New Major Showcase Unveils Dune: Awakening Direct, Unveiling its MMO Essence

Gamescom Cologne

Get ready Dune fans, because Funcom’s highly anticipated open-world survival MMO, Dune: Awakening, just dropped its second Direct and it’s packed with juicy details. In this 30-minute showcase, you’ll get an up-close look at character creation, the unique MMO-like server structure, the mind-bending narrative consequences of a world without Paul Atreides, and the spiritual journey that awaits players as they follow in the footsteps of the Fremen.

If you’ve been living under a sand dune, Dune: Awakening takes inspiration from Denis Villeneuve’s recent blockbuster films and pays homage to Frank Herbert’s original masterpiece. The game thrusts you into the war-torn and expansive world of Arrakis, where you’ll fight for survival and control of the precious spice alongside hundreds of other players. And with over 1 million wishlists on Steam, it’s safe to say that the hype is real.

The Summer Game Fest recently premiered the Story Cinematic – The Vision of Paul Atreides, which reveals an alternate timeline where Jessica Atreides decides to give birth to a daughter instead of Paul. This seemingly small choice sets off a chain reaction of events that creates a massive power vacuum. It’s within this chaos that players will embark on their own unique story.

One of the standout features of Dune: Awakening is its emphasis on “expression and customization.” The Direct gives us a taste of this by showcasing the robust in-game character creation tool. You’ll have the power to meticulously craft your appearance, choose your home planet, and even select your mentor’s specialization, such as Mentat, Swordmaster, or Bene Gesserit. These choices will determine your starting abilities and set you on a path to greatness.

Creative Director Joel Bylos also dives into the game’s server structure and the Overland Map. These elements set Dune: Awakening apart from other survival games by creating a seamless and connected world. Bylos explains that the team wanted to make the game expandable, which can be challenging with a single map. The Overland Map solves this problem by connecting various massive sandbox maps, allowing for a larger number of players in each. This means more space to explore and endless possibilities for the future. Who knows what Arrakis will look like five years from now?

Exciting news for eager fans: Dune: Awakening has entered its persistent closed Beta phase, giving lucky players access to the full game experience. From the starting area of Hagga Basin to the thrilling endgame of the Deep Desert, you’ll have the chance to dive headfirst into the world of Dune. If you want a shot at joining the Beta, make sure to sign up on the official website. And don’t forget to wishlist the game on Steam to stay in the loop.

With Gamescom just around the corner in August, Funcom is gearing up for an epic gameplay reveal of Dune: Awakening. So mark your calendars and get ready to experience the wonders of Arrakis like never before.

Event Info

---

About Gamescom: Gamescom is an annual trade fair for video games and interactive entertainment. It is one of the largest and most significant events in the gaming industry, attracting gamers, developers, publishers, and other stakeholders from around the world. Gamescom serves as a platform for showcasing upcoming video games, hardware, software, and innovations in the gaming industry. The event features exhibitions, presentations, panels, workshops, and networking opportunities. It provides a space for game developers to unveil new titles, present gameplay demos, and interact with their audience. Gamers have the chance to experience hands-on gameplay, test new technology, and engage with the gaming community. Gamescom also hosts esports tournaments, cosplay competitions, and various entertainment activities related to gaming and pop culture. It takes place annually in Cologne, Germany, and typically draws a large international crowd, including industry professionals, enthusiasts, and media.