In a year marked by numerous game closures and wind-downs, fans of the mobile spin-off of the beloved throwback RPG, Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent, can breathe a sigh of relief. Operations for the game will transition to NetEase starting January next year, ensuring that players can transfer their save data and progress seamlessly during the switchover. This move might indicate Square Enix's intention to step back from mobile gaming.
Earlier this week, we reported on the announcement of an official mobile version of another Square Enix title, 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 being managed by NetEase and FFXIV Mobile being outsourced, it raises questions about Square Enix's current stance on mobile gaming.
They call me the wanderer
Signs of Square Enix scaling back their mobile ambitions were evident as early as 2022 with the closure of Square Enix Montreal, the studio behind acclaimed titles like Hitman GO and Deus Ex GO. While it's reassuring to know that some games will continue despite this shift in strategy, it's unfortunate that such changes are necessary, especially given the significant interest in seeing more Square Enix properties on mobile, as demonstrated by the enthusiasm for FFXIV on mobile.
It's a valid concern to ponder where Square Enix stands with mobile gaming. In the meantime, if you're looking to explore other modern classics, why not check out our list of the top 25 best RPGs for Android?
