Funcom has recently unveiled the main premise behind the highly anticipated survival MMO, Dune: Awakening. In a new interview, Creative Director Joel Bylos explores the intriguing "what if?" alternate timeline and the creative freedom this approach offers in crafting a game set in the Dune universe.
Exploring the Alternate Timeline
The interview, conducted by Xbox Wire, reveals the behind-the-scenes of the game's development. According to Bylos, the team faced significant challenges in determining the game's setting due to the vast scope of events in the Dune IP. The solution came with a simple premise: "What if Jessica had followed the orders of the Bene Gesserit and given birth to a girl instead of a boy?" This change allowed them to retain familiar elements and the timeline of the Dune universe while providing creative freedom for the players.
Bylos highlights that despite this freedom, the team frequently consults Herbert's estate to ensure the story remains true to the original vision of the novels. This approach allows for rich exploration of the universe while maintaining the authenticity of the original work.
An Arrakis at War
The setting of Dune: Awakening is an Arrakis engulfed in war. The Fremen are "missing," and the Atreides remain alive, fighting against the Harkonnen. This large-scale conflict provides fertile ground for survival gameplay, with valuable resources, broken vehicles, and weapons scattered across the planet.
Gameplay and Narrative
The freedom offered by the game means players do not have to strictly follow the main storyline. However, the narrative and lore of the Dune universe influence all aspects of the game, from the environment designs to the equipment found, and of course, the Sandworms, which add a "natural tension mechanic throughout the game."
Dynamic Events
The interview also reveals the mechanics of the "Shifting Sands" events, which change the landscape of the Deep Desert weekly, hiding and revealing points of interest. This dynamic feature aims to make the planet feel more alive and provide a continuous sense of history and evolution.
Quality Connection with NoPing
For players seeking an optimized experience in Dune: Awakening, NoPing is an effective solution for various connection issues. With NoPing, players can significantly reduce ping, improve FPS, resolve packet loss and jitter issues, and avoid unwanted disconnects. Using NoPing, players can enjoy a more stable and responsive connection, ensuring an immersive and uninterrupted gaming experience.
For more information on improving your gaming connection with NoPing, visit the official website.
