NetEase's post-apocalyptic survival game, Once Human, has achieved a remarkable 230,000 peak concurrent players on Steam since its PC debut, securing seventh place in top sellers and fifth in most-played games. This initial success, however, is tempered by the potential for player decline following the initial launch surge. The game's mobile release, initially planned for September, has been delayed, despite the strong Steam performance.
The developers have announced exciting upcoming updates including a PvP mode pitting the Mayflies and Rosetta factions against each other, and a new PvE area in a challenging northern mountain region featuring unique enemies. Set in a world ravaged by a catastrophic event leading to supernatural occurrences, Once Human is a highly anticipated title from NetEase.
A Cause for Concern?
The use of "peak" player count—230,000—is significant. This suggests the average player count may be considerably lower, and a post-launch drop from this peak could be a worrying sign for NetEase. This is especially true considering the game had over 300,000 wishlists on Steam prior to release.
NetEase, known for its mobile game successes, is clearly making a concerted effort to expand into the PC market. While Once Human boasts impressive graphics and gameplay, a rapid shift in their core audience might prove challenging.
Despite the mobile release delay, the game's future remains bright. The September launch is still anticipated, and players eager for similar experiences can explore our curated lists of the best and most anticipated mobile games of 2024.
