Nier Automata’s Dev Was “Ordered” To Ignore What The West Thinks Of His Game – Nintendo Life

🔍 Summary:

In a revealing interview, PlayStation veteran Shuhei Yoshida hailed the action game “Nier Automata” as transformative for the Japanese gaming industry, which had faced challenges in the late 2000s and early 2010s due to attempts to cater to Western preferences. Yoshida attributed the game’s success to its focus on appealing to the Japanese market, a strategy emphasized by the game’s director, Yoko Taro, who was instructed by producer Yosuke Saito to disregard Western expectations and instead concentrate on Japanese gamers. This approach not only led to the game’s critical acclaim but also demonstrated the global appeal of authentically Japanese games. The game, which received a 9/10 rating from Nintendo Life, is celebrated for its deep storytelling and engaging gameplay, proving that games designed for domestic audiences can achieve international success.

📌 Source: https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/03/nier-automatas-dev-was-ordered-to-ignore-what-the-west-thinks-of-his-game