In a year marked by numerous game closures and wind-downs, fans of the mobile spin-off Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent can breathe a sigh of relief. The game will not be shut down, but starting in January next year, Square Enix will transfer the operational responsibilities to NetEase. This move raises questions about Square Enix's commitment to the mobile gaming sector.
Earlier this week, we reported on the announcement of an official mobile version of another Square Enix title, Final Fantasy XIV. The feasibility of this port was significantly influenced by the enthusiasm of Lightspeed Studios, a subsidiary of Tencent. This outsourcing trend continued with Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent, where players will have the opportunity to transfer their save data and progress during the transition to NetEase.
The shift in operations might hint at Square Enix scaling back its mobile ambitions. The closure of Square Enix Montreal in 2022, which developed popular titles like Hitman GO and Deus Ex GO, could be seen as an early indicator of this strategic pivot. While it's positive that some games will continue to thrive under new management, it's disappointing to see such a shift, especially given the evident demand for Square Enix titles on mobile platforms, as demonstrated by the interest in Final Fantasy XIV on mobile.
It's a valid concern to ponder where Square Enix stands regarding mobile gaming. In the meantime, if you're eager to explore other great titles while awaiting the transition, check out our list of the top 25 best RPGs for Android.
They call me the wanderer
