Its been almost a decade since NieR: Automata was released on the PlayStation 4 console back in 2017. NieR: Automata remains one of Square Enix’s most popular video games of the 10’s decade and sold almost as much as Final Fantasy XV did following it release back in 2016. NieR: Automata was an action role-playing game that ended up becoming far more popular than anyone expected and even managed to get its own anime back in 2023. The dark yet beautiful post-apocalyptic tone of NieR: Automata is something that was oddly appealing due to its creativity. The story for NieR: Automata was nothing short of chilling considering the fact world had been taken over by machine lifeforms. While many critics have praised NieR: Automata over the years others have condemned the game for being “woke”. During the second half of the 2010’s decade there was a wave of feminism in America something that contributed to the popularity of games like NieR: Automata. There are many who believe that NieR: Automata sold more than 10 million copies following its release due to left-leaning social and political climate that existed in countries like America during the mid to late 10’s.

During the past couple of years it feels like America has become more conservative while pushing back against DEI agendas. Some believe that a NieR: Automata sequel might not sell nearly as much nowadays compared to 2017 onwards. There are some who believe that NieR: Automata was popular because it was a product of its time period. However, despite NieR: Automata being blasted for being woke its success and cultural impact is seemingly undeniable. NieR: Automata might be one of the best IP’s that Square Enix has right now. e It feels like every Final Fantasy title outside of the FFVII series have seemingly lost their appeal. Also, the Dragon Quest series lack mainstream appeal in America and is unlikely to reach the level of popularity of NieR: Automata. While NieR: Automata remains of Square Enix’s most popular IP’s it remains to be seen whether or not a sequel could potentially have more success in the future.