Tencent’s plans to develop a new installment in the Nier franchise in collaboration with Square Enix have hit a snag, as reports suggest that development on the project came to a halt in December. The intended game, reportedly designed for mobile platforms, had been in progress for nearly two years before being shelved.
The decision to cease development reportedly stemmed from the significant expenses associated with the project, including development costs and securing the rights to the Nier intellectual property. Additionally, Tencent encountered challenges in determining an effective monetization strategy for the mobile game, ultimately leading the company to scrap the endeavor.
While a mobile Nier title already exists in the form of Nier Reincarnation, its impending shutdown later this year signals a temporary setback. Despite this setback, fans need not fear for the future of the Nier series. Producer Yosuke Saito has hinted strongly that the franchise will persevere under the guidance of director Yoko Taro, albeit with the timing of future releases remaining uncertain.
Meanwhile, Tencent has been exploring other ventures in the gaming industry, including a reported endeavor to create a mobile adaptation of Elden Ring.
This project aims to replicate the successful free-to-play model popularized by Genshin Impact. As Tencent endeavors to solidify its position in the gaming sphere, the company has made notable investments, including full ownership of Riot Games and a substantial stake in Epic Games.
However, Tencent’s CEO Pony Ma recently expressed dissatisfaction with the company’s progress in the gaming sector, lamenting that Tencent has “achieved nothing” in the past year compared to its competitors, particularly in light of the significant releases witnessed in 2023.
As Tencent seeks to navigate the evolving landscape of the gaming industry, the company faces both challenges and opportunities on its path to growth and innovation.
