Octopath Traveler: NetEase Now Oversees Operations

Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent's operations are transitioning to NetEase in January. This change, thankfully, shouldn't disrupt player progress, as save data transfer is included. While fans can breathe a sigh of relief, the move raises questions about Square Enix's future mobile game strategy.

This year has seen numerous mobile game closures, making the continued operation of Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent welcome news. However, the decision to hand operations over to NetEase, following the outsourcing of Final Fantasy XIV Mobile to Tencent's Lightspeed Studios, suggests a potential retreat from the mobile market by Square Enix.

Square Enix's reduced mobile ambitions were perhaps foreshadowed in 2022 with the closure of Square Enix Montreal, the studio behind successful titles like Hitman GO and Deus Ex GO. Although some titles will continue, the shift is regrettable, especially considering the significant demand for Square Enix games on mobile platforms, as evidenced by the enthusiastic reception of the Final Fantasy XIV mobile announcement.

The question of Square Enix's mobile future remains. In the meantime, explore our curated list of the top 25 best Android RPGs to fill the gap until the Octopath Traveler transition.