Gamescom 2016: Platinum Games' NieR: Automata Will No Longer Be PS4 Exclusive

Steam release scheduled

by Sammy Barker Wed 17th Aug 2016

While it's never really been billed as a "big" exclusive, NieR: Automata was only announced for the PlayStation 4. Well, until today. Square Enix has announced that the Platinum Games developed sequel will now also roll out on Steam early next year, so it's more of a "console exclusive" these days. You've got to love that press conference terminology.

This game's been getting a lot of hype, despite its predecessor being poorly received. The original did go on to cultivate a cult following, but we suspect that much of the enthusiasm for this version centres on Platinum Games – the Japanese developer knows its way around the action genre, after all.

To be honest, the PC release makes sense – the publisher clearly knows its target audience for this title. And it's not like the PS4 version will be affected at all.

[source eurogamer.net]

As the Editor of Push Square, Sammy has over 15 years of experience analysing the world of PlayStation, from PS3 through PS5 and everything in between. He’s an expert on PS Studios and industry matters, as well as sports games and simulators. He also enjoys RPGs when he has the time to dedicate to them, and is a bit of a gacha whale.

1
Gamer83
Wed 17th Aug 2016

Wasn't hyped when it was announced, still don't care now and all this news means is more people get access to a subpar-looking game. Aside from Bayonetta not much coming from Platinum these days is worth a sh*t. SE's involvement doesn't help.

2
stinkyx
Wed 17th Aug 2016

I prefer playing on the PS4, but I always go for the PC version if framerate is an issue (i.e. Homefront: The Revolution). Still waiting for the day when I can buy a game once and play it anywhere (I think MS is going that way with Windows 10 and XBox).

Still need to play the first game. Ugh...

3
Frank90
Wed 17th Aug 2016

I think that's good. More platforms means more sales, which mean possibility of sequel. Let's face it, NIER won't be a big hit no matter the platform, so more is better.

4
NinjaWaddleDee
Wed 17th Aug 2016

For some reason I'm ridcuolusly hyped for this game. I guess Its the cool character designs, and the action on display. Hopefully platinum won't disappoint like they have been lately.

5
JaxonH
Wed 17th Aug 2016

Meh, it's still exclusive as far as I'm concerned. PC doesn't count as a dedicated gaming platform.

The only ppl who care about PC releases stripping exclusivity are the fanboys. "That's not really exclusive, you can get em all on PC"

We all know those types.

6
rjejr
Wed 17th Aug 2016

@JaxonH When I read the title my first thought was NX. My second thought was I wonder if @sinalefa ever bought an X1 for Scalebound. My third thought was, whatever happened to Scalebound? I guess it must have gotten delayed like every game these days. And of course it's an exclusive that's also playable on Windows PC, though I suppose that's the case for all X1 games these days.

7
Thegentleman
Wed 17th Aug 2016

I would personally still call it an exclusive

8
sinalefa
Wed 17th Aug 2016

@rjejr

Game got delayed to 2017 long ago. And with Scorpio announced it would be dumb to buy an X1 now. Like you skipping the Neo over the old model.

9
JaxonH
Thu 18th Aug 2016

@rjejr
Idk, think it got delayed to 2017. Figure it'll be showcased next e3, alongside the new Zelda

@sinalefa
Idk, prices for the OG X1 model are incredibly low.

I saw a brand new X1 + 3 games for $200 the other day. That's insane. Heck that's less than a New 3DS XL, and comes with 3 games! And they were good games too, not crap. Like Ori, Halo and Forza.

For that price, I mean shoot. That's weekend pocket change. Granted its a little different for you having to import, but still. I'm paying $80 just for the new controller. $120 more gets you an entire system and 3 of the best games on the system. It's a mammoth of a system and once the Scorpio releases it'll probably be trade fodder, but even so...

10
rjejr
Thu 18th Aug 2016

@JaxonH "I'm paying $80 just for the new controller."

I was in the MS store the other day w/ my kids, some of those design choices are really nice. I hated the feel of the controller though, too smooth and plasticity. I like a rubber textured grip.

11
rjejr
Thu 18th Aug 2016

@sinalefa "Like you skipping the Neo over the old model."

Hey I can do dumb, Dec 2014 I bought a PS3 instead of a PS4. It was $170 and came w/ Disney Infinty $70 starter set which I gave to my kids, so only $100 for my system which I use as a TV streaming box mostly, gaming occasionally.

I haven't made up my mind on the Neo yet, need to see the prices, game bundles, HDD sizes, etc, before I make up my mind. And w/ FFXV delayed 2 months I have plenty of time.