Nier: Automata is a 2017 developed by and published by . It is a sequel to the 2010 video game , itself a spin-off and sequel of the series. The game originally released for the and via , with an port being published the following year with the subtitle Become As Gods Edition.
Set during a between alien-created machines and human-crafted androids, the story follows the trials of a combat android, her companion, and a fugitive prototype. The story requires multiple playthroughs, each unlocking additional story elements. Gameplay combines elements with action-based combat, and features switches between similar to that of Nier with elements ranging from to .
Production began in 2014, with series creator , producer Yosuke Saito, and lead composer returning to their respective roles, and artist taking charge of character design. The goal was to make a Nier game true to the spirit of the original, while simultaneously crafting a better combat system. As a project entirely new to PlatinumGames, its staff faced multiple challenges when developing the gameplay and environment. The story, written by Yoko, references several philosophies and explores themes of finding value in life and the reasons people kill.
Announced at the 2015 , Nier: Automata received media expansions to its world and narrative, and both and crossovers with other games post-release. The localization was handled by , translators of the first Nier. The game was praised for its story and themes, gameplay, and music. Minor criticism was leveled at some visual and technical problems. The PC release saw a mixed response due to technical issues that were not officially addressed. Sales surpassed its publisher's expectations, with over four million copies sold worldwide.
