Funcom, the developer behind the much-anticipated multiplayer survival game Dune: Awakening, has recently shed light on the game's business model and post-launch strategy. Notably, the game will see a full launch on May 20, skipping the Early Access phase that many fans might have anticipated. Drawing inspiration from Frank Herbert's iconic sci-fi novel and its subsequent film adaptations, Dune: Awakening will not follow the subscription model typical of many MMOs.
Instead, Funcom plans to keep the game evolving through regular free updates, which will introduce new content, features, and enhancements. This approach aligns with their "classic business model," which also includes optional DLCs. Funcom cites its commitment to long-running MMOs like Anarchy Online and Conan Exiles, which continue to receive free updates, DLCs, and expansions years after their initial release. "Dune: Awakening will be no exception, and it will continue to expand with free updates bringing new content, features, and enhancements," Funcom emphasized.
The standard edition of Dune: Awakening is set at $49.99. For those looking for more, the Deluxe Edition, priced at $69.99, and the Ultimate Edition, at $89.99, offer additional perks. Both premium editions grant a five-day head start and exclusive items. The Deluxe Edition includes the armor of the Sardaukar, the elite military force that players must evade in the game. The Ultimate Edition encompasses all Deluxe Edition content, plus 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 comes with a universal color pattern applicable to vehicles, weapons, and armor, along with the Terrarium of Muad’Dib, an in-base decoration featuring the iconic desert mouse.
Funcom has also outlined Dune: Awakening's PC features and system requirements. The game supports advanced graphics technologies such as Nvidia's DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation, AMD's FSR, and Intel's XeSS 2, ensuring 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 a deeper dive into what Dune: Awakening has to offer, check out IGN’s final preview of the game.
