Octopath Traveler removed from Nintendo eShop: Changes in publishing rights

The acclaimed RPG Octopath Traveler, developed by Square Enix and Acquire, is no longer available for purchase on the Nintendo eShop. The change comes after a change in the game's publishing rights, which were previously held by Nintendo and now belong to Square Enix.

Although the game is no longer available for purchase on the Nintendo platform, pre-purchased codes still work for those who acquired the game from third-party retailers. This change may indicate a preparation for release on other platforms, especially on PlayStation, where the game is still unavailable, despite its sequel already being released.

Recently, Kadokawa, the company that owns FromSoftware, acquired the Acquire studio, responsible for developing Octopath Traveler. Based in Tokyo, the Acquire studio not only brought to life the success of Square Enix, but also developed renowned series such as Tenchu, Way of the Samurai, and Abiba.

The acquisition of Acquire by Kadokawa aims to strengthen the ability to create intellectual property (IP) in games, as stated in a quarterly earnings report from Kadokawa.

With this new acquisition, the expectation is to generate synergies among existing subsidiaries related to games, strengthen planning and development capabilities across the group, and enhance the console game lineup. The transaction represents a strategic move for both companies, aiming to strengthen their positions in the gaming market.