NetEase's post-apocalyptic survival game, Once Human, achieved a remarkable 230,000 peak concurrent players on Steam upon its PC debut, securing seventh place among top sellers and fifth in most-played games. This initial success, however, hints at a potential player decline shortly after launch.
The game, slated for a mobile release in September, has already announced exciting updates. These include a PvP mode pitting the Mayflies and Rosetta factions against each other, and a new PvE area in a northern mountain region introducing fresh challenges and enemies. Once Human, set in a world ravaged by a catastrophic event leading to supernatural occurrences, is a highly anticipated title from NetEase.
Despite its apparent readiness, NetEase has surprisingly delayed the mobile launch, maintaining a September release window. Nevertheless, Once Human maintains its strong position as a top seller and most-played game on Steam.
Cause for Concern? The use of "peak" player count—230,000—suggests the average player count may be significantly lower. This early drop-off from the peak, especially considering the initial Steam wishlist count of over 300,000, could be a warning sign for NetEase.
While NetEase's expertise lies in mobile gaming, the company is clearly pushing into the PC market. Although Once Human boasts impressive graphics and gameplay, a rapid shift in primary audience might prove challenging.
The mobile release of Once Human remains highly anticipated, regardless of the delay. In the meantime, explore our curated list of the best mobile games of 2024 (so far) or check out our list of the year's most anticipated mobile games to discover other exciting titles.
