Funcom announces Dune: Awakening, an MMO based on Herbert’s universe: what we know, so far, about the upcoming video game

After an absence from the market for nearly 20 years, fans of the Dune franchise suddenly have something to think about and, more importantly, something to hope for.

After announcing Dune: Spice Wars in 2021, Norwegian publisher Funcom revealed at this year’s Gamescom that it’s creating a new MMO, also set in Frank Herbert’s science fiction universe.

The trailer, which the company distributed during the event, unfortunately didn’t show the gameplay. However, it’s still early to draw conclusions, or even to have expectations, so all we have to do is be patient for new details to be revealed when Funcom feels the time is right.

What do we know, though, about the upcoming MMO Dune: Awakening

While the details aren’t that clear, we can see a character in the trailer, possibly a playable version of Paul Atreides, though it’s not certain either. He chases a sand worm that devours a spice harvester while reciting the famous Dune mantra “fear is the mind killer”.

Dune: Awakening seems to promise an open-world survival experience.

On the other hand, the game’s Steam page offers some additional details about the project. Players will have the chance to explore the desert planet in search of spice. According to the aforementioned source, you’ll have to protect your harvesting machine from opportunistic attacks, as well as the sand worm that can appear when you least expect it.

The not-so-good news is that Funcom hasn’t announced a release date for Dune: Awakening.

There is, however, one piece of good news in the mix: the game’s official website invites all gaming enthusiasts and Dune fans alike to sign up for an upcoming beta.

So we can’t know for sure if the experience will be a satisfying one, but for that you’ll have to sign up on the site and test for yourself, and then make a decision.