We didn’t think sand worms could get any bigger. The Dune MMO looks pretty spicy.
Dune: Awakening - Everything Known About the Dune MMO Unveiled at Gamescom
Written by Ollie Bradley at 08/25/2022, 01:00 AM
Gamescom 2022 is well underway and our eyes have already been caught by a new offering from Conan Exiles dev, Funcom. Namely, a Dune MMO. And while their claims that this survival game will be entirely unique remain to be seen, that doesn't make us any less excited.
The new Dune MMO was unveiled with a stunning CGI trailer (see below) which seemed to reveal that yes, there will be gargantuan sand worms that are apparently partial to snacking on metal manmade structures and, yes, we will be able to ride them. Let's just hope that these particularly perilous mounts aren't locked behind a paywall.
The new Funcom project is entitled Dune: Awakening and will see players attempt to survive and thrive on the hostile desert planet of Arrakis. Spice will of course play a central role, with players no doubt fighting tooth and nail to secure their own spice blooms. This coveted commodity can then be consumed to bestow powerful abilities on the player.
Funcom promises a unique formula that marries classic survival mechanics (including building shelter against the frequent sandstorms and maintaining your stillsuit) with the more social elements of a persistent MMO.
Social elements will include joining factions (probably guilds), trading, politicking, and making a name for oneself by honing a particular craft that others will seek to hire.
Huge sandstorms will constantly ravage and change the landscape, providing brand new areas to explore on a regular basis that will house untouched secrets and riches ripe for plunder.
Beta sign-ups are open now for Dune fans to get a first look. The jury's out on when we'll get a concrete release date or further details on the mechanics, but rest assured that this is one upcoming MMO we'll be keeping a very close eye on.
As for whether Gamescom 2022 will play host to any more MMO announcements, we'll be summarising the best bits this Monday with a focus on the multiplayer offerings that we're most excited about.