Could a Recent Trademark Filing for NieR Mean Square Enix is Reviving the Original Title?

NieR, far, wherever you are.

Today has a pretty crazy one when it comes to potential new games for 2020. Capcom just filed a number of trademarks on classics like Dino Crisis and Power Stone, and now it’s Square Enix’s turn.

The news comes from Nibellion on Twitter. Square Enix recently filed a trademark for the original NieR, which released on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 back in 2010.

First filed on Nov. 29, the trademark simply shows the name NieR, and no additional word following it. So speculation on a sequel to NieR: Automata is out, focusing instead on the first game. Or, of course, Squeenix could just be trademarking the brand—better late than never?

When NieR released earlier this decade, it didn’t win over as many gamers as the publisher had hoped. Some complained about certain elements, such as the grainy visuals and the bothersome side quests.

That said, the game became a cult classic with many and, eventually, Square Enix revitalized the franchise with NieR: Automata, working alongside Platinum Games and director Yoko Taro.

Considering Automata’s success—it’s sold over 4 million copies worldwide since its release—the publisher might be looking into giving the original another chance, with the HD treatment and possible improvements to boot.

Square Enix hasn’t said a word about what it has planned, so take this trademark’s meaning as purely speculative for now. However, this cult classic would be interesting to see alongside Square’s bigger hits for 2020, namely Marvel’s Avengers and Final Fantasy VII Remake.