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

Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent will transition operational management to NetEase Games starting January 2024. This change, thankfully, will not disrupt player progress, as save data and game progress will be transferred seamlessly.

While this news offers relief to fans, it raises questions about Square Enix's future mobile game strategy. The shift follows a trend, exemplified by the closure of Square Enix Montreal in 2022, suggesting a potential scaling back of their mobile ambitions. This contrasts with the recent successful mobile port of Final Fantasy XIV, facilitated by the enthusiastic partnership with Tencent's Lightspeed Studios. The outsourcing of Octopath Traveler to NetEase, alongside the FFXIV mobile collaboration, highlights the evolving landscape of Square Enix's mobile game development.

The decision, while potentially disappointing for some, is understandable given the industry climate and Square Enix's apparent strategic realignment. The continued availability of Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent, albeit under new management, is positive news. However, the trend does raise concerns about the future mobile releases of other beloved Square Enix franchises. For players seeking similar high-quality RPG experiences, exploring our curated list of the top 25 best Android RPGs is a worthwhile alternative.