When NieR: Automata celebrated its ninth anniversary and hit the massive milestone of 10 million copies sold, a single phrase at the end of the commemorative video sent the entire gaming community into a frenzy: “to be continued.”
For years, fans of the NieR franchise had been starved for news. After NieR: Automata became a cultural phenomenon following its 2017 launch, the silence from Square Enix about a sequel or follow-up was deafening. Then came that video, and suddenly everyone was convinced something huge was on the way.
But Yoko Taro, the legendary masked director behind the NieR series, had other plans.
The Interview That Broke the Internet
In a recent Famitsu interview obtained by Twitter user Genki_JPN, both Yoko Taro and producer Yosuke Saito were asked point-blank about the “to be continued” message. The answer? It was not what fans expected.
Yosuke Saito revealed that it was his idea to include the “to be continued” teaser in the anniversary video. He wanted to acknowledge the passionate fanbase and signal that the story was not truly over. But when pressed about whether a specific project was in development, both creators gave a surprisingly candid response.
Yoko Taro essentially said the phrase meant they were “going to milk it” — a refreshingly honest take that sent mixed signals across the gaming world. Some fans were disappointed. Others found it hilarious and very on-brand for Taro, who has always been known for his dry humor and unconventional approach to game development.
A Decade of NieR: What Happened After Automata
Since NieR: Automata launched in 2017, developed by PlatinumGames and published by Square Enix, the franchise has seen limited expansion. NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139 was a solid remaster of the original PS3 title. NieR Reincarnation launched as a mobile game but failed to capture the same magic that made Automata a global phenomenon.
Meanwhile, characters like 2B became icons beyond gaming, appearing in crossover events with Final Fantasy XIV, Dead by Dead, and even becoming the face of countless cosplay conventions worldwide. Keiichi Okabe legendary soundtrack for Automata continues to be performed at orchestral concerts, including the NHK Symphony Orchestra tribute that recently made headlines.
The question everyone is asking: why has Square Enix not given NieR the AAA sequel it clearly deserves?
What “To Be Continued” Really Means for Fans
While Yoko Taro “we will milk it” comment might sound dismissive on the surface, industry analysts see it differently. The NieR IP has only grown in value over the years. With 2B consistently ranking among the most popular video game characters globally, and the NieR universe expanding through spin-offs, collaborations, and merchandise, the franchise is far from dead.
The “to be continued” message could mean several things: a new game announcement at an upcoming event like The Game Awards or Summer Game Fest, a collaboration with another major franchise, or simply an acknowledgment that Square Enix is exploring options for the next chapter.
What makes this situation even more intriguing is the involvement of Kozue Amano, the artist behind NieR: Automata visual identity, and the ongoing success of NieR: Automata theatrical and musical adaptations. The IP is alive in ways that go far beyond traditional game releases.
Could a NieR Sequel Still Happen?
Despite the vague answers, there is reason for optimism. Square Enix has been investing heavily in reviving beloved franchises, and NieR is one of their strongest IPs that has not been fully capitalized on. With PlatinumGames continuing to deliver hits and Yoko Taro maintaining his cult status in the industry, the conditions for a proper sequel are arguably better now than ever before.
Fans should temper their expectations, but the door is not closed. In fact, the fact that Yoko Taro and Yosuke Saito are still talking about NieR in 2026, nearly a decade after Automata launched, speaks volumes about the franchise enduring legacy.
What Do You Think?
So, what do you think the “to be continued” message really means? Is Square Enix planning a massive NieR announcement, or was it just a clever marketing play by Yosuke Saito? Do you want a direct NieR: Automata sequel, or would you prefer a spin-off exploring a different corner of the NieR universe?
Drop your theories in the comments below and let us know what you want to see next from the NieR franchise!
