In the ever-evolving landscape of survival games, Once Human is making strides to carve out its niche. Developer Starry Studio has recently introduced a series of significant updates, including a new class system, a PvP-centric Raid Zone, and an intriguing crossover with the popular survival title, Palworld. These enhancements are a testament to the studio’s commitment to keeping the game fresh and engaging for its players. However, as with many free-to-play titles on Steam, the need for a robust microtransaction model looms large.
Amidst this backdrop, a new decorative item introduced in the game’s loot crates has sparked controversy. Players have drawn parallels between this item and an asset from No Man’s Sky, leading to accusations of imitation. In a light-hearted exchange, Hello Games’ Sean Murray responded to the situation, quipping, “joke’s on you,” while Starry Studio has taken steps to address the concerns raised by the community. In a statement to PCGamesN, the developer confirmed its decision to remove the contentious item from the game.
Thunder Overload and Controversy
The latest cosmetic offerings in Once Human, dubbed the Thunder Overload lineup, feature eye-catching outfits and a unique weapon skin that transforms the SKS into a mechanical dragon. Among the loot available in the Sky King crate are futuristic furniture pieces, including an elaborate exercise bike. This bike, encased in a circular frame with an electrified inner ring, has become the focal point of the debate.
Fans of both titles quickly noticed striking similarities between this exercise bike and the Base Teleport Module from No Man’s Sky, which allows players to travel between their established bases. While there are some distinctions—such as color variations and the glowing, gyrating central ring—the design similarities are hard to overlook.
Murray’s response to the criticism has been notably relaxed, even pointing out a design oversight in the Base Teleport Module itself. “Joke’s on them,” he remarked in a post on X, referencing the high-polygon rivets that had seemingly been overlooked during the optimization process. This playful banter has added a layer of intrigue to the ongoing discussion about originality in game design.
This incident is not the first time Once Human has faced scrutiny for its design choices. Earlier this year, the game was accused of borrowing the emblem of Rainbow Six Siege operator Caveira for a weapon charm included in a battle pass. Although the design was later modified, the initial inspiration remained evident.
In light of the recent feedback regarding the exercise bike, Starry Studio has expressed its commitment to originality and respect for the creative community. The developer stated, “We take this very seriously and want everyone to feel confident in the creative work that goes into the game. Honoring original creativity is fundamental to who we are and how we operate.” They have pledged to replace the disputed asset and are conducting a thorough review of their art and design policies, emphasizing the importance of community feedback in their ongoing development efforts.
