NieR: Automata started its life as a pseudo-sequel to a highly niche Japanese title from an equally niche-yet-unique creator ‘Yoko Taro’. In the years since its 2017 release, the Action-JRPG has gone on to see a surprisingly massive amount of commercial success – with the team now revealing on the game’s 7th anniversary that it has sold 8 million copies.
Making the announcement on Twitter, the official NieR page celebrated this milestone, saying: “February 23rd marks the 7th anniversary of the launch of NieR:Automata. The march of time is relentless. Our gratitude for your continued support is similarly eternal,” adding that “more than 8 million units have been sold or shipped.”
8 million copies sold makes Automata one of Square Enix’s best-selling games of all time – just shy of the publisher’s top 10 – surpassing the likes of the 1978 classic Space Invaders; Kingdom Hearts and even Dragon Quest.
Since 2017, the NieR franchise has enjoyed success across the board, releasing a mobile title; a remake/remaster of the original NieR; multiple orchestral world tours; merchandise and even a stage play.
That said, we have yet to hear any official word on a sequel – except for confirmation that it will indeed happen. Hopefully we won’t have to wait until the game’s 10th anniversary for a follow-up.
KitGuru says: What did you think of NieR: Automata? Why is a sequel taking so long? What do you think it will be called? Let us know down below.