Once Human, the highly anticipated third-person shooter from NetEase, has seen remarkable success with over 15 million registrations worldwide. The game's standout performance at Steam's Next Fest, where it attracted the highest number of demo players, underscores its appeal and potential. However, the disparity between its mobile and PC popularity is noteworthy.

Despite the impressive global registration numbers, only 300,000 of those are wishlists on Steam. This difference highlights a significant challenge in the gaming industry: discoverability. NetEase, traditionally known for its strong presence in the mobile gaming sector, is strategically focusing on a PC-first release for Once Human. This move reflects a deliberate effort to tap into the PC gaming market, yet it also reveals the complexities of achieving similar levels of visibility and engagement on PC compared to mobile platforms.

The choice to prioritize a PC launch, with a closer release date for the desktop version, is not without merit. Once Human's performance at Steam Next Fest demonstrates a strong PC audience interest. Nevertheless, the lower number of Steam wishlists compared to overall registrations suggests that even for a well-established developer like NetEase, breaking through the noise on PC can be challenging.

This scenario underscores the ongoing dichotomy between mobile and PC gaming. Mobile platforms often offer a broader reach and easier discoverability, which can be attributed to the sheer volume of users and the nature of app stores. In contrast, the PC gaming market, while robust, requires different strategies to capture and retain player attention.

As gamers eagerly await Once Human's release, those looking for immediate entertainment can explore our curated list of the best mobile games of 2024. Alternatively, our list of the most anticipated mobile games of the year offers insights into upcoming releases that could redefine mobile gaming. Both lists are meticulously selected to showcase what we believe are the best and most promising titles in the mobile gaming landscape.