Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent will transition its operations to NetEase starting in January. This change should be seamless for players, as the transfer will include all save data and progress. While this news is reassuring for fans, it raises questions about Square Enix's future commitment to mobile gaming.
This announcement follows the recent reveal of a mobile version of Final Fantasy XIV, a project facilitated by Tencent's subsidiary, Lightspeed Studios. The outsourcing of Octopath Traveler to NetEase, coupled with the FFXIV mobile partnership, suggests a potential shift in Square Enix's mobile strategy.
The company's reduced mobile ambitions may have been foreshadowed as far back as 2022 with the closure of Square Enix Montreal, the studio behind titles like Hitman GO and Deus Ex GO. Although some mobile games will continue, this strategic shift is still regrettable, especially considering the significant player interest in Square Enix titles on mobile platforms, as evidenced by the enthusiasm surrounding the FFXIV mobile announcement.
Despite this change, players can rest assured their progress in Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent will be preserved. In the meantime, explore our list of the top 25 best RPGs for Android to discover other captivating mobile adventures.