Nier Automata's Impact on Gaming

Nier Automata has earned its place as one of the most celebrated action games of recent times, captivating players around the globe with its rich gameplay mechanics and unexpectedly profound narrative.

Shuhei Yoshida's Insight

In a revealing interview with AV Watch, Shuhei Yoshida, a veteran of PlayStation, hailed Nier Automata as the “game that changed everything.” He noted its pivotal role in revitalizing the Japanese video game industry after a period of hardship in the late 2000s and early 2010s, a time when many developers were bending over backwards trying to cater to Western audiences.

Yoko Taro's Vision

Yoshida expressed that the game's visionary director, Yoko Taro, crafted Nier Automata without any reservations about its potential success in foreign markets: “I think Yoko Taro created it without paying any mind at all to making it sell overseas, but it was a tremendous success.” This perspective aligns with Masahiro Sakurai’s recent comments emphasizing the importance of Japanese developers prioritizing local appeal over international trends.

A Surprising Directive

In a surprising twist, Yoko Taro himself disclosed on social media that he was instructed by producer Yosuke Saito to disregard Western expectations entirely while developing the game. Taro recounted Saito's directive: “I’m honored that Automata is being praised, but it was Saito-P who ordered me to ‘make it for the Japanese market without worrying about overseas reviews.’”

Saito's Reasoning

Elaborating on his original statement, Saito refined his message, stating: “What I said at the time went more like this: Since we’re Japanese people, there’s no need for us to go out of our way to cater to people overseas. Surely, we’ll be able to attract at least a million players among all the people out there who genuinely want to play a Japanese game made by a Japanese person—the one and only Yoko Taro.”

The Outcome

This approach has undoubtedly paid off, as Nier Automata not only resonated with a dedicated fanbase in Japan but also captured the hearts of players worldwide, proving that authenticity can transcend borders. As game developers continue to grapple with the demands of an increasingly global market, Taro's journey with Nier Automata serves as a compelling case for remaining true to one’s roots. Stay tuned for more updates on the future of Japanese gaming and other groundbreaking titles!