NieR Automata Anime Opens in January 2023

Aniplex revealed the first details and images from the anime adaptation of NieR Automata at its Aniplex Online Fest livestream on Saturday. The series will open in January of 2023. It has a new formal title, as well: NieR Automata Ver. 1.1a. According to Yoko Taro, the reason for this version numbering is that it “wouldn’t be interesting” to simply copy the game’s story as-is in the anime. The adaptation was first announced back in February 2022.

Check out the first promos for the NieR Automata anime below.

The trailers include looks at both YoRHa androids 2B and 9S, and shows off scenes from the beginning of the game as animated by A-1 Pictures. The video also includes comments by creator Yoko Taro, and the Director Ryoji Masuyama. Masuyama previously worked on series like Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt, Kill la Kill, Gurren Lagann, Great Pretender, and Blend S. Character designs will be adapted by Jun Nakai, who also serves as Chief Animation Director. Nakai worked on shows like GATE, Mardock Scramble, and Lord El-Melloi II’s Case File.

Aniplex also uploaded some key art showing off the anime character designs for 2B and 9S, as well as a pair of character-specific trailers.

Here’s 2B’s trailer.

And here’s 9S’ trailer.

As for the voice cast, four roles are currently confirmed for the NieR Automata anime. Yui Ishikawa and Natsuki Hanae will return to voice their roles as 2B and 9S, respectively. Their drone-like companions, Pod 042 and Pod 153, will also be voiced by their game voice actors, Hiroki Yasumoto and Kaoru Akiyama.

The Nier Automata Ver 1.1a anime premieres in January 2023 in Japan. The game is available on PS4, Xbox One, and PC. The Nintendo Switch edition releases on October 6, 2022.