This doesn't mean the Montreal outfit has given up on mobile games. However, Naud wanted the studio to push for more innovative experiences. If it worked on a familiar property, it would have to "somewhat reinvent" the game mechanics.

It's not hard to see why Square Enix would back away from what seemed like a surefire recipe for success. When a free release like Fortnite provides a deep, polished experience and rakes in massive profits, it's hard to justify charging money no matter how good the gameplay may be. Free-to-play gaming has evolved to the point where it's frequently just as good as the paid games, and mobile developers might not have much choice but to adapt.