Square Enix Transfers Octopath Traveler Operations to NetEase

In a year marked by the closure of numerous mobile games, fans of Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent can breathe a sigh of relief. The mobile spin-off of the beloved throwback RPG will not be shutting down but will instead see its operations transferred to NetEase starting January next year. This move may indicate Square Enix's intention to scale back its focus on mobile gaming.

This week, we also reported on the announcement of an official mobile version of another Square Enix title, Final Fantasy XIV. The feasibility of this port was largely due to the enthusiasm shown by Lightspeed Studios, a subsidiary of Tencent.

With Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent now set to be managed by NetEase, players will have the opportunity to seamlessly transfer their save data and progress during the switchover. This development, coupled with the outsourcing of Final Fantasy XIV Mobile, raises questions about Square Enix's current stance on mobile gaming.

They call me the wanderer

The signs of Square Enix possibly reducing its mobile focus were evident as early as 2022, with the closure of Square Enix Montreal, the studio behind acclaimed titles like Hitman GO and Deus Ex GO. While it's reassuring to know that some titles will continue to be supported through this strategic shift, it's still disappointing that such changes are necessary. The significant interest in mobile versions of Square Enix properties, exemplified by the excitement around Final Fantasy XIV on mobile, underscores the demand in this market.

It's a valid concern to ponder where Square Enix is headed with its mobile endeavors. In the meantime, if you're looking to explore other modern classics, check out our list of the top 25 best RPGs for Android.