Square Enix Hands Octopath Mobile to NetEase

                Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent will see operations transfered to NetEase
                Fortunately, you shouldn't see much change as switchover of save data and progress is included
                Fans can rest easy for now, but does this signal a step back from mobile for Square Enix?
            

In a year that's sadly been strewn with many closures and winddowns of even the most recent releases, fans of Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent will be glad to know that's not the case for this mobile spin-off of the hit throwback RPG. However, it does look as if Square Enix is set to transfer handling of operations to NetEase, starting January next year, in a move that may show them stepping back from mobile.

You may recall earlier this week that we covered the announcement of an official mobile version of another Square Enix property, Final Fantasy XIV (14). As noted in a recent interview, part of what made the port feasible was the eagerness demonstrated by Lightspeed Studios, a subsidiary of Tencent.

With Octopath Traveler on mobile now set to be handled by NetEase, allowing you the opportunity to transfer save data and other progress come the switchover, and the outsourcing of FFXIV Mobile, it does raise the question of where Square Enix now stands on mobile.

I think the writing was on the wall for Square Enix curtailing their mobile aspirations as far back as 2022, with the closure of Square Enix Montreal which developed acclaimed titles like Hitman GO and Deus Ex GO. And while it's good to see that some releases will endure that strategic shift, it's still a shame that it has to happen in the first place, especially when there's clearly major interest in seeing many Square Enix properties on mobile (if the huge interest in FFXIV on mobile is any indicator).

It's a reasonable question to ask. Still, if you want to try out some other modern classics while you wait for the transition, why not dig into our list of the top 25 best RPGs for Android?