Yoko Taro is happy when developers say they copied Nier: Automata – Square Enix might feel differently

Game director Nier: Automata Yoko Taro said he genuinely loves hearing other developers cite his game as an inspiration – and he doesn't mind at all if they've outright copied it. Whether Square Enix shares that enthusiasm is another matter.

In a recent interview, Taro touched on the influence the iconic 2017 action RPG has had on the broader industry. He finds the acknowledgments flattering, though he's noticed many developers tend to stay quiet about it.

"Personally, I'm happy when people say they were influenced by Nier: Automata. Quite a lot of people seem reluctant to say it, maybe because they're concerned about rights issues."

He also pointed out that he occasionally comes across games that clearly echo his work – yet their creators say nothing publicly.

"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."

For Taro, though, that kind of imitation reads as respect rather than something worth taking issue with.

"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 did add one caveat, laughing: "Though I don't know how Square Enix would feel about that."