Nier: Automata Was Originally Going To Be Like Farmville

By Griffin Vacheron

↵↵

We've heard a lot recently about what games could or might have been, vs. what they actually became. Nintendo speaks of UFOs and a sport jacket-wearing Link, while the fact that Fire Emblem Awakening nearly took place in space also comes to mind. Recently Nier: Automata producer Yosuke Saito spoke of similar scenarios that could have been, zeroing-in on, of all things, the notorious free-to-play Farmville.

In an interview with EuroGamer, Saito elaborated on the situation.

 

"The timing was amazing, miraculous," says Square Enix producer Yosuke Saito. "This collaboration was suggested when we'd just come up with the idea of making the Nier sequel a mobile game. We were inspired by Platinum Games – they were great fans of the first Nier, and their suggestion was remaking Nier as a Vita title. So we got two different projects together, and maybe the best option was doing a full console game."

Nier 2 as a mobile game? Taro says the original idea was along the lines of Farmville – something that surely would have gone down just swimmingly with the fans.

"Yeah, we're very glad we didn't go down that route," says Saito.

From what I'm hearing, it was Platinum and Nier: Automata director Yoko Taro that saved the game from its farming-friendly fate. And hey, I'm not knocking farming – everyone loves Stardew Valley, right? But somehow I doubt Nier fans would have been happy with this outcome.

For more Nier: Automata, you can check out one of its gameplay trailer here, and read our comparison to both Horizon Zero Dawn and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

Check Out More NieR: Automata Coverage:

Griffin Vacheron
Griffin Vacheron

Share article

Upcoming Releases
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
Embark on an inspiring mission of human connection beyond the UCA. Sam — with companions by his side — sets out on a new journey to save humanity from extinction. Join them as they traverse a world beset by otherworldly enemies, obstacles and a haunting question: should we have connected?
Star Citizen
Star Citizen is an upcoming space trading and combat simulator video game for Microsoft Windows. Star Citizen will consist of two main components: first person space combat and trading in a massively multiplayer persistent universe and customizable private servers (known as Star Citizen), and a branching single-player game (known as Squadron 42). The game will also feature VR support.
ATLAS
Atlas is an action-rpg with rogue-like elements where you use your ability to control the ground to fight the enemies and move through procedurally generated worlds.
Damnview: Built From Nothing
Damnview: Built From Nothing is a simulation sandbox game about occidental culture and its different social classes. Immerse yourself into a decadent urban sprawl, all while working precarious jobs where you will either be absorbed into the system, or cast out of society’s machine. Damnview: Built From Nothing is a game about despair, the hostility of capitalism, and the need…
Reviews
Related
X