the franchise's distinctive artistic style and storytelling, exploring profound themes and delivering a complex narrative with multiple endings. Over the years, rumors of a new entry in the NieR series have circulated, but no official confirmation has ever materialized.

Fueling the current speculation surrounding a potential NieR: Automata sequel, Daniel Camilo, a contributor to GamesIndustry, posted on Twitter that the game's follow-up is in development and is slated for a 2025 announcement. While Camilo did not provide specific details or evidence to support his claim, several past hints bolster the possibility of a new NieR title, potentially lending credence to this information.

In November 2023, a Square Enix producer alluded to the possibility of a new NieR game, stating that as long as Yoko Taro (the series creator) is alive, a new entry is entirely possible. Later, in May 2024, Yosuke Saito, a Square Enix executive and producer of the NieR series, mentioned a collaboration with Yoko Taro, although he did not specify the nature of the project.

Earlier in 2024, Yoko Taro himself sparked speculation about a new NieR-related announcement when celebrating the milestone of 8 million copies sold. The renowned game creator took to the stage and told fans that if they wanted a sequel to NieR: Automata, their applause needed to be the loudest of the evening – and the crowd immediately obliged.

Adding to the hints and speculation, Yosuke Saito revealed in a recent interview that 2025 would be a "milestone" year and that Square Enix wanted to do something related to the NieR series.

While all of this has generated considerable excitement within the fan community, which is eagerly anticipating a new installment in the series, no official or concrete information has been revealed. However, the mounting evidence suggests that something is brewing behind the scenes.

As players continue to await an official NieR announcement, Daniel Camilo's tweet has served to further intensify the speculation and anticipation.

The confluence of hints from key figures associated with the franchise, coupled with a significant sales milestone, paints a compelling picture, suggesting that fans may not have to wait much longer for concrete news.

The specific nature of the "milestone" event planned for 2025 remains shrouded in secrecy, but all signs point towards a major development for the NieR franchise.