NetEase's post-apocalyptic survival game, Once Human, achieved a remarkable peak of 230,000 concurrent players on Steam upon its PC debut. This impressive launch also secured the game a seventh-place ranking among top sellers and fifth place in the most-played category. However, this initial surge in popularity may indicate a potential player decline in the near future.

Scheduled for a mobile release in September, Once Human has already unveiled upcoming updates. These include a player-versus-player (PvP) mode pitting the Mayflies and Rosetta factions against each other, and a new player-versus-environment (PvE) area located in a northern mountain region, introducing fresh challenges and adversaries. Set in a world ravaged by a catastrophic event with supernatural elements, Once Human is a highly anticipated title from NetEase.

Despite its apparent readiness, the mobile launch has been unexpectedly delayed, remaining slated for September. Nevertheless, Once Human maintains its strong position, holding the seventh spot in top-selling games and the fifth spot in most-played games on Steam.

The use of "peak" player count is crucial. This 230,000 figure represents the highest concurrent player count, suggesting the average player base may be considerably lower. This initial drop-off, especially considering the game's initial Steam wishlist count of under 300,000, might be a cause for concern for NetEase.

While NetEase is known for its mobile game development, the company is making a significant push into the PC market. Although Once Human boasts impressive graphics and gameplay, a rapid shift in their primary audience might prove challenging.

The mobile release of Once Human remains highly anticipated, regardless of the delay. In the meantime, explore our curated list of the best mobile games of 2024 (so far) and our list of the year's most anticipated mobile games for alternative gaming options.