Nier: Automata mastermind Yoko Taro is always happy to hear fellow developers say that the iconic 2017 action RPG inspired them – even if they feel they've basically copied it, although Square Enix might not agree.
Yoko reveals as much during a recent interview with Automaton. When asked how he feels when devs point to Nier as a source of inspiration behind their own games, he explains that he finds it quite a pleasant experience.
"Personally, I'm happy when people say they were influenced by Nier: Automata," as Yoko puts it. "Quite a lot of people seem reluctant to say it, maybe because they're concerned about rights issues."
He continues, expanding on this thought about other devs potentially being concerned over accusations regarding copying: "Sometimes I see games that look very similar, or hear others say, 'This is basically Automata's action system!' But the creators themselves don't say anything. Perhaps they're afraid people will accuse them of copying, I'm not sure."
Regardless, though, Yoko is appreciative either way.
"I personally see it as a form of respect or homage. That's why I'd actually prefer people to say they were influenced by it, or even say outright that they copied it," he admits. He isn't so sure Square Enix would agree with him, however. "Though I don't know how Square Enix would feel about that," as Yoko says, laughing.
He makes a good point – it's likely that a lot of recent action RPGs have drawn influence from the likes of Nier.
Their devs might not feel confident enough to talk about it openly, as Yoko describes here, but it's nice to know that he's open to hearing such praise – even if Square Enix itself might not take too well to folks admitting they've "copied" his game.
