Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent's operations are transferring to NetEase in January. This transition will include a seamless transfer of save data and player progress, minimizing disruption for players. While this news is positive for existing players, it raises questions about Square Enix's overall mobile gaming strategy.
The move follows a trend of Square Enix seemingly scaling back its mobile ambitions. This is evidenced by the 2022 closure of Square Enix Montreal, the studio behind successful mobile titles like Hitman GO and Deus Ex GO. The recent successful port of Final Fantasy XIV to mobile, handled by Tencent subsidiary Lightspeed Studios, highlights the potential for success with external partnerships, but also contrasts with the NetEase handover of Octopath Traveler.
The outsourcing of Octopath Traveler and the partnership for FFXIV Mobile leave the future of Square Enix's mobile presence somewhat unclear. While some titles will continue, the shift suggests a strategic retreat from direct mobile development. This is particularly noteworthy given the significant player interest in bringing more Square Enix franchises to mobile platforms, as demonstrated by the enthusiastic reception of the FFXIV mobile announcement.
Despite this uncertainty, players can continue to enjoy Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent without significant interruption. For those seeking other high-quality RPGs in the meantime, a curated list of the top 25 best Android RPGs is available.
