NieR: Automata

NieR: Automata is an action role-playing game developed by PlatinumGames and published by Square Enix in 2017. Set in a distant future where humanity has been driven from Earth by an alien invasion, players control androids 2B, 9S, and A2 as they fight machine lifeforms in a war that spans multiple playthroughs with different perspectives and endings. The game is structured around multiple narrative routes that reveal deeper layers of the story, exploring themes of consciousness, free will, identity, and the nature of existence through its gameplay and philosophical narrative.

The game became critically acclaimed for its innovative narrative structure, challenging combat mechanics, and emotional storytelling. Its multiple endings (labeled A through E, with additional joke endings) and the way it uses game mechanics to reinforce thematic elements—such as the famous ending E sequence where players must sacrifice their save data—set it apart as a work that leverages the medium itself. NieR: Automata has had significant cultural impact in gaming discourse, influencing discussions about narrative design and the artistic potential of video games.