Dune: Awakening MMO Offers a New Destiny for Players
The upcoming Dune: Awakening massively multiplayer online (MMO) game presents a captivating premise for fans of Frank Herbert’s Dune novel. What if the protagonist, Paul Atreides, was never born? In Herbert’s original story, Paul’s existence as a male leads to a series of betrayals and revenge plots. However, the MMO takes place in an alternate universe where players can explore a different destiny. This approach is wise, as it allows gamers to experience a fresh narrative rather than replaying a plot they already know.
Funcom, the Oslo-based game developer owned by Tencent, recently showcased Dune: Awakening during the Summer Game Fest Play Days event. The MMO is set on the planet Arrakis and offers an open-world survival experience. It draws inspiration from Denis Villeneuve’s Dune movies and remains faithful to Herbert’s original masterpiece. Funcom aims to tap into the popularity of the Dune franchise, which has sold tens of millions of books and now includes around 25 novels.
One of the core pillars of Dune: Awakening is expression and customization. Players have extensive control over their characters’ appearance, home planet, and mentor’s specialization. These choices determine the starting abilities and allow players to create unique narratives within the game.
Creative director Joel Bylos emphasized the game’s server structure and overland map, which set Dune: Awakening apart from other survival games. The developers designed the world to feel seamless and connected, with the overland map allowing for expansion and the addition of new spaces over time. Bylos expressed excitement about the potential growth and evolution of the game world in the years to come.
Dune: Awakening has already garnered significant interest, with over a million wishlists on Steam. The game recently entered its persistent closed beta phase, giving players access to the full breadth of content. Those interested can sign up for a chance to join the beta on the official Dune: Awakening website and wishlist the game on Steam.
During a demo of the game, players started at Ecological Testing Site Number 197 on Arrakis, where the events of the novel were altered due to Paul Atreides’ absence. The sandbox environment of the desert planet is visually appealing, with structures, buildings, and wrecks adding personality to the landscape. Players must navigate treacherous traps like shifting sand and avoid giant sandworms while harvesting spice for wealth.
Dune: Awakening offers a departure from the novels in terms of weaponry, incorporating a wide range of shooting-based weapons for added gameplay excitement. The game also features vertical spaces that players can scale using tools like grappling hooks, as well as crystals to harvest for resources.
Overall, Dune: Awakening presents an enticing opportunity for gamers to explore a new destiny in the beloved Dune universe. With its immersive world and customization options, the MMO promises an engaging and unique experience. Fans of Dune can look forward to further updates and information about the game at Gamescom in August.