Also worth noting that the publisher changed from Nintendo to Square Enix:
— Gematsu (@gematsu) March 1, 2024
December 2023: https://t.co/Skm1bljnO1
Before and after: pic.twitter.com/Ekgg8Q1zPE
Octopath Traveler has been delisted on the Nintendo eShop
Third-party retail codes for the game still work
Popular RPG Octopath Traveler has been delisted on the Nintendo eShop.
The RPG, developed by Square Enix and Acquire, is currently unavailable for purchase on Nintendo’s platform, however pre-purchased codes for the game from third-party retailers still work.
As pointed out by Gematsu, the publishing rights for the game changed hands in December. The game was previously published by Nintendo, however, publishing rights have now reverted to Square Enix.
It’s possible that this change was made in advance of the game coming to other platforms, notably PlayStation platforms where it is currently unavailable, despite its sequel releasing on Sony‘s machine.
The Tokyo-based studio is the developer behind Square Enix’s RPG hit, as well as the Tenchu, Way of the Samurai and Abiba series.
It was founded in 1994 and employs 148 people, according to its website.
“To strengthen the ability to create IP in games as part of our game business strategy, we have made Acquire Corp. into a wholly owned subsidiary,” Kadokawa said in a quarterly earnings report.
“By acquiring the company, which has produced million-seller hit titles, we expect to generate synergies with our existing game-related subsidiaries, strengthen our planning and development capabilities groupwide, and enhance our line-up of console games.”