Yoko Taro Discusses NieR: Automata 9th Anniversary and Future Plans
- Game: NieR:Automata
- Director: Yoko Taro
- Original Release Date: 2017-03-17
- Platforms: PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
Yoko Taro has provided direct clarification regarding the "to be continued" message that appeared during the 9th-anniversary celebration of NieR:Automata. In a recent interview, the director suggested that the inclusion of this phrase was a nod to the continued commercial exploitation of the intellectual property rather than a definitive confirmation of a new title currently in development.
Understanding the NieR: Automata 9th Anniversary Announcements
Since its release on March 17, 2017, the action RPG NieR:Automata has maintained a significant presence in the gaming industry. Developed by PlatinumGames and published by Square Enix, the title holds a Metacritic score of 86. As of 2026, the game remains available across multiple platforms, including PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch. Despite the longevity of the title, fans have been searching for the latest news on NieR: Automata 9th anniversary announcements to determine if a sequel or new entry is on the horizon.
During the 9th-anniversary video, the screen displayed a "to be continued..." message, which sparked immediate speculation within the community. In our coverage at In Game News, we have tracked the subsequent comments from the creative team to provide clarity on what this means for the future of the series. The discourse surrounding this message highlights the tension between creative intent and corporate strategy in modern game development.
Yoko Taro on the Meaning of "To Be Continued"
In a discussion with Famitsu, Yoko Taro addressed the ambiguity of the anniversary message directly. When asked about the implications of the text, he offered a candid perspective on the nature of the franchise's longevity. Yoko Taro remarked, "My guess is that I think the message is something like, 'We’re still going to milk it, we’re going to make money.'" This statement serves as a blunt assessment of how the studio views the ongoing relevance of the NieR brand.
The decision to include the message was not entirely unilateral. Yosuke Saito, a producer associated with the project, confirmed that he was the individual who requested the inclusion of the phrase in the anniversary video. Saito noted that he felt the "to be continued..." text was necessary for the video's impact, though he remained non-committal regarding whether it pointed to a specific, tangible project currently in the works.
The Commercial Strategy Behind the NieR Franchise
The conversation between Yoko Taro and Yosuke Saito sheds light on the business side of the NieR series. By acknowledging that the franchise is being "milked" for profit, the creators are framing the ongoing existence of the IP as a commercial necessity. For players who have followed our Action-RPG gaming updates, this provides context on why the series continues to receive crossover events and promotional attention despite the absence of a new mainline game announcement in 2026.
The following table summarizes the key figures involved in the recent discussion and their respective roles regarding the anniversary messaging:
| Individual | Role | Perspective on "To Be Continued" |
|---|---|---|
| Yoko Taro | Director | Views it as a sign of continued commercial exploitation. |
| Yosuke Saito | Producer | Requested the message for the anniversary video's impact. |
Will There Be More NieR: Automata Content Announced?
As of May 2026, there is no official confirmation of a new NieR:Automata game. While the "to be continued" message has fueled rumors, official statements from the creative leads suggest that the message is more reflective of the brand's status as a revenue-generating asset rather than a promise of immediate new content. Players looking for more information on the franchise can check our Square Enix news archives for any future updates regarding the studio's development roadmap.
The gaming community continues to monitor for any shift in this stance. Because NieR:Automata has seen success on platforms ranging from the Nintendo Switch to high-end PC hardware, the incentive for the publisher to keep the brand alive through various means remains high. However, the distinction between "new game development" and "continued brand monetization" is a critical one for fans to understand as they evaluate the future of the series.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following section addresses the most common inquiries regarding the recent developments surrounding the NieR:Automata franchise.
What did Yoko Taro say about the NieR: Automata 9th anniversary message?
Yoko Taro stated that the 'to be continued' message implies that the company intends to continue monetizing the franchise.
Is a new NieR: Automata game coming in 2026?
There has been no official announcement regarding a new game in the series for 2026, despite the 'to be continued' message shared during the anniversary.
What is the meaning of the Yoko Taro NieR: Automata to be continued message?
According to Yoko Taro, the message was intended to signal that the studio plans to keep utilizing the intellectual property for financial gain.