Funcom, the developer behind Dune: Awakening, has provided an exciting update on the game's business model and post-launch strategy. They have confirmed that the eagerly anticipated release date of May 20 is set for the game's full launch, rather than an Early Access version. This news comes as a relief to fans eagerly waiting to dive into the world inspired by Frank Herbert's iconic sci-fi novel and its cinematic adaptations.
Contrary to expectations for an MMO, Dune: Awakening will not require a subscription. Instead, Funcom plans to keep the game evolving through free updates that will introduce new content and features. The developer will also adopt a "classic business model" that includes optional downloadable content (DLCs), ensuring that players have the freedom to enhance their experience as they see fit.
Funcom highlighted its commitment to long-term support by referencing its successful track record with other MMOs like Anarchy Online and Conan Exiles, which continue to receive free updates, DLCs, and expansions well beyond their initial launch. They assured fans that Dune: Awakening will follow suit, promising a continuous stream of free updates that will enrich the game with new content, features, and enhancements.
The standard edition of Dune: Awakening is priced at $49.99. For those looking for more, the Deluxe Edition ($69.99) and Ultimate Edition ($89.99) offer a five-day head start and various unique items. Included with both the Deluxe and Ultimate Editions, the Season Pass will unlock four DLCs over time, starting with the first one available at launch.
The Deluxe Edition also includes the armor of the Sardaukar, the elite military force that players will encounter in the game. Meanwhile, the Ultimate Edition goes above and beyond, adding Paul Atreides' iconic stillsuit from the 2021 film, a digital artbook, a digital soundtrack, unique color patterns, and the Caladan Palace Set, complete with building pieces, placeables, and decorations.
Pre-ordering any edition grants players a universal color pattern that can be applied to vehicles, weapons, and armor, along with the Terrarium of Muad’Dib, an in-base decoration featuring the iconic desert mouse.
Funcom also detailed the PC features and system requirements for Dune: Awakening. The game supports advanced graphics technologies such as Nvidia's DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation, AMD's FSR, and Intel's XeSS 2, promising a visually stunning experience.
Dune: Awakening PC System Requirements:
Minimum:
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit (or newer)
- Processor: Intel Core i5-7400, AMD Ryzen 3 1200
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB), AMD Radeon 5600XT (6GB)
- Storage: 60 GB available space
Recommended:
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit (or newer)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-10700K, AMD Ryzen 5 2600X
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 (8GB), AMD Radeon 6700XT (12GB)
- Storage: 75 GB available space
For those eager to learn more about Dune: Awakening, be sure to check out IGN's final preview of the game, which offers deeper insights into what players can expect from this highly anticipated title.
