There have been so many great games this year and we're just over the half way point, but one of the biggest surprises has to be Nier: Automata. Developed by Platinum Games, Automata has sold over 1.1 million copies and is the 9th best selling PS4 game to date. To say that studio was stunned, would be an understatement. In fact, it did more than just stun the Platinum, it may have down right saved them.
It's no secret that Platinum Games has had a bit of a roller coaster history with some of their games being well received, like Vanquish and Bayonetta, while others seem to tank, like StarFox Zero and Legend of Korra. But earlier this year, things got worse for the team when Microsoft canceled the big, triple A title the company was working on, Scalebound. When Microsoft pulled the plug on the game, it was a large financial blow to Platinum, but thankfully they had just released Nier: Automata to very positive reviews.
Platinum Games co-founder and designer, Hideki Kamiya, took to Twitter to boast about the success of Nier and to say just how much of an impact the game had on the company. Kamiya says that Nier has benefited the company in so many ways and that without its success, it would have possibly failed.
Rough translation:
Less rough:
"Nier's success has to this point given Platinum a new fanbase, a growing staff, a brilliant success story, an increase in qualified job applicants, and a great benefit. Normally, I can't help but do everything by myself… it's a pitiful story, but to say that Yoko-san saved Platinum would not be an exaggeration. I cannot thank him enough."
If you haven't played Nier: Automata, the game features 26 different endings, all of which are easy enough to obtain, but gives players a reason to go back. It's a game that has succeeded, not only because of its quality, but due to such strong, positive word of mouth.
So take my word, play Nier: Automata, you'll be happy you did.
