Platinum Games is no stranger to bombas, with practically every title that it’s developed flopping at some point or other. But you may remember that not too long ago, the studio was put in a difficult position: Xbox One exclusive Scalebound was cancelled, and NieR: Automata didn’t look like it was going to set cash registers alight. Look, let’s not forget that the original NieR killed developer Cavia – and it sounds like the Bayonetta maker was heading down a similar path.
But, of course, director Yoko Taro’s wall-breaking tale about a group of androids turned out to be a critical darling – and its sales were well above expectations, too. In fact, so successful has the title been that industry veteran Hideki Kamiya believes that it may have single-handedly saved the studio. “Normally, I can't help but do everything by myself… It's a pitiful story, but to say that Yoko-san saved Platinum would not be an exaggeration. I cannot thank him enough,” he said.
Platinum Games is one of the industry’s most beloved developers, so that it’s managed to pull through a rough time is really heartening to hear. We wonder if there’ll be more NieR in the pipeline – it seems reasonable to expect another entry given just how popular Automata has proven. Is that something you’d like to see? Become as gods in the comments section below.
[source twitter.com, via eurogamer.net]
Comments 30
Hopefully we get the first one ported to ps4 now. Didnt they say if the 2nd one did well we would get the first one?
''the studio was put in a difficult position: Xbox One exclusive Scalebound was cancelled''
I assume they got paid for the work they delivered, Microsoft cancelled the game, not Platinum after all.
Definitely one of my Top 3 games of the year, any success it's had is really well deserved
@Octane Yeah, but suddenly you've got 100 employees who you need to pay and no project to assign them.
Nice one - always nice to see a game though of so highly do well commercially and also save a company!
Yeah I mean Scalebound was like 4 years in development? They must have had a lot of hope on that.
In 2017 a Yoko Taro game saved a company. Not sure I'm in the same universe I was born in...
I said it before but get them developing the combat system for the next Final Fantasy game, and Taro to direct!
Still need to get nier: automata. In many other years it would have been an insta buy. But this year has just been so strong for new releases.
Impressive how well the game has performed when you consider the market it launched in. Delighted for their success
I've only recently finished this game, but it is truly incredible. I may still be buzzing from all the revelations, but it is likely one of my favourite games of all time. Everything about it is excellent. If anyone is considering playing it, I would highly recommend you take the plunge - you will not be disappointed by one of the best video game stories I have ever played.
I loved the demo and planned on getting it but so many other games I wanted have continually been released this year. You can tell it's selling well because it's still £35+ everywhere.
Currently playing this now. Just defeated the 'Opera' Boss and made it to 'Machine Village'...I'll say no more. Really enjoying this so far.
Another game I've needed to play
Platinum games usually has great gameplay and characters but forgettable story, yoko taro games usually has great story but bad gameplay, they practically made for each other
And playstation is the number one place for mature single player story games, no wonder nier automata sold great
I still have not gotten this game. I need too.
This game is amazing. I hope that people didn't buy this game just for 2B's booty and the sales represent people recognizing Platinum Games as a studio that produces great games.
@BranJ0 Sounds like you really liked it man, that's awesome.
Don't want to see Platinum go under. I'd like them to make Bayonetta 3 at one point.
@get2sammyb They can work on Bayonetta 3 or another Vanquish
Still haven't completely forgiven them for dropping the ball on TMNT - that seemed like a perfect fit for Platinum Games. But yes, I'd take another NieR game - from their dr. Jekyll side, please.
I thought cavia was absorbed into AQ, guess you could call it a death though.
I have a feeling the games they made with activision weren't a great arrangement on their end either.
Yet another game I won't be getting to until next year. Not a huge platinum fan, but this sounds interesting, and I enjoyed the demo. Glad to hear it did well.
Honestly besides Bayonetta has any Platinum games done well? I am beginning to feel like people over hype Platinum.
NieR: Automata is as good as any game released this year. I'm happy it carved out a nice niche for itself and would love to see another game in the series.
Pretty sad that one of the best devs in the world is always struggling for sales. So I am happy to see it helped them.
Given they want from bombs on Wii U to Scalebound...it was needed for them.
@Tasuki I think it depends on what you mean by doing well. Their games don't really sell all that well, but quite a few of them are recieved well and have a cult following. Metal Gear Rising: Revengence (Especially this game), Vanquish, Transformers: Devastation, and Wonderful 101 come to mind. They've had a lot of bombs too though.
As far as over hyping them I'd have to say: maybe. It really depends on what perspective you've got.
But why are they "one of the most beloved developers in the world"? Mostly flops and a few hits wouldn't earn them this honour.
Lovely news to hear. Hopefully Platinum will keep up the quality.
Picked it up today. It is $39.99 on US Amazon store!
Dat subtitle 👌
@Bluetrain7 Was coming back to this article to say the same thing! Well I haven't bought it yet...but to say it was $39.99 on Amazon (cheapest I have ever seen it) for anyone that has been maybe waiting for a price drop!
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