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 starting January. This change, thankfully, will not significantly impact players, as save data and progress will be transferred. While fans can breathe a sigh of relief, this 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, Square Enix's decision to outsource operations to NetEase follows a similar pattern with the upcoming mobile version of Final Fantasy XIV, handled by Tencent's subsidiary, Lightspeed Studios. This outsourcing raises concerns about Square Enix's commitment to the mobile gaming market.

Square Enix's reduced mobile ambitions might have been foreshadowed as early as 2022 with the closure of Square Enix Montreal, the studio behind successful titles like Hitman GO and Deus Ex GO. The survival of some mobile titles is positive, but the need for such strategic shifts remains regrettable, especially given the evident demand for Square Enix games on mobile platforms, as highlighted by the substantial interest in the FFXIV mobile port.

While the future of Square Enix's mobile presence remains uncertain, players awaiting the Octopath Traveler transition can explore our list of the top 25 best Android RPGs.