NetEase Takes Over Operations for Octopath Traveler

Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent will transition its operational management to NetEase starting January. This change, however, should be seamless for players, as the transfer will include save data and progress. 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 comes in stark contrast to the recent announcements of mobile closures. The successful port of Final Fantasy XIV to mobile, facilitated by Tencent's Lightspeed Studios, highlights a contrasting approach. The outsourcing of Octopath Traveler's operations to NetEase, coupled with the FFXIV mobile port, leaves many wondering about Square Enix's overall mobile strategy.

The writing may have been on the wall since 2022, with the closure of Square Enix Montreal, the studio behind successful mobile titles like Hitman GO and Deus Ex GO. While the survival of Octopath Traveler is positive, the shift is still noteworthy, especially considering the substantial interest in mobile ports of Square Enix titles, as evidenced by the enthusiastic reception of the FFXIV mobile announcement.

The question of Square Enix's mobile future remains. In the meantime, explore our curated list of the top 25 best Android RPGs to fill the gap until the transition is complete.