In a year marked by numerous game closures, fans of Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent can breathe a sigh of relief. This mobile spin-off of the beloved throwback RPG isn't shutting down; instead, Square Enix is set to transfer its operational handling to NetEase starting January next year. This move might hint at Square Enix's gradual retreat from the mobile gaming scene.
You might remember our coverage earlier this week about the official mobile version of another Square Enix property, Final Fantasy XIV (14). The feasibility of this port was largely due to the enthusiasm shown by Lightspeed Studios, a Tencent subsidiary.
With Octopath Traveler on mobile now transitioning to NetEase, complete with the ability to transfer your save data and progress, alongside the outsourcing of FFXIV Mobile, it prompts us to consider Square Enix's current stance on mobile gaming.
They call me the wandererThe signs of Square Enix scaling back on mobile were evident as early as 2022, with the closure of Square Enix Montreal, the developer behind acclaimed titles like Hitman GO and Deus Ex GO. While it's heartening to see that some titles will continue to thrive amid this strategic shift, it's still disappointing that such a move was necessary, especially given the significant interest in bringing many Square Enix properties to mobile platforms, as evidenced by the excitement around FFXIV on mobile.
It's a valid concern to raise. In the meantime, if you're looking for other modern classics to explore while awaiting the transition, consider diving into our curated list of the top 25 best RPGs for Android.
