Players can only have one character at a time, with progress reset each season to ensure a fair and dynamic experience
Anticipation has been building for the launch of the survival game Once Human, which has secured a spot in the top five on Steam’s wishlist charts. Just ahead of its release today, July 9, developer Starry Studios has reiterated some key features and mechanics that players should be aware of.
In a reminder to fans, the developers emphasized the game’s seasonal server wipes. Much like other survival games such as Rust or Escape From Tarkov, players’ progress in Once Human will reset at the end of each season. This seasonal wipe includes the loss of building materials and certain in-game currencies. However, the game introduces a unique twist with the ‘Eternaland’ realm. This personal space allows players to keep a significant portion of their gear, providing a continuous and enduring gameplay element.
Additionally, players are restricted to having only one character per account at launch. According to an FAQ from Starry Studios, “Due to technical limitations, only one character can be created per account.” This limitation is expected to be temporary, with plans to allow multiple characters within a month or so after launch.
The developers believe that these seasonal wipes will create a fairer, more relaxed, and freer gaming experience, especially for new players joining after the initial launch. Different seasons will bring various scenarios, adding diversity and freshness to the gameplay.
Once Human’s approach to seasonal wipes wasn’t entirely unexpected by dedicated followers of the game’s development, as it had been discussed during pre-launch tests. However, the specifics of the seasonal model were only detailed recently in a comprehensive explainer released in May. This latest reminder from the developers underscores their commitment to transparency and preparing the player base for the incoming gameplay mechanics.
Analysis
Political: The launch of Once Human and its server wipe mechanic can be seen as a reflection of the desire for fairness and equality within online communities. By resetting progress periodically, the game ensures that no player has an insurmountable advantage, fostering an environment where new players can compete on a more level playing field. This approach parallels broader societal conversations about equity and fair competition.
Social: Socially, Once Human’s seasonal wipes encourage community building and collaboration. Each new season provides an opportunity for players to start afresh, potentially teaming up with different players and forging new alliances. The ‘Eternaland’ feature allows players to retain a sense of continuity and personal progression, balancing the social dynamic between competitive play and personal achievement.
Racial: From a racial perspective, the game industry continues to work on increasing diversity and representation. While Once Human’s core mechanics are more gameplay-focused, the broader development community can take cues from such games to ensure inclusivity in both character representation and narrative design. As more diverse voices enter the gaming industry, features like ‘Eternaland’ can be enriched with culturally varied elements and stories.
Gender: The game’s gender dynamics can be explored through character creation and interaction. Ensuring that Once Human allows for diverse and non-stereotypical representations of gender can enhance its appeal to a broader audience. As Starry Studios expands the game, it can introduce more inclusive features and storylines that resonate with players of all genders.
Economical: Economically, the game’s model of seasonal wipes and the ‘Eternaland’ realm can drive consistent player engagement and spending. The periodic resets create natural points of renewed interest, encouraging players to return and invest in the game regularly. This model can lead to sustained revenue streams from both new and returning players, supporting the game’s longevity and development.
