Back in early 2017, the sequel to the cult classic Nier on PS3 ended up bringing the series much closer to mainstream than previously. With a unique next-gen aesthetic and gameplay experience, Nier: Automata released in February of 2017 to great reviews in Japan, and saw worldwide acclaim by the worldwide launch in March. However, while the PS4 version of the game saw great critical acclaim, Nier Automata's Windows version saw notably lower review scores. Granted, the game still received relatively high reviews, but the PC port to Steam had numerous technical issues not present in the PS4 release of the game, many of which still aren't fixed today.
That's seemingly changed with the latest version of the game on PC, specifically the version available on the Windows Store, and more importantly Xbox Game Pass. Obviously Nier Automata on Xbox Game Pass is a huge get, especially for those who've never played it, but fans have noticed a pretty significant problem. Many of the technical issues on the Steam version are seemingly absent in the Xbox Game Pass version of the game, despite Steam's version still retaining all issues. Understandably, fans who purchased the game on Steam are frustrated, especially when other fans are getting the superior version of the game for "free" with Xbox Game Pass.
Comparing Nier: Automata's 2017 PC Port and 2021's Xbox Port
Arguably, the controversy with Nier Automata really began in 2017, when the game was initially ported to PC via Steam. Just a few weeks after the worldwide PS4 release date, Nier Automata's PC version released to high praise on a surface-level, but many critics and fans also noted severe issues with the port. Digital Foundry ended up taking an in-depth look at some of the issues in the port, but there were several key problems that affected all players: Cutscenes had fixed resolution (900p) and frame rate (30 FPS), but often chugged below that. Another issue was resolution and aspect ratio problems in full-screen, something only fixed by a Steam community mod.
There were also additional issues with texture pop-in, performance in densely populated areas, among other resolution issues, but mileage varied between players for those problems. However, it wouldn't be until the Windows Store/Xbox Game Pass version seemingly fixed those issues where Nier: Automata would fall under the controversy it's receiving now. Porting Nier: Automata Become as Gods Edition was outsourced to Polish studio QLOC, which fixed a number of issues from the original Steam port, as well as added additional features like HDR support, higher resolution UI textures, and AMD FidelityFX support.
It's important to note that Nier: Automata Become as Gods Edition was an enhanced port specifically made for the Xbox One. At this time, the Steam version of Nier: Automata hasn't received these changes in an update, nor have any plans been announced for these changes to come to existing players on Steam.
Fan Response to Nier: Automata's Port Disparity
As a result, players who purchased the Steam version of Nier: Automata have begun review-bombing the game on Valve's platform. In many cases, from Steam players' perspectives, many have deemed the situation unfair for players who purchased a version of the game from another storefront and received a better version of the game they own. Not to mention those playing for "free," assuming they're already subscribed to Xbox Game Pass. In a forum post discussing the desire to review-bomb the game on Valve's platform, Steam user "askasys" puts it very plainly: "This time it's really a shame, there is no excuse to not update or not [give players] the new version."
All-time reviews of Nier: Automata on Steam remain "very positive," but recent reviews of the game have now fallen under the "mixed" reception category. In the last six days since the game's release on Windows Store/Game Pass, the game has received over 1100 negative reviews. Numerous recently posted reviews echo a similar sentiment; that Square Enix is allegedly ignoring the Steam version of Nier: Automata, thanks to QLOC's recent re-release. Responses vary between fans begging for similar treatment to come to existing owners of the Steam version, while others are encourage prospective buyers to avoid and/or boycott Nier: Automata on Steam.
Chances of a Steam Fix/Update Aren't Particularly Likely
Several fans have also asked for an update to the existing Nier: Automata on Steam to include the fixes in the Become as Gods Edition. As for the feasibility of that, it's hard to say specifically. Based on the changes apparently included by QLOC in this more recent PC port, it seems this version of Nier: Automata were implemented on a different version of the game. Become as Gods Edition was a version of Nier: Automata designed specifically for the Xbox One, so it's unclear if QLOC's updates to the game could even be adapted to the Steam version.
Square Enix could've done a similar thing with Dragon Quest 11, which removed the original version in favor of Dragon Quest 11 S, the definitive version of the 11th entry. However, Nier: Automata remains the same on Steam, and this Become as Gods Edition PC port is (for now) only available on Windows Store and Xbox Game Pass. Players are even starting to notice a similar scenario is happening with The Evil Within's recent re-release on Windows Store/Xbox Game Pass.
It's unclear if these versions are simply going to co-exist next to one another, or if the significant fan response may force a change from Square Enix. Either way, Nier: Automata on Steam may not be the place to play Platinum Games' critically acclaimed action RPG.
Nier: Automata is available now on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.