The biggest influence of NieR and Nier Automata? Neon Genesis Evangelion

Yoko Taro, the renowned director of the Nier series, has revealed in a recent interview with Square Enix that his work has been heavily influenced by the iconic anime Neon Genesis Evangelion. Taro has reiterated that his acclaimed video game saga, consisting of Nier and Nier: Automata, is “practically a reimagining” of the themes and narratives presented in Hideaki Anno’s work. This connection between the works highlights the lasting impact that Evangelion has had on entertainment culture and on the way developers create complex stories that affect players.

Yoko Taro does not hide in everything that drinks from anime

In Nier, Taro set the narrative in a world where humans have disappeared, which led him to explore a plot that does not involve humanity, a creative decision that reflects his own insecurities and visions about existence. In his own words, although he feels satisfied with his work, he has also confessed that “perhaps I shouldn’t have annihilated humans so easily”. This reflection suggests a deep introspection about the direction of his stories and the emotional connection they can establish with players.

Additionally, Taro expressed his concern about the future of the video game industry in light of the advancement of artificial intelligence, suggesting that developers could lose their jobs and be considered “like bards” in the future. However, his comments were accompanied by a note of skepticism, as other creators, such as Kazutaka Kodaka from Danganronpa, argue that AI still cannot replicate the genuine creativity of a human being.

With his revelations, Taro not only sheds light on the creative process behind Nier, but also raises profound questions about the future direction of narrative in video games and the role of technology in art.