Let’s get one thing straight right from the start. Full disclosure: I’m not a lifelong Dune fanatic. I’ve dipped my toes into the books and movies over the years without fully connecting with the universe in the same way some do. Perhaps Dune isn’t your cup of tea, just like maybe Star Trek or Marvel isn’t mine.
However, I am a dedicated sci-fi enthusiast, a long-time follower of Funcom’s work (despite some past ups and downs), and an MMO player deeply invested in the future of this genre. That’s why, even without being a Dune expert, I can confidently say I’m incredibly excited about Dune Awakening. In fact, I believe it has a genuine chance to be my personal game of the year in 2025.
It feels a little risky to make such a bold statement this early, putting it out there for the internet to potentially throw back at me later! But the point of getting hyped for upcoming releases is to dive into the titles that look genuinely promising. And right now, Dune Awakening is at the top of that list.
Why the Hype Train is Real for Dune Awakening
So much about Dune Awakening seems perfectly positioned for success. Let’s look at the key factors driving this anticipation:
1. Funcom’s MMORPG Pedigree: Funcom has a history with online games, stretching back to the ambitious Anarchy Online, the brutal Age of Conan, and the unique The Secret World. While their focus has shifted somewhat in recent years, they haven’t abandoned the genre. They possess experienced talent, and seeing veterans like Joel Bylos involved in another large-scale online project inspires confidence that the team knows how to tackle complex game development.
2. Learning from Arrakis (and Conan Exiles): Funcom’s experience with Conan Exiles, their successful open-world survival title, seems particularly relevant here. Dune Awakening is set to include open-world survival elements and base building, areas where Funcom has honed their craft. Applying lessons learned from the harsh world of Conan to the even harsher environment of Arrakis feels like a natural evolution.
3. Riding the Spice Wave: Dune’s Mainstream Moment: Dune has always had a dedicated following, but Denis Villeneuve’s recent films have propelled the franchise into mainstream consciousness with widespread critical and popular acclaim. More people than ever are familiar with Arrakis, the Fremen, the Harkonnens, and of course, the sandworms. This newfound popularity creates a massive potential audience eager to explore the universe further, and a large-scale online game arrives at the perfect time to capitalize on that interest.
4. A Survival Setting That Actually Feels Like Survival: While I might not typically seek out desert environments in MMOs, Arrakis is undeniably a fantastic backdrop for a survival game. It presents an extreme biome with inherent, believable dangers. Unlike survival games that simply plop you in a mild forest with easily accessible resources, Dune Awakening forces you to confront existential threats: unforgiving sandstorms, the constant struggle for water, and the terrifying presence of colossal sandworms. These elements promise a survival experience that feels genuinely challenging and impactful.
Beyond the Basics: Exciting Features on the Horizon
Beyond the core survival loop, several other announced features are boosting excitement. The proposed classes sound unique and tied into the Dune lore, the risk/reward dynamics of Spice use could introduce fascinating gameplay wrinkles, the idea of a constantly changing map keeps the world feeling dynamic, and the inclusion of ground and air vehicles is a welcome addition for traversing the vast landscape.
Acknowledging the Desert’s Dangers: Reservations
Of course, the path to a successful MMO launch is fraught with peril. Currently, the persistent beta is under a strict NDA, meaning we lack extensive first-hand impressions from testers. Funcom has also expressed a desire to move towards early access relatively soon. While exciting, “early access” in the MMO space can sometimes mean a game that is still quite rough around the edges or incomplete at launch. There’s always a concern about how polished and functional the game will be when it first becomes widely available.
The Promise of Arrakis
Despite these valid reservations, the sheer potential of Dune Awakening is undeniable. It’s easy to envision a strong early access period building significant momentum through positive word-of-mouth. As of now, no other announced game for 2025 holds my attention quite like this one. I’m genuinely hopeful that by the end of next year, I’ll have spent many months deeply immersed and thoroughly enjoying my first truly engaging Dune experience.
We wait, and we will see. But remember… fear is the mind-killer.
