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. The 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. With Octopath Traveler on mobile now transitioning to NetEase, and the outsourcing of FFXIV Mobile, it's natural to wonder about Square Enix's current stance on mobile gaming.

They call me the wandererThe 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 despite this strategic shift, it's disappointing that such changes are necessary, especially given the significant interest in mobile versions of Square Enix properties, as evidenced by the excitement around FFXIV on mobile.

It's a valid concern to ponder where Square Enix stands on 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?