As 2025 draws to a close, fans of the existential masterpiece NieR: Automata have a glimmer of hope for next year. Series producer Yosuke Saito dropped a tantalizing hint in his end-of-year New Year’s message, revealing that the team is preparing a modest surprise to celebrate the game’s ninth anniversary in 2026. But true to the series’ enigmatic style, Saito was quick to dial back the excitement.
Saito, who helmed production on NieR: Automata alongside director Yoko Taro, tied the tease to broader celebrations:
“Next year marks the 40th anniversary of Dragon Quest! I’d be extremely happy if everyone could join in on a grand celebration. And for NieR: Automata’s ninth anniversary, we’re also preparing ‘just a little something…’ so please don’t get too excited with anticipation! With that, I wish you all a happy New Year.”
Originally released on February 23, 2017, for PlayStation 4, NieR: Automata shattered expectations with its blend of hack-and-slash combat, philosophical storytelling, and unforgettable soundtrack by Keiichi Okabe. The game has since sold over eight million units worldwide, cementing its status as a cult classic that continues to inspire cosplay, fan art, and heated debates about android emotions.
Saito’s deliberate understatement — “just a little something” — suggests this won’t be a bombshell like a full sequel announcement. Given the franchise’s history of milestone events, possibilities could include a nostalgic update for modern platforms, limited-edition merchandise (think 2B figurines or Emil-themed apparel), a commemorative concert tour, or even a free DLC pack revisiting fan-favorite endings. The mobile spin-off NieR Re[in]carnation, which recently marked its own anniversary, shows Square Enix’s willingness to keep the IP alive through smaller-scale content.
This comes amid a quiet period for new NieR content. Earlier in 2025, the series celebrated its 15th anniversary with livestreams, roundtable discussions featuring Saito, Taro, and composer Okabe, and teases of future projects—but no major reveals materialized. Rumors from insiders last year hyped a potential new entry for 2025, but those predictions fizzled out, leaving fans hungry for more. Compounding the wait, Taro himself recently lamented in an interview that multiple projects he’s pitched—including potential NieR sequels—have been scrapped midway through development, explaining the radio silence.
While a blockbuster sequel like NieR 3 remains a pipe dream for now, Saito’s words offer a reminder of the franchise’s enduring legacy. Automata wasn’t just a game; it was a gut-punch to the soul, questioning humanity in a machine-ravaged world. Even a “little something” from the team could reignite that spark for longtime YoRHa operatives.
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