The NieR community has been on an emotional rollercoaster for years, waiting for any concrete news about the franchise’s future. Between cryptic developer comments, canceled projects, and endless speculation about NieR 3, fans haven’t had much to hold onto. But 2026 might finally bring something worth celebrating.
Square Enix producer Yosuke Saito recently confirmed that the team is preparing ‘just a little something’ for NieR: Automata’s 9th anniversary, which arrives in February 2026. While he tempered expectations by telling fans not to get ‘too excited,’ the acknowledgment alone has reignited hope across the community after years of radio silence.
What We Know About the Upcoming NieR News
During a year-end interview with Japanese gaming publication 4Gamer, Saito addressed his plans for 2026 and specifically mentioned the NieR: Automata anniversary. Square Enix executives also confirmed they’re working on ‘various new challenges’ that will be announced throughout the year, though they remained deliberately vague about specifics.
The timing is significant. NieR: Automata launched in February 2017 and became a critical and commercial success, selling over 9 million copies and transforming the series from a cult favorite into a mainstream phenomenon. The game’s protagonist, 2B, continues to dominate Square Enix merchandise sales nearly a decade later, proving the franchise’s enduring popularity.
The Long Wait for NieR 3
Speculation about a proper sequel has been building since 2024, when Saito, director Yoko Taro, and composer Keiichi Okabe first hinted they were collaborating on a new project. The producer cryptically described it as something that ‘might be NieR’ or ‘might not be NieR,’ sending the fanbase into analysis mode.
At the NieR 15th anniversary event in April 2025, Saito was asked about the mysterious project’s progress. His response was disappointingly brief: ‘nothing has changed.’ He added that if everyone involved is still alive, fans might see an announcement in 2027. That kind of dark humor is typical for Yoko Taro’s team, but it also suggested development was progressing slowly.
The situation became even more complicated in November 2025, when Yoko Taro revealed during a panel discussion with Bayonetta director Hideki Kamiya that several of his recent projects had been canceled midway through development. He explained that while he’s been actively working, none of his output has been released publicly, leading fans to joke that he doesn’t do any work at all.
Recent Developments and Mixed Signals
At the beginning of 2026, Yoko Taro threw another curveball at fans. In an interview with Famitsu, he stated that work isn’t his priority for the year, ranking it second or even third on his to-do list. His main focus? Finishing unpacking his house after moving in 2024. The statement seemed to contradict the anniversary teases from Saito, leaving the community confused about what to expect.
Adding to the speculation, reports emerged from a NieR orchestra concert in New York City in early January 2026, where attendees claimed Saito hinted on stage that the team might be ‘able to keep bringing’ players more NieR content. While these reports are unverified, they align with the anniversary teases and suggest something is genuinely in the works.
What Could the Announcement Be?
Given Saito’s cautious wording about not getting ‘too excited,’ fans should probably temper their expectations about a full NieR 3 reveal. More realistic possibilities include:
- A remaster or enhanced version of the original NieR for modern platforms
- New DLC or expansion content for NieR: Automata
- A collection bundle featuring multiple games from the series
- Merchandise announcements or collaboration events
- A teaser trailer or official confirmation that NieR 3 is in development
Some fans have theorized that the mobile game NieR Reincarnation, which shut down in 2024, might have already served as the unofficial NieR 3, as its final chapters connected heavily to Automata’s ending. However, most players are hoping for a proper console and PC sequel that continues the story in a more substantial way.
The Bigger Picture for Square Enix
Square Enix has been ramping up its announcements across multiple franchises in 2026. Dragon Quest is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, and the company has promised ‘various new challenges’ across its portfolio. The NieR tease fits into this broader strategy of capitalizing on milestone anniversaries and established franchises.
Despite the rocky development history and Yoko Taro’s admitted canceled projects, the financial success of NieR: Automata makes a sequel almost inevitable. The question isn’t if, but when and in what form it will arrive.
FAQs
When is NieR: Automata’s 9th anniversary?
NieR: Automata’s 9th anniversary is in February 2026, marking nearly a decade since the game’s original release in February 2017.
Is NieR 3 officially confirmed?
No, NieR 3 has not been officially confirmed. Producer Yosuke Saito and director Yoko Taro have hinted at working on a new project together, but they’ve been deliberately vague about whether it’s actually a NieR sequel.
What did Yosuke Saito say about the NieR anniversary?
Saito confirmed that Square Enix is preparing ‘just a little something’ for the NieR: Automata 9th anniversary in 2026, but he warned fans not to get too excited with anticipation, suggesting it may not be a major announcement.
Why hasn’t Yoko Taro announced any new games recently?
Yoko Taro revealed in November 2025 that several of his recent projects were canceled midway through development, which is why nothing has been publicly announced despite him actively working on multiple games.
How many copies has NieR: Automata sold?
NieR: Automata has sold over 9 million copies worldwide since its 2017 release, making it one of Square Enix’s most successful action RPGs and transforming the series into a mainstream franchise.
Could NieR Reincarnation have been NieR 3?
Some fans have theorized that the mobile game NieR Reincarnation, which shut down in 2024, served as an unofficial sequel since its final chapters connected heavily to Automata’s story, but most players are hoping for a proper console and PC sequel.
When might we see a NieR 3 announcement?
Based on comments from producer Yosuke Saito at the NieR 15th anniversary event in April 2025, a potential announcement might come in 2027 if development continues as planned, though nothing has been officially confirmed.
Conclusion
After years of cryptic hints, canceled projects, and endless fan speculation, the NieR community finally has something concrete to look forward to in 2026. While Yosuke Saito’s ‘little something’ for the 9th anniversary may not be the full NieR 3 reveal fans are desperately hoping for, it represents the first official acknowledgment in years that Square Enix hasn’t forgotten about the franchise. Whether it’s a remaster, new content, or just a teaser for what’s coming in 2027, any news is welcome after such a long drought. For a series that thrives on existential questions and bittersweet narratives, the wait has felt appropriately agonizing. But if the past has taught NieR fans anything, it’s that good things come to those who wait, even if Yoko Taro makes them suffer first.