Once Human Offers Free Items as Apology for Lag Issues

The developers of Once Human are offering free in-game items to players as a gesture of apology for the recent performance issues that have impacted the gameplay experience. Released in July 2024, Once Human is developed by Starry Studio, a subsidiary of NetEase, a company gaining momentum in the live-service gaming industry. NetEase recently attracted attention with the release of Marvel Rivals, a competitor in the Overwatch scene. While Once Human has celebrated achievements with item giveaways before, this time, it seems that freebies are being used as a way to address the frustrations players have been experiencing.

Gameplay Complaints and Developer Response

Players have voiced several concerns about the quality of life in Once Human, particularly highlighting issues with co-op gameplay, such as frequent lag and the lack of cross-server play options. Additionally, some players have reported frustrations with having to create entirely new characters to join friends in the game, making the multiplayer experience less fluid than expected. It appears Starry Studio has taken these complaints seriously, especially those connected to the server problems that many players have encountered.

To make amends, Starry Studio has announced server-wide compensation for those affected by the lag issues. In a statement, the developers apologized for the disruption to gameplay and outlined a roadmap to address these concerns following the latest updates in September.

Compensation and Upcoming Updates

As a thank-you for players' patience, Starry Studio is providing several in-game items to help improve the overall experience. These items include:

- Starchrom x1,000

- Mitsuko's Mark x150

- Stardust Source x200

- Gunpowder x30

- Canned Seafood in Oil x1

The first phase of server performance improvements rolled out on October 11, with additional optimizations scheduled for October 17. On the same day, a new PvE scenario is set to launch, along with other adjustments and enhancements that aim to elevate the gameplay experience.

Growing Pains for Starry Studio

Considering Once Human is Starry Studio's first major release, it's not entirely surprising to see some core issues emerge as they continue to refine the game. As the studio gains experience in handling these challenges, they're committed to making necessary fixes to provide a smoother player experience. However, given the competitive nature of the live-service gaming market, it's crucial for Starry Studio and NetEase to address these issues promptly to keep their audience engaged and prevent any setbacks that could potentially drive players away.

Player Reactions and Future Requests

Overall, players have responded positively to the recent announcement and compensation, even though some have taken this opportunity to voice additional concerns. There are growing calls from the community to eliminate loot crates from the game entirely, as many players feel that these mechanics detract from the overall experience. Others have expressed their desire for a mobile version of Once Human that includes crossplay functionality. As the game continues to grow, it’s likely that Starry Studio will face new challenges, but it’s clear they’re committed to listening to player feedback and rewarding their community for sticking through the hurdles.