Highlights
- Octopath Traveler 2, the sequel to the popular RPG, will be released on Xbox and Microsoft PC in early 2024, expanding Square Enix's library of RPGs on Microsoft platforms.
- Xbox gamers are pleased about the release but frustrated that Xbox is still catching up with its competition, highlighting the JRPG sub-genre's popularity among non-Xbox owners.
- Xbox CEO Phil Spencer aims to expand the Xbox brand by acquiring more publishers and bringing popular RPGs like Final Fantasy to the platform, following his interest in diversifying Xbox's offerings beyond multiplayer shooters.
Square Enix’s RPG Octopath Traveler 2 is heading to Xbox and Microsoft PC next year. The prequel, Octopath Traveler, was available on Xbox Game Pass back in 2021 and left the subscription service a month after the release of Octopath Traveler 2.
Octopath Traveler 2 is the sequel to the 2018 release of Octopath Traveler, but it is considered a standalone game. This title builds on what was well received by players such as its charming pixelated art with a 2.5D perspective and traditional turn-based RPG game mechanics that are rarely seen in Square Enix's other RPGs nowadays since the company is experimenting with fusing its classic RPGs with other genres. Octopath Traveler 2 introduces eight new characters, abilities, and stories to tell in a new world known as the land of Solistia. While other franchises by Square Enix are not all available on Xbox, both Octopath Traveler games will be available on Microsoft's platforms.
Square Enix announced that its highly-rated game Octopath Traveler 2 will be released for the Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC in early 2024. This announcement was accompanied by a short trailer that shares a glimpse into the game’s visuals and gameplay.
Some Xbox gamers expressed how happy they are about Octopath Traveler 2 making its way to Xbox, but that it is still frustrating how it is still catching up with its competition. Square Enix is a Japanese video game company famed for its RPGs such as the long-running franchises Dragon Quest, Final Fantasy, and Kingdom Hearts. Publishing Octopath Traveler 2 on Xbox may continue to open more doors for it to expand its library of RPGs hailing from Japan, a sub-genre that is not as popular among Xbox owners. It is no secret that Xbox CEO Phil Spencer is interested in acquiring more publishers as he feels it would be a great move for the company and its consumers, especially since its platforms continue to struggle with captivating an audience of gamers outside the U.S. and Europe who enjoy non-Western RPGs.
Xbox solidified itself in the games' industry by being known for multiplayer shooter games such as its exclusive game Halo and online experiences, so when most gamers think RPGs it is no surprise to some that Xbox is not the first to come to mind. Spencer has been showing interest and open-mindedness over the years for Xbox to branch out and experiment with new ideas for the Xbox brand, including sharing a piece of the demographic that enjoys RPGs with Nintendo and PlayStation. Spencer is hoping Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Final Fantasy 16 will be ported to Xbox considering quite a few other RPGs made their way over to the platform already.
Octopath Traveler 2 is available now on Nintendo Switch, PC, PS5, and PS4. This game is also coming to Xbox Series X|S in early 2024.
