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Once Human News

Once Human is the centre of a storm of data privacy concerns over a policy line about collecting government ID

Free-to-play open world survival shooter Once Human has spent its first week in the wilds weathering complaints about its data collection practices, many of them directed at a line from publisher NetEase's privacy policy in which they state that personal information they receive from you may include "government-issued ID, such as passport information, as required by applicable laws for age verification and correction of personal information".


Following a backlash in the user reviews (the game was Mostly Negative on Steam at launch, but has since risen to Mixed) and on social media, the game's developers Starry Studio have published a blog insisting that they harbour no dark intentions for your personal details - or at least, that they harbour intentions no darker than those of the many other developers who collect your personal information.

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You don't lose all your progress when a Once Human season ends—here's how the survival game's server resets work




Free-to-play survival game Once Human is offering the archetypal survival game launch experience: it's a giant, buggy to-do list that everyone you know is playing. With well over 100,000 concurrent players at its peaks, it's one of the top games on Steam right now...
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Once Human players are saying no to violence, choosing to build beautiful homes instead

Once Human players are having a blast exploring the game, taking on tense fights and pushing the open-world survival game to its limits. However there's another subset of players who are spending their time building beautiful homes to call their own.

Examples include Reddit user SykoManiax, who posted their creation on the Once Human Reddit for the community to gander at. A lushious two-story house built atop of wonderful wooden foundation. It even has a nice little suburban fence around it, allowing them to look over the neibouring river to their heart's content.

They aren't alone either! User Designated-Survivor posted their own home - this time with three floors and a balcony - to the community hub. It even has a little shed to the right, and lovely porch lights around the front. It's clear that this user has spent plenty of time on their house, moreso than their own clothes.

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Seasons Explained

Dear Metas,
We've noticed that a lot of you have shown a lot of interest in understanding how seasons work in Once Human. So let’s dive into some of the most pressing concerns about seasonal gameplay.

I. What are seasons?
In Once Human, each server has a gameplay theme, which is what we call the Seasonal Scenario. Each scenario offers different seasonal objectives or special gameplay mechanics.
We've crafted a range of seasonal objectives tailored to different scenarios, each packed with unique mechanics, environments, and content. Different scenarios may take place in different areas of the map, including map areas that have not yet been unlocked, and some scenarios will also feature a completely new storyline experience. As you navigate these scenarios, you'll have the thrilling choice to collaborate or compete with other players to achieve your seasonal goals. Once a season concludes, you can embrace a new challenge by joining a different scenario or taking on your current one with renewed vigor.
"After each season, you can sign up for the next scenario. Additionally, be on the lookout for two new scenarios launching later this year!"
a. A PvE scenario with new survival elements.
b. A PvP scenario centered around faction confrontations and agency.

II. What inspired these seasons?
With seasonal scenarios, we want to present players with more various gaming experiences so that the game has a little something for everyone no matter their gameplay style and preferences.

III. Once a new scenario begins, will I lose my previous progress?
We are aware that many players are concerned that their in-game progress will be reset in 6 weeks, but we are here to reassure you that
this will NOT happen! We value the time and effort you put into this game, so the items and gear you have obtained from the seasonal scenario will be retained in various ways.
(1) The following in-game content will be retained no matter how the seasons and servers change:
a. Important Currency: Starchroms, Crystgins, Mitsuko's Marks, Stellar Planula, and Sproutlets
b. Gear Blueprints (and their stars), Blueprint Fragments, Weapon Accessories, and Mods.
c. Furniture Formulas (except those gained through your Memetics)
d. Cosmetics, Expressions and Poses, Namecards, and more.
e. House Blueprints. After a House Blueprint is saved, you can reconstruct the building at any time (if advanced materials are not available, basic materials will be used in building instead).
f. Main story and side story task progress (for the tasks you've already completed, you can accept more streamlined versions of them in the new season but still get all the rewards).
g. Your friend list will fully carry over. Furthermore, you can check which players joined your Warband in the previous seasons and add them to your friend list.
(2) The following content and resources will only be partially carried over when you decide to enter a new season and start a new journey:
"Essential resources like materials, medicine, and ammunition can be carried over into a new season based on item transferring rules
so you can progress faster in the new season)."
In each new season, your character begins at Level 1, and all exploration progress on the World Map is reset. This ensures a level playing field for all players in the new season. Additionally, the new scenario will present a different map for exploration and rewards. Each seasonal server will also feature fresh challenges, tasks and rewards.

IV. Why does each scenario last six weeks?
Different scenarios have different durations. The two existing scenarios are 6 weeks in length. Future scenario seasons might have longer or shorter durations. There might also be some permanent scenarios for players to enjoy in the game.


Once Human Team

Announcement: July 10th, 2024

Dear Metas,

Thank you for your attention and continued support of Once Human. We are truly grateful for all your feedback!

We would like to take this opportunity to address concerns we’ve seen regarding the game’s privacy policy and confusion about the use of the NetEase Launcher.

Once Human takes our users’ data privacy very seriously. We would only use personal data if we have a legitimate legal basis, such as providing requested services or acting with your expressed consent. We will only use your data lawfully and reasonably and in accordance with local legal compliance requirements, while practicing the data privacy principles such as data minimization, purpose limitation, and transparency. We appreciate and welcome any and all feedback given by our players to help us improve.

Some players have expressed concern about the NetEase Launcher. This game launch platform offers broader access to games published by NetEase Games. Like some of our industry peers who run multiple games simultaneously, we hope that the launcher can provide convenient access to multiple NetEase's games for our users. However, please note you would only be required to download the launcher if you download Once Human from our official website. Players who play the game from Steam or Epic will NOT need to download or use the launcher.

We sincerely apologize for any confusion or uncertainty experienced by our players. We hope this clarifies the above and please rest assured that we will continue to maintain a transparent, player-friendly gaming environment, not only because it’s required by law, but also because it’s the right thing to do.

If you have further questions or concerns towards our privacy policy or game-related issues, please contact us at [email protected]. You could also check the FAQ here for more detailed information.

Once Human Team