The upcoming MMO, Dune Awakening, developed by Funcom, has stirred significant interest, leveraging not just the acclaim of recent film adaptations but also the developer’s renown from their success with Conan Exiles. Conan Exiles, initially capturing attention for its unique character customization feature, has evolved into a sterling example of MMO survival and base-building gameplay.
Years post-launch, Conan Exiles has garnered more popularity than ever, sparking enthusiasm when Funcom hinted at obtaining the Dune license. The stark desert environments of Conan and the iconic dunes of Arrakis from Frank Herbert’s revered sci-fi novel share evident similarities. However, adapting a revered literary work into a game presents its own set of challenges, particularly in staying true to the original narrative.
A notable attempt to merge Dune with contemporary gaming was seen in a collaboration with Microsoft Flight Simulator, which didn’t quite resonate with purists of the novel. More contentious, however, has been the revelation from an interview with Joel Bylos, Creative Director of Dune Awakening, in Eurogamer. Bylos mentioned the game would navigate around the theme of religion in its depiction of an “alternate history” set around the timeline of the novels.
This approach, especially the game’s divergence from including religious themes pivotal to the source material, has sparked debate among dedicated fans. Criticisms on social media reflect a sense of betrayal, with some suggesting the game should not bear the Dune name if it deviates so significantly from its essence.
Despite the controversies, every aspect of Dune Awakening has received approval from the Herbert Estate, indicating a deliberate choice to broaden the Dune universe rather than strictly adhere to the original canon. The game aims to complement rather than mimic the narrative scope expanded by the new films, attracting a broader audience to the Dune franchise.
While some purists may dismiss the game for its creative liberties, the precedent set by Conan Exiles suggests that Dune Awakening has the potential to excel if it can replicate even a fraction of its predecessor’s success.
