NetEase's post-apocalyptic survival game, Once Human, has achieved a remarkable 230,000 peak concurrent players on Steam, securing a top 7 spot in sales and top 5 in most-played games. This initial PC 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 including a PvP mode pitting the Mayflies and Rosetta factions against each other, and a challenging PvE area in a new northern mountain region with unique enemies. Set in a world ravaged by a catastrophic event leading to supernatural occurrences, Once Human is a highly anticipated title from NetEase.
Despite the promising Steam launch, NetEase has unexpectedly delayed the mobile release, still targeting September. Despite this delay, the game maintains its impressive ranking on Steam's sales and most-played charts.
A Cause for Concern? The use of "peak" player count (230,000) suggests the average player count is likely lower. This early drop-off, especially considering the initial 300,000 Steam wishlists, might be a warning sign for NetEase.
While NetEase is a mobile gaming giant, its push into the PC market is significant. Although Once Human boasts impressive graphics and gameplay, a rapid shift in primary audience may prove challenging.
The mobile release of Once Human remains highly anticipated, regardless of the delay. In the meantime, check out our list of the best mobile games of 2024 (so far) and the most anticipated mobile games of the year for more gaming options!