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Once Human Developers Apologize for Gameplay Issues with Free Item Giveaway

The developers of Once Human, Starry Studio, are offering players free in-game items as an apology for the issues they have faced during gameplay. Launched in July 2024, Once Human is the first major release from Starry Studio, a subsidiary of gaming giant NetEase. Known for its recent success with Marvel Rivals, a competitor in the hero-shooter genre, NetEase is making significant strides in the live-service gaming market. However, Once Human has encountered notable quality-of-life issues, leading to the latest gesture of goodwill from the developers.

Many players have expressed frustration over persistent co-op issues in Once Human, with complaints ranging from frequent lag to the lack of cross-server play. Additionally, some players have been forced to create new characters just to join friends, complicating what could otherwise be a smooth and enjoyable experience. Starry Studio has acknowledged these concerns, particularly those related to server stability.

As a form of compensation, the developers are providing players with server-wide rewards. In a statement addressing the ongoing lag problems, Starry Studio outlined a roadmap of fixes following the game’s September update. The developers thanked players for their patience and announced a series of free items, including Starchrom, Mitsuko’s Mark, Stardust Source, Gunpowder, and Canned Seafood in Oil. The first wave of server performance improvements was scheduled for October 11, with further optimizations set to arrive on October 17.

In addition to the server fixes, October 17 will also introduce a new PvE scenario along with various adjustments and updates to the game. While some hiccups are expected in a debut title, the developers are under pressure to address these problems quickly as Once Human competes in the increasingly crowded live-service market. Performance issues like these, if not resolved swiftly, risk driving players away, something NetEase and Starry Studio cannot afford in such a competitive space.

Free Items Offered to Once Human Players:

  • Starchrom x1,000
  • Mitsuko’s Mark x150
  • Stardust Source x200
  • Gunpowder x30
  • Canned Seafood in Oil x1

The giveaway has been met with a largely positive reception from the player base, with many appreciating the effort. However, some players are voicing additional concerns. A portion of the community is now calling for the removal of loot crates, which they argue are damaging to the overall experience. Others are eager for the release of a mobile version of Once Human with crossplay features. As the game grows, so too will the list of challenges Starry Studio must address. Despite these hurdles, it’s encouraging to see the developers responding to feedback and rewarding players for their ongoing support.

NetEase and Starry Studio’s handling of Once Human will be crucial as they continue to build the game’s reputation in the live-service arena, and players will be watching closely to see how future updates and fixes unfold.