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

Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent is transitioning its operations to NetEase Games starting January 2024. This change, while potentially signaling a shift in Square Enix's mobile strategy, will reportedly be seamless for players, with save data and progress transferring over.

Despite recent industry closures, this popular mobile spin-off of the acclaimed RPG will continue. However, the decision to outsource its operation to NetEase, following a similar move with the upcoming Final Fantasy XIV mobile port handled by Tencent's Lightspeed Studios, raises questions about Square Enix's future mobile game development.

The writing may have been on the wall since 2022, when Square Enix Montreal, the studio behind successful mobile titles like Hitman GO and Deus Ex GO, was shut down. While the survival of Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent is positive news, the outsourcing highlights a strategic retreat from mobile gaming, despite considerable player interest in mobile ports of Square Enix franchises, as evidenced by the enthusiasm surrounding the FFXIV mobile announcement.

This shift prompts questions about Square Enix's mobile future. In the meantime, explore our list of the top 25 best Android RPGs to enjoy while awaiting the operational transfer.