Octopath Traveler: NetEase übernimmt Betrieb von Square Enix

Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent will transition its operations to NetEase starting January. Thankfully, this changeover will include seamless data transfer, ensuring players retain their progress. While fans can breathe a sigh of relief, this move raises concerns about Square Enix's future mobile game strategy.

This news comes in stark contrast to the recent wave of mobile game closures. The successful port of Final Fantasy XIV to mobile, facilitated by Tencent's Lightspeed Studios, highlights the importance of strong partnerships. NetEase's acquisition of Octopath Traveler's operations, coupled with the outsourcing of FFXIV Mobile, suggests a potential shift away from direct mobile development by Square Enix.

This strategic shift might have been foreshadowed in 2022 with the closure of Square Enix Montreal, the studio behind popular mobile titles like Hitman GO and Deus Ex GO. Although some mobile games are surviving this transition, it's regrettable that such a change is necessary, especially given the significant demand for Square Enix titles on mobile platforms, as evidenced by the enthusiastic reception to the FFXIV mobile announcement.

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