Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent will soon be managed by NetEase, effective January 2024. This operational transfer shouldn't significantly impact players, as the transition will include a seamless save data transfer. While fans can breathe a sigh of relief, this move raises questions about Square Enix's future mobile game strategy.
This year has seen numerous game closures, making the continued operation of Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent welcome news. However, the decision to hand over operations to NetEase follows a similar pattern seen with the outsourcing of the Final Fantasy XIV mobile port to Tencent's Lightspeed Studios. This raises concerns about Square Enix's commitment to the mobile gaming market.
Square Enix's reduced mobile ambitions have been evident since 2022, particularly with the closure of Square Enix Montreal, the studio behind successful mobile titles like Hitman GO and Deus Ex GO. While the survival of some mobile games is positive, the outsourcing trend is still regrettable, especially given the considerable interest in mobile ports of Square Enix properties, as demonstrated by the enthusiastic response to the Final Fantasy XIV mobile announcement.
The future of Square Enix's mobile presence remains uncertain. In the meantime, explore our list of the top 25 best Android RPGs to enjoy while awaiting the Octopath Traveler transition.