Yoko Taro: ‘To be continued’ means we’ll ‘milk’ NieR: Automata

In a recent interview, NieR series director and writer Yoko Taro said the “to be continued…” tag in the game’s ninth‑anniversary video was meant as a blunt admission that the team intends to “milk” the franchise financially. Line producer Yosuke Saito confirmed he requested that wording.

Yoko noted he does not know whether a direct sequel is planned but felt the caption was necessary for the anniversary clip. He offered a paraphrase of the message: “My guess is that I think the message is something like, ‘We’re still going to milk it, we’re going to make money.'”

Saito described his role in choosing the line and tied the timing to anniversary milestones. “To end on the 9th anniversary number is not a good stopping point, so I’d like to continue until the 10th anniversary,” he said, framing the wording as a candid comment rather than a promise of specific projects.

The NieR franchise has remained visible through crossover events, collaborations and other promotions, but no new mainline title has been announced since the original game’s release. The creators did not provide development timelines or confirm whether future releases will be new entries, remasters, spin‑offs or promotional events.

The interview clarifies the creators’ public stance on the anniversary clip and leaves open whether the series will deliver new releases ahead of its 10th anniversary.