Nier: Automata Director and Producer Explain Game Length Variance

Playtime Estimates for Different Styles

In an interview with RPG Site ahead of the game’s launch, Producer Yosuke Saito provided concrete figures for the time required to complete Nier: Automata. He revealed that the internal quality assurance (QA) team, playing on the Normal difficulty setting, took approximately 25 hours to finish their first playthrough. This estimate applies to a player focused primarily on the main story quests, without significant deviation into the game’s numerous side quests and optional activities.

Saito also offered a number for players who aim for full completion. For those intending to discover every collectible, finish all side quests, unlock all enhancements, and defeat the game’s optional super bosses, the playtime extends considerably. A completionist run was estimated to take around 55 hours. This wide variance between a story-focused run and a 100% playthrough highlights a design that accommodates different levels of engagement, from a straightforward action-RPG experience to a deep, exhaustive adventure. The numbers suggest a substantial amount of optional content is available for players who wish to explore the world of Nier: Automata thoroughly.

The Role of Multiple Endings

Director Taro Yoko elaborated on the game’s structure, which is built around multiple endings that occur at different stages. This design is a signature of Yoko’s work, familiar to fans of his previous games such as Drakengard and the original Nier. He explained that it is possible to reach an early ending in as little as 10 hours. Yoko described this 10-hour experience as “one complete package,” suggesting it offers a satisfying narrative arc on its own.

However, he stressed that this initial conclusion is not the definitive end of the story. Players are encouraged to continue their save file after reaching this first ending to unlock further narrative branches and subsequent playthroughs that recontextualize the plot. This multi-layered approach to storytelling, where new perspectives and truths are revealed with each major ending, means that the initial 10-to-25-hour experience is just one part of a much larger, interconnected narrative. The full scope of the game’s story is only revealed to players who pursue these additional endings.

Development and Release Details

Nier: Automata is a collaboration between publisher Square Enix and developer PlatinumGames. The involvement of PlatinumGames, a studio renowned for its expertise in creating fluid, fast-paced action games like Bayonetta and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, generated significant anticipation for the title’s combat mechanics. The project was led by Yoko as director and Saito as producer, reuniting key talent from the original Nier, a title that had garnered a passionate cult following for its unique story and characters.

The game was scheduled for release on the PlayStation 4 in North America on March 7, 2017. In addition to the console version, Square Enix also confirmed that a PC port would be released via Steam sometime later in 2017, although a specific date was not provided at the time of the interview.