Yoko Taro Says He Wants to Retire, Fears Dementia Keeps Him Making Games

NieR creator Yoko Taro admits he's basically done with new projects and only keeps working to stave off dementia risk, though his trademark trolling leaves fans guessing.

Yoko Taro just dropped one of the most Yoko Taro statements ever, and honestly, we're not sure whether to laugh or send him a retirement card.

During a talk event at The Tenth Mosaic game culture festival held at the French Institute in Tokyo back in September, the NieR creator sat down with Ender Lilies and Ender Magnolia director Keiichi Okabe. When asked if he had any new projects in the works, Taro didn't exactly sugarcoat it. He said there are "basically none," and flat-out admitted he doesn't want to work anymore.

According to Japanese outlet Denfaminicogamer, as reported by IGN on October 9, Taro explained that he already accomplished what he wanted with his directorial debut, the 2003 PS2 title Drakengard. In his mind, everything since then has just been bonus time. The only reason he keeps clocking in? No income would be a hassle.

He's actually given retirement serious thought, believing his savings and pension would be enough to get by. But there's a catch. Taro mentioned hearing about people who retired and were later diagnosed with dementia, and that worry has kept him at his desk. He even jokes to himself that tackling tough problems is good dementia prevention. He's 56 now.

As for what he's actually up to, Taro is currently writing the script for a brand-new Neon Genesis Evangelion TV anime, with Okabe handling the music. Since 2021's NieR Reincarnation and the NieR Replicant remaster, he's also worked on the Voice of Cards series and the 2024 mobile game 404 GAME RE:SET. He noted that several projects he's been involved with in recent years got cancelled mid-development, which is why it looks like he hasn't done anything.

Of course, this is the same guy famous for wearing an Emil mask and saying wild things just to mess with everyone. Whether he's being completely sincere here is anyone's guess, and that's exactly what makes him so entertaining.

What do you think, is Taro genuinely eyeing retirement, or is this just another classic bit of Yoko Taro trolling? Let us know in the comments.