Square Enix and Aniplex announce a NieR: Automata anime series adaptation as part of the game's fifth anniversary livestream event. Developed by PlatinumGames, the action RPG title is a sequel to the 2010 Drakengard spin-off Nier and is set in the far-flung future as humanity as been run out of Earth by a race of advanced alien machinery. The story revolves around android trio 2B, 9S and A2 as they are sent to the planet by humanity in an effort to reclaim Earth from the deadly alien machines, though the three subsequently find themselves questioning the morals of their mission and existence.
Hitting shelves in 2017, NieR: Automata received largely positive reviews from critics and players alike for its story, layered themes, gameplay and music while some criticism was directed towards minor visual and technical problems, especially on the PC version of the game. The game also proved to be a financial hit for Square Enix, surpassing its sales expectations and selling over 6 million copies worldwide by 2021. While fans are still awaiting word on a potential third installment in the franchise, the creatives behind NieR: Automata has something exciting in store for the world.
During the fifth anniversary livestream event celebrating the hit game, Aniplex revealed a NieR: Automata anime series adaptation is in the works. The animation studio paired the announcement with a brief video teaser of concept art for the show with the message "NieR: Automata TV Animation Project Start." Check out the exciting announcement below:
Though not nearly as popular as fellow franchises Tomb Raider and Final Fantasy, NieR: Automata has proven to be a unique standout of Square Enix's extensive library of ongoing series. The success of the 2017 title led to the studio issuing a remaster of the first game entitled Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139..., which has received largely positive reviews and doubling the sales of the original, and spawned the mobile spinoff Nier Resurrection. Additionally, the lead character of 2B has become largely popular in the video game world, even crossing over to Bandai Namco's SoulCaliber VI and multiple characters and their costumes making appearances in Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers, Gravity Rush 2, Phantasy Star Online 2 and Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout.
Interestingly, the NieR: Automata anime series adaptation isn't the only property Square Enix is currently developing for the small-screen genre. The game publisher partnered with Netflix and Legendary Entertainment in early 2021 for a Tomb Raider anime based on the recent reboot trilogy with Hayley Atwell voicing Lara Croft, though no timeline has been given for when that series will premiere either. As audiences await word on both projects, they can revisit or familiarize themselves with the world of NieR: Automata available to purchase on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows now.
Source: Aniplex