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, achieved a remarkable 230,000 peak concurrent players on Steam upon its PC debut, securing a top-seven spot in sales and a top-five position in most-played games. While this initial success is promising, the use of "peak" player count suggests the average player base may be lower, raising concerns about potential player attrition. This is particularly noteworthy given the game's initial Steam wishlist count of under 300,000.

The game, slated for a mobile release in September, has already announced exciting 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 leading to supernatural occurrences, Once Human is a highly anticipated title from NetEase.

Interestingly, despite its apparent readiness, NetEase has delayed the mobile launch, although it remains scheduled for September. The game's continued strong performance on Steam, holding its positions in top sellers and most-played lists, offers a degree of reassurance.

A Cause for Concern? The initial surge to 230,000 peak players, while impressive, doesn't guarantee sustained success. A significant drop from the peak shortly after launch could signal challenges ahead for NetEase. The disparity between the peak player count and the initial wishlist numbers warrants attention.

NetEase, a mobile gaming giant, is making a significant push into the PC market with Once Human. While the game boasts impressive visuals and gameplay, transitioning its core audience so rapidly might prove demanding.

Despite the uncertainties, the mobile release of Once Human is highly anticipated. In the meantime, explore our curated lists of the best and most anticipated mobile games of 2024 to discover other captivating titles!