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

Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent will soon transition its operational management to NetEase, effective January 2024. This change, however, shouldn't significantly impact players, as the transfer will include save data and progress.

While this news brings relief to fans concerned about the game's future, it also raises questions about Square Enix's overall mobile gaming strategy. This move follows the recent announcement of a Final Fantasy XIV mobile version, handled by Tencent subsidiary Lightspeed Studios, highlighting a potential shift in Square Enix's mobile development approach.

The outsourcing of Octopath Traveler and the partnership with Tencent for FFXIV Mobile suggest a possible scaling back of Square Enix's direct involvement in the mobile market. This trend isn't entirely unexpected, given the 2022 closure of Square Enix Montreal, the studio behind successful mobile titles like Hitman GO and Deus Ex GO.

Despite this strategic shift, the continued operation of Octopath Traveler and the high demand for FFXIV Mobile demonstrate a persistent interest in Square Enix properties on mobile platforms. This leaves the company's future mobile plans somewhat ambiguous.

The continued popularity of these titles underscores a significant market for Square Enix games on mobile devices. Meanwhile, players awaiting the Octopath Traveler transition might consider exploring our list of the top 25 best Android RPGs.