NieR: Automata’s Philosophical Flair

An exploration of the game’s themes and ideas

I don’t often play a game that immediately prompts me to write. At times, I might force myself to push out something for the mere feeling of productivity. With that being said, there are other times, such as now, which exist solely when inspiration and passion flow through from a specific source. More often than not, these streaks of expressiveness are started by an inspirational piece of media. With this excitedly written article, PlatinumGames’ Japanese Role-Playing game NieR: Automata is the catalyst.

As many, many other humans, my thoughts wander around, dancing on controversial and subjective topics. These contemplations can end up being harmful, leading me into a depressive or pessimistic view of the world. This, of course, is a very fitting introduction for a theme of philosophy. It’s pieces of media like NieR: Automata that help me feel understood in those trying times, giving me an answer, an unlikely answer, to the burning questions that plague my mind.

“Everything that lives is designed to end. We are perpetually trapped in a never-ending spiral of life and death.” — 2B

The first few lines of the game, spoken by the first of the three protagonists, 2B, sets the tone for the entire story. A nihilistic view of life is one…