Once Human sits pretty at 230,000 peak player count, but it\'s still a long way out from mobile

NetEase's post-apocalyptic survival game, Once Human, has achieved a remarkable 230,000 peak concurrent players on Steam since its PC debut, securing seventh place in top sellers and fifth in most-played games. This initial success, however, is tempered by the possibility of a player decline. The game, anticipated for mobile release in September, has already announced upcoming updates.

These updates 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, maintaining a September release window. Nevertheless, the game's strong initial performance on Steam remains noteworthy.

A Cause for Concern?

The use of "peak" player count—230,000—suggests the average player count may be lower. This early drop-off from the peak, especially considering the game's initial Steam wishlist count of under 300,000, could be a warning sign for NetEase.

While NetEase has a strong mobile gaming background, its shift towards the PC market is ambitious. Although Once Human boasts impressive graphics and gameplay, a rapid shift in primary audience might prove challenging.

The mobile release of Once Human, whenever it arrives, 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 exciting titles.