Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent will see Square Enix transfer operations to NetEase

Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent will transition its operations to NetEase starting in January. This change shouldn't significantly impact players, as the transfer will include save data and progress. While fans can breathe a sigh of relief, this move raises questions about Square Enix's overall mobile gaming strategy.

The news contrasts with recent positive developments, such as the upcoming mobile release of Final Fantasy XIV, facilitated by Tencent's Lightspeed Studios. This partnership highlights a willingness from some companies to invest in high-quality mobile ports. However, the NetEase handover of Octopath Traveler, coupled with the outsourcing of FFXIV Mobile, suggests a potential scaling back of Square Enix's direct involvement in the mobile market.

The writing may have been on the wall since 2022, with the closure of Square Enix Montreal, the studio behind successful mobile titles like Hitman GO and Deus Ex GO. Although some games will continue, the shift is still unfortunate, particularly given the strong demand for Square Enix titles on mobile, as evidenced by the enthusiastic reception of the FFXIV mobile announcement.

The future of Square Enix's mobile ambitions remains uncertain. In the meantime, explore our list of the top 25 best Android RPGs to enjoy while awaiting the Octopath Traveler transition.