How Nier needed Platinum Games to fulfill its creators’ vision

LOS ANGELES — Square Enix always wanted to do a Nier sequel — it was just waiting for the right partner.

Square Enix surprised fans and Electronic Entertainment Expo attendees this week with the announcement of the return of one of its lesser-known game franchises, Nier. The company tapped Bayonetta developer Platinum Games to head up development, working together to chart a new course for the cult hit, which made its debut in 2010 on PlayStation 3.