Once Human Hits 230k, Mobile Still Far Off

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 decline shortly after launch.

The game, slated for a mobile release in September, has already announced exciting updates. These 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. Once Human, set in a world ravaged by a catastrophic event leading to supernatural occurrences, is a highly anticipated title from NetEase.

Despite its apparent readiness, NetEase has surprisingly delayed the mobile launch, still targeting September. Nevertheless, the game maintains its strong position as a top seller and most-played title.

Cause for Concern? The use of "peak" player count (230,000) suggests the average player count may be significantly lower. This early drop-off, especially considering the initial 300,000 Steam wishlists, could be a warning sign for NetEase.

While NetEase is a mobile gaming giant, its ambitious push into the PC market with Once Human might be a steeper climb than anticipated. Although the game boasts impressive graphics and gameplay, rapidly shifting their core audience may prove challenging.

The mobile release of Once Human remains highly anticipated, regardless of the delay. In the meantime, explore our curated lists of the best and most anticipated mobile games of 2024 for alternative gaming options.