Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent is transitioning its operations to NetEase Games starting January. Thankfully, this changeover will include a seamless transfer of player save data and progress, minimizing disruption for existing players. While fans can breathe a sigh of relief, this move raises questions about Square Enix's future commitment to the mobile gaming market.
This news follows the recent announcement of a mobile Final Fantasy XIV, a project facilitated by the enthusiasm of Tencent's Lightspeed Studios. The outsourcing of Octopath Traveler's operations to NetEase, coupled with the FFXIV mobile collaboration, suggests a potential shift in Square Enix's mobile strategy.
Recall Square Enix Montreal's closure in 2022, a studio responsible for popular mobile titles like Hitman GO and Deus Ex GO. This signaled a possible scaling back of mobile ambitions. While the survival of titles like Octopath Traveler is positive, the outsourcing raises concerns, especially given the significant interest in mobile ports of Square Enix properties, as evidenced by the excitement surrounding the FFXIV mobile version.
The question remains: what does this mean for the future of Square Enix's mobile game development? For now, players can enjoy a smooth transition with their saved progress. In the meantime, explore our list of top Android RPGs to fill the gap until the switchover.
