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NieR: Automata

NieR: Automata is a 2017 action role-playing video game developed by PlatinumGames and published by Square Enix.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

NieR: Automata is a 2017 action role-playing game developed by PlatinumGames and published by Square Enix. It follows androids 2B, 9S, and A2 in a post-apocalyptic war against alien-created machines.

What it is

NieR: Automata is a single-player action role-playing game with open-world exploration and real-time combat. It is a sequel to NieR, which itself is a spin-off of the Drakengard series. The game originally launched for PlayStation 4 and Windows in 2017, with later ports for Xbox One (2018) and Nintendo Switch (2022).

Plot and setting

The story takes place on Earth in a distant future after humanity has fled the planet. Androids from the YoRHa combat force fight Machine Lifeforms created by alien invaders in a proxy war. The main characters—2B, 9S, and A2—each offer different perspectives on the conflict and its deeper mysteries.

Why it matters

NieR: Automata became the best-known entry in the NieR series, broadening interest in the franchise and leading to related media such as an anime adaptation. Its success helped cement the series' reputation among action RPG fans, including a substantial Canadian audience.

In short

  • Developed by PlatinumGames, published by Square Enix in 2017.
  • Sequel to NieR, set in a post-apocalyptic proxy war between androids and machines.
  • Main characters: 2B, 9S, and A2.
  • Available on PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
Canadian angle

The game is widely available in Canada through major console and PC platforms, and its publisher Square Enix has a substantial Canadian audience among action RPG fans.

Quick questions

What is NieR: Automata?
It is a 2017 action role-playing game developed by PlatinumGames and published by Square Enix.
Is NieR: Automata a sequel?
Yes. It is a sequel to NieR, which is part of the Drakengard franchise.
What platforms is it on?
It originally released on PlayStation 4 and Windows, and later appeared on Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nier:_Automata
    Supports: Developer, publisher, genre, platforms, release year, sequel status, main characters, and setting.
  2. Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q21078985
    Supports: Canonical title and identification as a 2017 action role-playing video game.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nier
    Supports: Relationship to NieR and the Drakengard series.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nier:_Automata_Ver1.1a
    Supports: Related anime adaptation and shared setting.