History of Nier: Automata in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 11, 2026

Nier: Automata is a 2017 action RPG developed by PlatinumGames and published by Square Enix. A sequel to Nier (2010), it expands upon the Drakengard universe. Initially released on PlayStation 4 and Windows, it later appeared on Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. The game explores themes of artificial intelligence, existentialism, and the meaning of humanity through the eyes of androids fighting a proxy war on behalf of humans who have fled to the moon. Players experience the story through multiple playthroughs, each revealing new perspectives and expanding the narrative.

2009: Release of Bayonetta

In 2009, PlatinumGames developed Bayonetta, which contributed to their reputation for high-quality action games and influenced their collaboration on Nier: Automata.

2009: Inspiration from FarmVille

In 2009, Yoko considered creating a FarmVille-inspired game for mobile platforms or the PlayStation Vita before shifting development to the PlayStation 4.

2010: Sales of Nier

In 2010, Nier did not achieve the same level of sales as Nier: Automata, which significantly exceeded expectations.

2013: Hana Kikuchi's Work on Drakengard 3

In 2013, Hana Kikuchi, who worked on Nier, also worked on Drakengard 3, contributing to her involvement in the Nier series and Nier: Automata.

2013: Release of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

In 2013, PlatinumGames developed Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, which contributed to their reputation for high-quality action games and influenced their collaboration on Nier: Automata.

January 2014: Yoko's Interest in a Spin-Off

In January 2014, after the release of Drakengard 3, Yoko expressed an interest in making a second spin-off from the Drakengard series, though he did not specify whether it would be related to Nier at the time.

2014: Development Begins

In 2014, development of Nier: Automata began, including six months of pre-production, during which the team addressed challenges in collaboration and established a system of free time for Yoko Taro.

2014: YoRHa Stage Play Performance

In 2014, during Nier: Automata's pre-production, Yoko Taro created the musical stage play called YoRHa. This play, set in the same universe as Nier: Automata, serves as a backstory for the characters A2 and Anemone. While it predates Nier: Automata's release, it was integral to Yoko's vision for the game's world.

2015: Announcement at E3

In 2015, Nier: Automata was announced at E3, generating anticipation for the upcoming title.

2015: Inspiration from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

In 2015, PlatinumGames staff were partially inspired by The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, including the high standard of its sidequests, while designing the RPG elements of Nier: Automata.

2016: Decision to Delay the Game

In 2016, the team decided to delay Nier: Automata until late-2016 or early 2017 to mitigate competition and allow more time for refinement.

February 23, 2017: Japanese Release

On February 23, 2017, Nier: Automata was released in Japan, coming in both standard editions and a Black Box Collector's Edition.

March 7, 2017: Nier: Automata Release on PlayStation 4

On March 7, 2017, Nier: Automata, developed by PlatinumGames and published by Square Enix, was released on PlayStation 4.

Sony PlayStation 4 500GB Console (Renewed)

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March 2017: NPD Group Report Ranking

According to the NPD Group report for March 2017, Nier: Automata reached ninth place in overall sales and sixth place in the PS4 chart in the United States.

March 17, 2017: PC Release via Steam

On March 17, 2017, Nier: Automata was released for Windows personal computers (PCs) through Steam, amid concerns about potential piracy.

March 29, 2017: Soundtrack Album Release

On March 29, 2017, the soundtrack album of Nier: Automata was released, featuring an additional sixteen-track album subtitled Hacking Tracks for hacking segments.

April 2017: Review-Bombed by Chinese Players

In April 2017, Nier: Automata was review-bombed by Chinese players who were demanding a translation of the game to Chinese.

April 2017: Sales Exceed 500,000 Copies in Japan and Asia

In April 2017, it was reported that Nier: Automata had sold over 500,000 copies in Japan and Asia, including both physical shipments and downloads, marking a significant commercial success.

May 2, 2017: DLC Pack Release

On May 2, 2017, the 3C3C1D119440927 downloadable content (DLC) pack was released, including additional costumes, accessories, battle colosseums, and boss fights.

May 2017: Sales Reach 1.5 Million Copies

By May 2017, sales of the physical and download versions of Nier: Automata on PS4 and PC had reached 1.5 million copies, with the majority of sales coming from overseas.

2017: Original Release

In 2017, Nier: Automata was originally released for the PlayStation 4 and Windows via Steam, marking its debut in the gaming world.

2017: Delayed Release Timeframe

In early 2017, the team released Nier: Automata in late-2016 or early 2017, after delaying the game to mitigate competition and allow more time for refinement.

June 2018: Xbox One Port Release

In June 2018, Nier: Automata was ported to the Xbox One platform, expanding its availability to a new audience.

June 26, 2018: Xbox One Release

On June 26, 2018, an Xbox One version of Nier: Automata, subtitled Become as Gods Edition, was released worldwide, expanding the game's availability.

October 2018: 2B Announced as Soulcalibur VI DLC

In October 2018, 2B from Nier: Automata was announced as a playable guest character DLC for Bandai Namco's fighting game Soulcalibur VI.

February 26, 2019: Game of the YoRHa Edition Release

On February 26, 2019, the Game of the YoRHa Edition was released for the PlayStation 4 and Windows, including the previously released DLC.

May 2019: Worldwide Shipments Reach Four Million Copies

By May 2019, Nier: Automata had reached worldwide shipments of four million copies, indicating its continued popularity and success.

2019: Inspiration from Astral Chain

In 2019, Saito requested a Switch port of Nier: Automata after being impressed by Astral Chain, which Taura directed.

March 2020: Additional 500,000 Units Sold

By March 2020, an additional 500,000 units of Nier: Automata had been sold, attributed to steady sales of the "Game of the YoRHa" edition.

March 18, 2021: QLOC Port to Windows

On March 18, 2021, QLOC ported the Xbox One version of Nier: Automata to Windows for the Microsoft Store and Xbox Game Pass.

July 2021: Official Patch for PC Issues

In July 2021, an official patch was released to address graphical and performance issues with the PC port of Nier: Automata, addressing long-standing player concerns.

2021: Official Patch Released

In 2021, an official patch was released to address technical issues with the PC version of Nier: Automata, resolving long-standing player concerns.

October 6, 2022: Nintendo Switch Port Release

On October 6, 2022, a Nintendo Switch port of Nier: Automata was released, featuring optimizations and additional content at Yoko's request.

October 2022: Nintendo Switch Port Release

In October 2022, Nier: Automata was ported to the Nintendo Switch, further broadening its accessibility to players.

December 13, 2022: YoRHa Pearl Harbor Descent Record Manga Volume 1 Release

On December 13, 2022, Square Enix published the first volume of the YoRHa Pearl Harbor Descent Record manga in North America. This manga is an adaptation of the YoRHa stage play, with illustrations by Megumu Soramichi and story supervision by Yoko Taro.

2023: Ver1.1a Anime Series Debut

In 2023, the anime television series Ver1.1a, based on Nier: Automata, premiered. The series is produced by Square Enix and Aniplex, with animation by A-1 Pictures.

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2024: Ver1.1a Anime Series Continued

In 2024, the anime television series Ver1.1a, based on Nier: Automata, continued its run, split across two cours. The series is produced by Square Enix and Aniplex, with animation by A-1 Pictures.

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