"Dune: Awakening," Funcom's much-anticipated survival MMO, presents an intriguing blend of immersive world design and innovative gameplay mechanics. This game promises to offer a fresh experience on Arrakis with its unique server infrastructure. Even those who aren't typically fans of MMOs or survival games might find themselves drawn to this captivating desert landscape, just as Joshua Wolens from PC Gamer did after witnessing the latest demo. It's not merely about survival; it's about living and exploring a richly interconnected world.
In a recent 30-minute Dune: Awakening Direct presentation, creative director Joel Bylos delved into the mechanics behind the game's world, maps, and servers. Unlike traditional MMOs that restrict you to single maps and servers, Dune: Awakening features a network of interconnected servers. "It's almost like choosing a server in an MMORPG, but it's a large infrastructure of connected servers," Bylos explained. This design enables a relatively seamless experience as players navigate and explore the vast expanse of Arrakis. Gone are the days of being confined to one map; players can now embark on broader adventures.
The journey begins in Hagga Basin, a starting area populated by a minimum of 40 other players where you can build bases, scavenge, and craft essential items. The unique server browser allows you to find and join your friends effortlessly. As you build up your resources and hone your skills, you can advance to greater challenges. By constructing and piloting an ornithopter, you gain the ability to traverse the world through a dynamic overland map. This isn't just any map—it's a top-down, physical representation reminiscent of the Harkonnen map room scenes from Dune: Part Two.
The overland map serves as another server, connecting hundreds of players simultaneously. “So you physically fly between locations on the overland map,” said Bylos. This topological view shows the intricate flight paths of various airborne vehicles and points of interest, encouraging strategic movement and planning. Unlike other MMOs, you’re not simply clicking an icon to teleport; you’re actually navigating your path, adding a layer of realism and immersion that’s rare in online gaming.
Despite the rich interactivity on the ground in locations like Hagga Basin, the overland map’s video footage does not indicate real-time encounters. The focus appears to be on strategic movement, with a UI featuring options for zooming in and out while plotting your course. This aspect is somewhat reminiscent of games like Mount & Blade, where the strategic map offers a bird’s-eye view of terrain and objectives. While it’s yet to be seen if the overland map will feature encounters, its primary function is to integrate the game's sprawling world and facilitate connections between players.
The gaming world has long awaited an MMO that dares to innovate and Dune: Awakening seems poised to deliver. By featuring a vast, interconnected server system where players can physically fly their vehicles between regions, Funcom is breaking away from traditional MMO constraints. Whether you're a seasoned MMO enthusiast or someone new to the genre, the allure of exploring the enigmatic desert world of Arrakis on your own terms is hard to resist. As we look forward to more detailed reveals and the eventual launch, Dune: Awakening is shaping up to be a landmark title in the MMO genre.
