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

Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent will be managed by NetEase starting January 2024. This operational transfer shouldn't disrupt player progress, as save data will be carried over. While this news is positive for players, it raises questions about Square Enix's overall mobile gaming strategy.

The move follows a trend. Earlier this year, Square Enix announced a mobile version of Final Fantasy XIV, a project facilitated by Tencent's Lightspeed Studios. The outsourcing of Octopath Traveler to NetEase, coupled with the FFXIV mobile partnership, suggests a potential scaling back of Square Enix's direct involvement in mobile game development.

This shift might not be surprising given Square Enix Montreal's closure in 2022, a studio known for titles like Hitman GO and Deus Ex GO. Although some existing mobile games will continue, the change is still regrettable, especially considering the high demand for Square Enix titles on mobile platforms, as evidenced by the enthusiastic response to the FFXIV mobile announcement.

While the future of Square Enix's mobile presence remains uncertain, players can explore our list of the top 25 Android RPGs in the meantime.