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 in top sellers and fifth in most-played games. This initial success, however, hints at a potential player drop-off. The game, slated for mobile release in September, has already announced upcoming updates.
These updates 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. Set in a world ravaged by a catastrophic event with supernatural elements, Once Human is one of NetEase's most anticipated titles.
Despite its apparent readiness, NetEase surprisingly delayed the mobile launch, still targeting September. Despite this delay, the game maintains its strong position as a top seller and most-played game on Steam.
A Cause for Concern? The 230,000 figure represents a peak player count; the average player base is likely lower. This early drop-off from the peak, especially considering the game's initial Steam wishlist count of over 300,000, could be a warning sign for NetEase.
While NetEase is a mobile gaming giant, its shift towards the PC market is ambitious. 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 list of the best mobile games of 2024 (so far) or our list of the year's most anticipated mobile games to discover other exciting titles.
