I have, quite recently, seen the second Dune movie directed by Denis Villenueve. I’m still quite hyped about it, and in tandem, cautiously optimistic at the gameplay reveal of the upcoming MMO, Dune: Awakening.
We also learned, from the Gamescom Opening, if there are no delays, the game will launch sometime in early 2025.
The game is being billed as an open world survival MMO. It sees players scavenging and mobilization to gather spice—a resource for safe space travel, extending life, and, under the right circumstances, seeing across time.
A major aspect of the game, according to developer Funcom, is learning the ways of the Fremen. Not quite unlike the first book’s and the two movies’ Paul Atreides journey. Though the gameplay reveal did not show much about ways and culture of the Fremen. If anything, gameplay revealed plenty of combat and base building. You’ll apparently choose between House Harkonnen or Atreides in a battle to control the flow of spice, and be able to develop your character into a Mentat, Trooper, Planetologist, Swordmaster, or a member of the Bene Gesserit.
The gameplay for each character class was not revealed in this trailer though. But there’s a lot of shooting and swinging flamethrowers about. It seems most of the game’s missions will involve raiding enemy bases and outposts. This makes me wonder how Mentats and the Bene Gesserit will fit in all of this.
Joel Bylos, creative director at Funcom, said, “Revealing gameplay for the first time is always a big moment, especially in a game where the interplay between all these systems can create completely unexpected moments, but the team has done an incredible job and we can’t wait to see how the community reacts.”
It should be obvious at this point that Dune: Awakening will have little to do with the books and movies of Dune. According to Funcom, they have been working closely with Herbert Estate to introduce an alternate history, in which Paul Atreides was never born, opening a whole what-if scenario.
Sam Rappaport, vice president of Interactive Media at Legendary Entertainment said, "We are incredibly excited for gamers to get their first glimpse of 'Dune: Awakening’ at gamescom. The game's authenticity and attention to detail successfully convey the richness and depth of the Dune universe in a manner that is reminiscent of the world beautifully presented in Denis Villeneuve's films. This game is a testament to the dedication of the developers and a thrilling new way for fans to engage with the iconic saga."
Additional gameplay footage will be revealed during the Dune: Awakening Direct, which will go live on August 29. The game will launch first on PC, and then PS5 and Xbox Series at a later date.
You can sign up on their official website for a chance to enter the closed Beta.