Once Human: 230,000 Peak Players, Mobile Market Remains Distant

NetEase's post-apocalyptic survival game, Once Human, has made a strong initial showing on Steam, reaching a peak concurrent player count of 230,000. This impressive launch also secured it a position as a top seller (7th) and one of the most played games (5th). However, this peak player count, as opposed to an average player count, hints at a potential early player drop-off.

Further bolstering anticipation, NetEase has 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 enemies and challenges. Set in a world ravaged by a catastrophic event leading to supernatural occurrences, Once Human is one of NetEase's most anticipated titles.

Despite the successful PC launch, NetEase has surprisingly delayed the mobile release of Once Human, although it remains slated for a September launch. The game's continued strong performance on Steam, holding its position in the top seller and most-played lists, remains encouraging.

A Cause for Concern? The use of "peak" player count is noteworthy. This 230,000 figure represents the highest number of concurrent players, not the average. A significant drop-off from this peak shortly after launch, coupled with the fact that it falls short of the initial 300,000 Steam wishlists, might raise some concerns for NetEase.

Known primarily for its mobile game development, NetEase is clearly making a concerted effort to expand into the PC market. While Once Human boasts impressive graphics and gameplay, a rapid shift in primary audience might prove challenging.

Regardless of the initial Steam performance, the mobile release of Once Human is highly anticipated. In the meantime, check out our list of the best mobile games of 2024 (so far) and our list of the most anticipated mobile games of the year to find your next gaming obsession!