Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent is transitioning operational control to NetEase, effective January 2024. This change, while potentially signaling a broader shift in Square Enix's mobile strategy, should be seamless for players, with save data and progress transferring over.
Despite numerous recent mobile game closures, this popular spin-off of the acclaimed RPG will continue. However, the move to NetEase follows a similar outsourcing pattern seen with the upcoming Final Fantasy XIV mobile version, handled by Tencent subsidiary Lightspeed Studios. This raises questions about Square Enix's future commitment to the mobile gaming market.
The writing may have been on the wall since 2022, when Square Enix Montreal, the studio behind successful mobile titles like Hitman GO and Deus Ex GO, was shut down. While the survival of Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent is positive news, the outsourcing highlights a strategic retreat from mobile development, despite significant player interest in mobile ports of popular Square Enix franchises, as evidenced by the enthusiastic reception of the FFXIV mobile announcement.
This strategic shift is understandable, but regrettable. In the meantime, explore our curated list of the top 25 best Android RPGs to enjoy while awaiting the operational transfer.