Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent will transition its operational management to NetEase in January. Thankfully, this change should be seamless for players, with the transfer of save data and progress included. While fans can breathe a sigh of relief, this move raises questions about Square Enix's future commitment to the mobile gaming market.
This news contrasts with the positive reception of the recently announced Final Fantasy XIV mobile version, a project fueled by the enthusiastic collaboration with Tencent's subsidiary, Lightspeed Studios. The outsourcing of Octopath Traveler's operations to NetEase, coupled with the FFXIV mobile partnership, highlights a potential shift in Square Enix's mobile strategy.
They call me the wanderer
Signs of Square Enix's reduced mobile ambitions were apparent as early as 2022 with the closure of Square Enix Montreal, the studio behind successful titles like Hitman GO and Deus Ex GO. Although some mobile games will continue, this strategic shift is regrettable, especially given the considerable player interest in mobile versions of Square Enix franchises, as evidenced by the enthusiasm surrounding the FFXIV mobile release.
This raises valid concerns. However, while awaiting the operational transfer, players might explore our curated list of the top 25 best RPGs for Android to satisfy their gaming desires.