It seems that Japanese copyright law is finally starting to catch up with the internet, so creators have been reconsidering the implications of letting other people profit off their own IP. Studio Khara's guidelines for Evangelion weren't taken particularly well by fans who thought they wanted to limit lewds based on their characters; characters who have been getting lewded for years. Even the Japanese government has been discussing whether cosplayers are violating copyright law if they make money by dressing up as characters from other works. Now Square Enix is stepping into the ring with guidelines for one of its own franchises; arguably the horniest of them all. 

A post on the NieR website lists rules for artists wanting to create their own works inspired by the series. Like Evangelion's, this one has straightforward legal cautions against tracing existing artwork or using your fanart for commercial purposes without a license. Then there's "Do not engage in conduct that ruins the image of the series, violates public order and morality, or exceeds that which is societally acceptable." It ends with a rather foreboding "Derivative works shall be done at the creator's own risk" and a warning that Square Enix "...will not be held responsible for any damage or disputes with third parties resulting from derivative works based on this guideline." Sounds like they're serious.

Yoko Taro, the series' creator and noted lover of lewdness, reacted to the guidelines on Twitter. He said, "It seems that Nier's derivative work guideline state 'Do not do anything that violates public order and morality, or exceeds that which is societally acceptable.' As I've said before, the content of the Nier franchise itself crosses those lines..."

If you've played NieR Automata, you'll know that it itsn't an erotic game by any means, bar 2B's huge cheeks under that skirt. Sex and love are themes that are explored from the perspective of machines trying to emulate humanity, but Taro knew exactly what he was doing when he wanted the main character in this introspective tale of human nature and artificial lifeforms 2B an android with a dumptruck butt. Sex sells, and we all know Square are no strangers to that age-old marketing technique.

What do you guys think of this? Will other companies keep putting out their own guidelines? Or do you think Square Enix will give up on this faster than that Avengers game? Let us know below!