Nier: Automata[b] is a 2017 action role-playing video game developed by

PlatinumGames and published by Square Enix. It is a sequel to the 2010

video game Nier, itself a spin-off and sequel of the Drakengard series. The
game originally released for the PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Windows via
Steam, with an Xbox One port being published the following year.
Set during a proxy war 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 un-
locking additional story elements. Gameplay combines role-playing elements
with action-based hack and slash combat, and features switches between
video game genres similar to that of Nier with elements ranging from shoot
’em up to text adventure.
Production began in 2014, with series creator Yoko Taro, producer Yosuke
Saito, and lead composer Keiichi Okabe returning to their respective roles,
with artist Akihiko Yoshida in charge of character design. The goal was to
make a Nier game true to the spirit of the original, while simultaneously craft-
ing a better combat system. As a project entirely new to PlatinumGames, its
staff faced multiple challenges when developing the gameplay and open world
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 Electronic Entertainment Expo, Nier: Automata
received media expansions to its world and narrative, and both downloadable
content and crossovers with other games post-release. The localization was
handled by 8-4, translators of the first Nier. The game was met with critical
acclaim for its story and themes, gameplay, and music. Minor criticism
was leveled at some of the game’s 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, and within three
years it had sold over 4.5 million copies worldwide.