Square Enix Transfers Octopath Traveler Operations to NetEase

In a year marked by numerous game closures and wind-downs, fans of Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent can breathe a sigh of relief. This mobile spin-off of the beloved throwback RPG will not be shutting down. Instead, starting in January next year, Square Enix will transfer the operational handling of the game to NetEase. This move might indicate a broader shift in Square Enix's approach to mobile gaming.

Earlier this week, we reported on the announcement of an official mobile version of another Square Enix title, Final Fantasy XIV. The feasibility of this port was largely due to the enthusiasm shown by Lightspeed Studios, a Tencent subsidiary. This development, coupled with the transfer of Octopath Traveler to NetEase, raises questions about Square Enix's future in the mobile gaming space.

They call me the wanderer

The signs of Square Enix scaling back its mobile ambitions were evident as early as 2022, with the closure of Square Enix Montreal, the studio behind acclaimed titles like Hitman GO and Deus Ex GO. While it's reassuring to see that some games will continue to thrive despite this strategic shift, it's unfortunate that such changes are necessary. The significant interest in mobile versions of Square Enix properties, as evidenced by the excitement around Final Fantasy XIV on mobile, underscores the potential of this platform.

It's a valid concern to ponder where Square Enix stands with mobile gaming. In the meantime, if you're eager to explore other modern classics, why not check out our list of the top 25 best RPGs for Android?