NieR:Automata’s creator was told to make the game without concern for overseas reviews

As of December of last year, NieR:Automata had sold over 9 million copies worldwide. The game is a bona fide hit in multiple regions, with many praising the game’s incredible action, intricate story, and unmistakable style. Now we know that the game’s direction in all areas was helped along by some important words from the producer.

According to NieR:Automata director/creator Yoko Taro, he was given one bit of very important advice when the project started out. The words came from the game’s producer, Yosuke Saito, who suggested that Taro set out to build an experience without concern for how audiences outside of Japan would receive it.

I’m honored that Automata is being praised, but it was Producer Saito who gave the order to “make it for the Japanese market without worrying about overseas reviews.” To be more precise, I remember being told something like, “Yoko, you can’t make games for overseas, so please try your best to make one for Japan at least.”

[NieR:Automata director/creator Yoko Taro]

This one little bit of advice helped shape NieR:Automata into the experience it is, and clearly they were wise words to share. The game has succeeded for all that it is and its honest vision, rather than trying to be something that clicks for/aims to please everyone.