NetEase's post-apocalyptic survival game, Once Human, has achieved a peak concurrent player count of 230,000 on Steam following its PC launch. This impressive figure secured the game a top-seven spot on Steam's best-selling list and a top-five position in the most-played category. However, this initial success might mask a potential player decline.
The game, slated for a mobile release in September, has already 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 introducing fresh challenges. Set in a world ravaged by a catastrophic event, Once Human is a highly anticipated title from NetEase.
Despite its apparent readiness, NetEase has surprisingly delayed the mobile launch, maintaining a September release window. Nevertheless, the game's strong initial performance on Steam remains noteworthy.
A Cause for Concern?
The 230,000 player count represents a peak, suggesting the average player count may be significantly 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's expertise lies in mobile gaming, the company is clearly aiming for a larger PC presence. Although Once Human boasts impressive graphics and gameplay, a rapid shift in their primary audience might prove challenging.
The mobile release of Once Human remains highly anticipated. In the meantime, check out our list of the best mobile games of 2024 (so far) and our list of the year's most anticipated mobile games to discover other exciting titles!
