By Sagar V. Mankar 
Square Enix has officially announced that Nier: Automata has surpassed 9 million copies sold worldwide. This impressive figure includes both physical shipments and digital sales, marking another significant milestone for the beloved action RPG as it approaches its eighth anniversary.
The announcement came through the official Nier franchise account on X (formerly Twitter). Though the post was brief, it expressed gratitude to fans for their continued support and hinted at more milestones to come in the future.
Released in 2017, Nier: Automata started with modest sales but quickly gained a loyal fanbase. Its unique storytelling, emotional depth, engaging gameplay, and hauntingly beautiful soundtrack contributed significantly to its success. The game’s rising popularity led to multiple re-releases and adaptations, including an anime series and a modern remaster of the original Nier. In 2022, the “End of YoRHa Edition” was launched for the Nintendo Switch, further boosting the game’s sales numbers.
Nier: Automata Sales Timeline
- 1.5 million copies: May 2017
- 4 million copies: May 2019
- 4.5 million copies: March 2020
- 7 million copies: November 2022
- 7.5 million copies: April 2023
- 8 million copies: February 2024
- 9 million copies: December 2024
The game’s continued success can be attributed to its strong reputation among players and critics alike. On OpenCritic, 93% of reviewers recommend the game, often praising its deep narrative, philosophical themes, and emotionally impactful storytelling. Even reviews with minor critiques highlight the unforgettable experience the game offers, especially in its final chapters.
Nier: Automata also enjoys consistent acclaim on Steam, where it maintains an impressive 91% “Very Positive” score based on recent reviews. The game is nearing 100k total reviews on the platform, with players frequently lauding its unexpected emotional depth and thought-provoking themes.
The game’s cultural relevance has been further cemented through collaborations with other major titles, including Stellar Blade, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, and Naraka: Bladepoint. These crossovers have introduced Nier: Automata to wider audiences, keeping it firmly in the spotlight.
For those who haven’t played Nier: Automata, the game is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Thanks to backward compatibility, it’s also accessible on current-gen consoles.
The ongoing success of Nier: Automata has sparked speculation about a possible sequel. Square Enix has teased future developments, especially with the Nier series’ 15th anniversary approaching in 2025. During an interview with 4Gamer.net, series producer Yosuke Saito hinted at potential projects, suggesting fans should look forward to what’s coming next.
Saito stated, “2025 will be a milestone year as it marks the 15th anniversary of the NieR series, so I’d like to do something for it! What should we do… maybe something with the next game, or developments related to that… I’ve been hearing the fans’ expectations. It’s a bit tricky, though… That said, as I’ll likely be doing less direct work as a producer, I’d appreciate it if you could patiently look forward to what’s coming.”
As Nier: Automata continues to grow in popularity, it’s evident that its legacy extends far beyond its initial release. With passionate fans and consistent support from Square Enix, the future of the Nier franchise looks incredibly promising.