Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent is changing hands! NetEase will take over operations starting January, but players shouldn't notice significant disruptions, as save data and progress will transfer seamlessly. While this ensures the game's continued availability, it raises questions about Square Enix's overall mobile gaming strategy.
This news follows the recent announcement of a Final Fantasy XIV mobile version, successfully developed with Tencent's assistance. The shift of Octopath Traveler to NetEase, coupled with the FFXIV outsourcing, suggests a potential scaling back of Square Enix's direct involvement in the mobile market.
Signs of this shift were visible as early as 2022 with the closure of Square Enix Montreal, the studio behind successful mobile titles like Hitman GO and Deus Ex GO. While the survival of games like Octopath Traveler is positive, the outsourcing trend is still regrettable, especially considering the clear demand for Square Enix titles on mobile platforms, as evidenced by the immense interest in the FFXIV mobile port.
The future of Square Enix's mobile presence remains uncertain. In the meantime, explore our list of the top 25 best Android RPGs to fill the gap until the Octopath Traveler transition is complete.
