NieR:Automata just cracked 10M sales—and Square Enix teased what’s next

Why this matters: NieR:Automata just hit 10 million sales and dropped a bombshell

Square Enix celebrated the ninth anniversary of NieR:Automata by revealing the game has now sold over 10 million units worldwide—and then closed its anniversary video with a blunt “NieR:Automata to be continued…” tease that set forums ablaze without explaining what’s coming next. That’s a big deal: since releasing in March 2017, the action RPG has defied expectations with its philosophical narrative, haunting soundtrack by Yoko Taro, and multiple endings that reward players who embrace its unconventional structure.

Milestones like this don’t just look good on press releases. Crossing into double-digit millions changes how companies allocate budgets, greenlight new projects, and manage a franchise’s lifespan. For a game that began as a modest follow-up to the cult classic Nier, this commercial triumph—paired with a cryptic cliffhanger—could be the green light for sequels, spin-offs, or even adaptations beyond gaming.

Key facts at a glance

• Sales milestone: Total shipments and digital sales for NieR:Automata surpassed 10 million units worldwide, up from 9 million in December 2024 (Gematsu).
• Release history: Originally launched on PS4 and PC in 2017, Automata later arrived on Xbox One and Switch with extra cosmetic items and quality-of-life updates.
• The tease: The anniversary trailer ends with “to be continued,” a line fans immediately read as a sequel hint—though Square Enix offered no further details (sources: GamesRadar, 3DJuegos, Steam news).
• Longevity: The celebratory video recaps orchestral concerts, stage shows, crossovers with other Square Enix games, and special editions like the Game of the YoRHa Edition (sources: 3DJuegos, Gematsu).

What Square Enix actually said—and what it didn’t

Outlets such as Gematsu, GamesRadar, Steam News, and Spain’s 3DJuegos all converge on the core points:

• The trailer marked nine years since Automata’s original release.
• It highlighted spin-off content, live concerts, and in-game collaborations.
• It confirmed over 10 million units sold, stacking roughly one million new sales since December 2024 (Gematsu’s data on shipments and digital downloads).

Where coverage diverges is tone. GamesRadar and Steam called that final “to be continued” text the “most promising sequel hint yet,” noting reports of several former Automata developers regrouping on a mysterious new project. Meanwhile, 3DJuegos interpreted the Spanish “continuará” as a broad franchise commitment—covering anime, merch, live events, and more—rather than a straight sequel announcement.

Why that cryptic “to be continued” is so clever

Square Enix has long mastered the art of strategic ambiguity. That four-word phrase preserves room for any number of projects:

• A numbered sequel or narrative spin-off
• An anime adaptation, orchestral tour, or stage play
• Remasters, deluxe editions, and cross-media collaborations

Dropping a teaser like this also drives social media chatter and boosts interest in digital and physical re-releases—tactics Square Enix has used before to steady revenue between big launches. By packaging the tease in an anniversary highlight reel, the publisher rewards long-time fans and invites newcomers to catch up before the next big reveal.

What gamers should expect next

This isn’t a full-blown reveal or a press conference invite; it’s a classic tease. Instead of a sudden drop, anticipate a slow-burn drip of news:

• Social media teases and cryptic developer interviews
• Cross-media tie-ins—think anime release dates or orchestra tour announcements
• News about upcoming deluxe, collector’s, or anniversary editions

If you’re a completist, keep tabs on Square Enix Store updates for new merch or bundles. Story-hungry fans can watch for composer and narrative team announcements, which have historically pointed toward planned releases.

Looking ahead

Why launch this teaser now? The ninth anniversary offered a low-risk moment to both celebrate past success and stoke excitement for the future. It also follows a recent off-hand remark from Square Enix about having “just a little something” in the works for NieR. Treat today’s “to be continued” as your official green light to keep tabs on developer socials, Square Enix events, and the wider gaming news cycle for the next major clue.

Key Takeaways

• NieR:Automata has now sold over 10 million units worldwide, up from 9 million in December 2024.
• The ninth-anniversary trailer ended with “to be continued,” fueling intense sequel speculation.
• Square Enix’s vague tease leaves room for games, anime, concerts, or remasters.
• Don’t expect an immediate reveal—watch for incremental updates across media.

Conclusion

NieR:Automata’s leap past 10 million sales cements its unexpected mainstream appeal and gives Square Enix a clear incentive to expand the series. The “to be continued” tease might not pinpoint your next play session, but it guarantees one thing: NieR’s story is far from over. Keep your eyes peeled—this could be the start of a whole new chapter.