NetEase's post-apocalyptic survival game, Once Human, launched on PC with a peak concurrent player count of 230,000 on Steam, securing a top 7 seller spot and a top 5 most-played ranking. While impressive, this initial success might mask a potential player decline. The game's Steam wishlist count initially exceeded 300,000, suggesting a possible gap between anticipation and actual player retention.
The developers have announced upcoming updates including a PvP mode pitting the Mayflies and Rosetta factions against each other, and a new PvE area in a northern mountain region with fresh challenges. Set in a world ravaged by a catastrophic event leading to supernatural occurrences, Once Human is a highly anticipated title from NetEase.
Despite its seemingly polished state, NetEase has surprisingly delayed the mobile release, now slated for September. However, its strong PC performance, holding its position as a top seller and most-played game, remains encouraging.
A Cause for Concern? The use of "peak" player count is significant. The average player count could be considerably lower, and a post-launch drop from the peak isn't ideal, especially considering the higher initial Steam wishlist numbers. NetEase, primarily known for mobile games, is making a substantial push into the PC market. While Once Human's visuals and gameplay are impressive, a rapid shift in their core audience might prove challenging.
Regardless of the initial player count fluctuations, the mobile release of Once Human is highly anticipated. In the meantime, explore our list of the best mobile games of 2024 (so far) and the most anticipated mobile games of the year to discover other compelling titles.
