Creators of 2024's Most Anticipated Survival Game on Steam Shift Focus After Unsettling Feedback


# **Once Human: A Survival Shooter Adapting to Player Input in Season 2**

The survival shooter *Once Human*, crafted by Starry Studio, generated significant buzz following its debut in early July 2024. The free-to-play game quickly gained a massive following, boasting over 230,000 simultaneous players in its launch week. The game’s distinct combination of survival gameplay, resource collection, and combat set against a post-apocalyptic backdrop has earned it over 84,000 reviews on Steam, with the majority being largely favorable. Nevertheless, as the game transitions into its second season, the developers are encountering an influx of criticism that has led them to reevaluate certain elements of the game.

## **Strong Launch, Yet Obstacles Loom**

*Once Human* debuted with tremendous success, and its player engagement and positive feedback illustrate its initial attraction. The game’s concept, focused on surviving in a world corrupted by an enigmatic alien force referred to as “Stardust,” has enthralled players. Gameplay includes hunting for resources, traversing perilous locations, and contending with both alien adversaries and fellow survivors while striving to uncover the mysteries behind the alien incursion.

However, in spite of its robust beginning, the arrival of the second season has introduced a torrent of feedback that the developers have labeled as “demoralizing.” In a statement posted on the game’s official Discord, Starry Studio recognized the critiques and conveyed their dedication to tackling the issues highlighted by the community.

## **Feedback Zeroes in on Two Primary Areas**

As per the developers, the responses received mainly concentrate on two key facets of the game: weapon configurations and playable scenarios. These two elements have emerged as significant sources of player discontent, and Starry Studio has committed to implementing adjustments to enhance the overall experience.

### **1. Weapon Configurations**

A central point of dispute is the management of weapon configurations. In *Once Human*, players have the ability to tailor their weapons to align with their playstyle, but the shift between seasons has incited frustration. Players have voiced concerns about the potential loss of their meticulously designed weapon setups at the start of a new season, which can be disheartening for those who have dedicated considerable time and effort to refining their gear.

In reply, the developers have revealed intentions to launch a new feature enabling players to carry over their weapon configurations into future seasons. This adjustment aims to ease the frustration of beginning anew and to provide players with greater continuity in their advancement.

### **2. Playable Scenarios**

The second major focus of feedback pertains to the game’s scenarios. In *Once Human*, scenarios represent missions or events that players can participate in, and they play a vital role in shaping the overall gameplay experience. However, the developers have observed that perspectives on what constitutes a “good” scenario differ significantly among players.

To tackle this, Starry Studio plans to collect additional input from the community through brief surveys. The objective is to gain deeper insights into what players appreciate and what they find unsatisfactory regarding the current scenarios. While the developers are devoted to implementing enhancements, they’ve acknowledged that reconciling player preferences will pose a challenge, as expectations for engaging scenarios vary.

## **The Effect of “Demoralizing” Feedback**

Although Starry Studio hasn’t shared specific instances of the feedback they’ve received, some of it has been characterized as “demoralizing.” This indicates that the criticism could have been particularly severe or unanticipated, potentially impacting the morale of the development team. Nevertheless, instead of shrinking from negative feedback, the developers are seizing it as an opportunity for improvement.

It’s important to note that the developers have not clarified what exactly about the feedback they found demoralizing, leaving players to speculate. Regardless, their initiative to engage with the community and make adjustments based on player insights is an encouraging indication of their commitment to the long-term prosperity of *Once Human*.

## **A Twisted Saga of Survival**

For those unfamiliar with *Once Human*, the game is set in a world devastated by an alien infection known as Stardust. This inscrutable force has rendered the planet into a perilous landscape, populated by lethal creatures and mad survivors. Players are tasked with navigating this dystopian environment, scavenging resources, forging weapons, and defending against threats while striving to retain their sanity.

The game’s narrative is one of its primary attractions, as players are tasked not only with survival but also with unraveling the mystery behind the alien invasion. Who or what orchestrates Stardust? What are its ultimate intentions? These inquiries propel the story forward, enriching the survival mechanics.

## **Looking Forward: A New Path for *Once Human***

As *Once Human* evolves, it’s evident that Starry Studio is attentive to its player community. The developers’ readiness to address feedback and modify weapon configurations and scenarios illustrates their commitment to enhancing the game. While the criticism they’ve received may