Key information
NieR franchise creator Yoko Taro recently disclosed that he has no current plans for new games and would prefer to retire. Speaking at The Tenth Mosaic festival, Taro admitted he feels his life goal was achieved with his 2003 directorial debut, Drakengard. He views his subsequent work as the remainder of his life, noting he only continues to work to maintain an income.
Despite having sufficient savings and a pension, Taro remains active due to a fear of developing dementia. He believes that staying employed serves as a preventative measure against the disorder. When facing workplace challenges, he motivates himself by framing the stress as a way to keep his mind sharp.
Taro, known for his eccentric persona, also discussed the evolving landscape of the Japanese game industry. He noted that while modern technology allows younger creators more freedom, it has also intensified competition. He expressed trepidation that this competitive pressure will eventually impact older developers like himself.
Regarding his recent output, Taro clarified that he has been working on various projects, though many were canceled during development. While fans often question his inactivity, he maintains that he has been consistently employed, even if those efforts never reached the public.
