NetEase's post-apocalyptic survival game, Once Human, achieved a remarkable 230,000 peak concurrent players on Steam upon its PC debut, securing seventh place in top sellers and fifth in most-played games. This initial success, however, hints at a potential player decline shortly after launch.

The game, slated for mobile release in September, has already announced exciting updates. These 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 one of NetEase's most anticipated titles.

Despite its seemingly successful launch, NetEase surprisingly delayed the mobile version, maintaining a September release window. Nevertheless, Once Human remains a top performer on Steam.

A Cause for Concern? The 230,000 figure represents a peak player count. The average player count may be significantly lower, and a post-launch drop-off, especially considering the initial 300,000 Steam wishlists, could be a warning sign for NetEase.

While NetEase is a mobile gaming giant, its strategic shift towards PC gaming is ambitious. Although Once Human boasts impressive graphics and gameplay, a rapid change in its core audience might prove challenging.

The mobile release of Once Human, whenever it arrives, promises excitement. In the meantime, explore our curated lists of the best and most anticipated mobile games of 2024 for alternative gaming options.