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

Despite its apparent readiness, NetEase has surprisingly delayed the mobile launch, maintaining the September release window. Despite this, the game maintains its strong position on Steam's charts.

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

While NetEase is a mobile gaming giant, its transition to the PC market is ambitious. Once Human, despite its impressive visuals and gameplay, may present a challenge in quickly shifting their core audience.

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.