Yoko Taro Warns Fans About Fake Nier Automata Autographs with Hidden Signature Clues

Resellers beware: Nier Automata’s eccentric creator, Yoko Taro, has issued a rather direct warning to collectors and fans: almost half of the items claiming to bear his signature are complete fakes. In a recent exchange on X (formerly Twitter), the masked director responded to a fan who proudly showcased a supposedly autographed copy of the Nier: Automata soundtrack listed for around €200 – only to be told by Taro himself that it was counterfeit.

In his characteristically cryptic yet candid way, Yoko Taro revealed that every legitimate autograph he signs includes what he called “small, unknown features.” These subtle identifiers, he explained, help him detect fraudulent reproductions and discourage reselling.

“This autograph is a fake,” Taro wrote bluntly. “I include small, unknown features in my real autographs to prevent reselling, so I can tell when one isn’t genuine. Nearly half of the autographs being resold are actually fake, so please don’t buy them.”

Fans, naturally, went into detective mode. Some began comparing their memorabilia, zooming in on photos of signed artbooks, soundtracks, and posters in an attempt to discover what Taro meant by “unknown features.” Others speculated that he might have hidden micro symbols or irregular pen strokes deliberately designed to trip up counterfeiters. Still, as the developer himself hinted, the secret is likely to remain hidden forever – any public revelation would make those same markers useless.

Yoko Taro’s relationship with his fans has always been peculiar and deeply theatrical. He’s famous for wearing a large Emil mask during public appearances, speaking through it in a deadpan tone while dropping sly, philosophical remarks. This latest revelation fits neatly into his oddball public persona: a mix of honesty, absurdity, and deliberate mystery. Some fans even joked that the real trick might be psychological – that he’s spreading fear among resellers simply by claiming the existence of these hidden signs.

Meanwhile, on the creative front, the director’s longtime collaborator and Nier producer Yosuke Saito has confirmed that Taro and composer Keiichi Okabe are quietly working on something new. Whether it’s Nier 3 or a completely different project remains a mystery. “It might be Nier, it might not be Nier,” Saito teased with a laugh. His cryptic phrasing has only fueled fan theories, especially after Taro’s subtle teaser during a concert in early 2024 hinted at a continuation of the franchise’s melancholic, machine-filled universe.

Since its 2017 release, Nier: Automata has grown from a cult hit to a modern classic, praised for its haunting narrative and kinetic combat. IGN’s review summed it up perfectly: “A great action role-playing game filled with beautiful locations and zany, fun-filled combat.” For now, fans may have to wait for news of the next chapter – and think twice before purchasing that signed soundtrack on eBay.