Square Enix has announced (via Genki_JPN) a casual livestream to mark the ninth anniversary of NieR Automata, scheduled to air on February 20. The broadcast is positioned as a talk-focused event rather than a showcase, with organizers clearly stating that “No new game information will be revealed.” The announcement sets expectations early, framing the stream as a retrospective and conversational celebration rather than a platform for major reveals.
The livestream will feature several core figures behind the NieR franchise. Confirmed participants include producer Yosuke Saito, director Yoko Taro, composer Keiichi Okabe, and game designer Takahisa Taura. Together, the group represents much of the creative leadership that shaped NieR Automata into its final form, making the event notable even without new announcements attached.
NieR Automata originally released in 2017 and became the breakout success of the broader NieR series, blending high-speed action design with somber storytelling and an unconventional narrative structure. The game helped push the franchise into the mainstream, expanding its audience well beyond the cult following established by earlier entries. Since then, NieR Automata has been released across multiple platforms and remains the most recognizable title associated with the series.
The wider NieR franchise traces its roots back to 2010 with NieR Gestalt and NieR Replicant, themselves emerging from the Drakengard series. Over time, the franchise developed a distinct identity defined by existential themes, fragmented storytelling, and a strong musical focus. The 2021 release of NieR Replicant ver.1.22… served as a modernized entry point, while the mobile title NieR Reincarnation expanded the universe before concluding service in 2024.
As of January 2026, no new core NieR game has been announced. The Automata Ver1.1a anime concluded its run in late 2025, leaving fans attentive to any signals about what may come next. Producer Yosuke Saito recently suggested that the ninth anniversary would include “just a little something,” while also advising fans to temper expectations. In contrast, Yoko Taro has publicly downplayed near-term development plans, noting that his focus this year lies elsewhere.
Against that backdrop, the February 20 livestream appears designed to celebrate the legacy of NieR Automata rather than redefine its future. It may not move the story forward, but for longtime followers, simply hearing the creators talk is often reason enough to tune in.
