Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent will soon be managed by NetEase, starting January 2024. This operational transfer shouldn't significantly impact players, as the transition will include save data and progress migration. However, this move raises questions about Square Enix's future mobile gaming strategy.
While many recent game releases have faced closures, Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent will continue. This contrasts with Square Enix's apparent retreat from direct mobile game development, evidenced by the outsourcing of FFXIV Mobile to Tencent's Lightspeed Studios and the previous closure of Square Enix Montreal (developer of Hitman GO and Deus Ex GO).
The strong interest in a mobile version of Final Fantasy XIV highlights a clear demand for Square Enix titles on mobile platforms. While the continuation of Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent is positive news, the shift to NetEase suggests a broader strategic change for Square Enix in the mobile gaming market.
The decision to transfer operations may be seen as a scaling back of Square Enix's mobile ambitions, a trend hinted at since the 2022 closure of Square Enix Montreal. While some titles will survive this shift, it's unfortunate that such a move was necessary, especially given the clear player interest in mobile adaptations of popular Square Enix franchises. For players seeking similar high-quality RPGs in the meantime, we recommend checking out our list of the top 25 best RPGs for Android.
