Because the project was new to PlatinumGames, its staff faced multiple challenges when developing the gameplay and open-world environment. The goal was to make a sequel game that would be faithful to Nier while improving the combat system. Akihiko Yoshida, known for his work in the Final Fantasy series, led character design. Production began in 2014, with series creator Yoko Taro, producer Yosuke Saito, and lead composer Keiichi Okabe reprising their roles in Nier. It also includes gameplay from other video game genres, with elements varying from shoot 'em up to text adventure. The gameplay combines role-playing elements with action-based hack-and-slash combat. The story requires multiple playthroughs, with each playthrough revealing new story elements. Nier: Automata is set during a proxy war between alien-created Machines and human-crafted androids, focusing on the actions of combat android 2B, scanner android 9S, and rogue prototype A2.

A Nintendo Switch port was released in 2022. Nier: Automata was originally released for the PlayStation 4 and Windows via Steam, and an Xbox One port was published the following year. It is a sequel to Nier (2010), itself a spin-off of and sequel to the Drakengard series. Nier: Automata is a 2017 action role-playing game developed by PlatinumGames and published by Square Enix.

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