Once Human Soars to 230K Players on PC

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 spot in sales and top 5 in most played. While impressive, this initial success is tempered by the fact that the average player count may be lower, and the peak occurred very shortly after launch. This is particularly notable given the game initially boasted over 300,000 Steam wishlists.

The game, slated for 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 with fresh challenges. Once Human, set in a world ravaged by a catastrophic event leading to supernatural occurrences, is a highly anticipated title from NetEase.

Interestingly, despite the successful PC launch, NetEase has delayed the mobile release, although it remains scheduled for September. The game's continued strong performance on Steam (7th top seller, 5th most played) suggests a degree of sustained player interest.

A Cautious Outlook? The use of "peak" player count is crucial. A significant drop-off from the initial peak could signal concerns for NetEase, especially considering the high number of pre-launch wishlists. While NetEase is a mobile gaming giant, its shift towards the PC market presents challenges in terms of audience acquisition and retention.

Despite the potential hurdles, the mobile launch of Once Human remains highly anticipated. In the meantime, check out our list of the best and most anticipated mobile games of 2024 for some alternative gaming options!