Dune: Awakening Direct - Episode 2

The Dune: Awakening Direct showcases are an exciting way for us to share more about Dune: Awakening with all of you. The second show is hosted by Soe Gschwind where we go over the alternate timeline of Dune: Awakening revealed at Summer Game Fest, character creation, spirituality, and the server structure.
Rise from survival to dominance on the most dangerous planet in the universe. Dune: Awakening combines the grit and creativity of sandbox survival games with the social interactivity of a large, persistent multiplayer game to create a unique and ambitious Open World Survival MMO.
Wishlist now: bit.ly/3V3AgWB
Sign up for the Beta: duneawakening.com/
0:00 Introduction
1:35 Story Cinematic and Alternate History
13:25 Narrative and Spirituality
17:06 Character Creation
22:07 Closed Beta Update
24:25 MMO Aspect and Server Structure
#duneawakening #dune
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[@zeioh]

I think it's time now to show a gameplay video, real gameplay, played live, pad/keyboard in hand, and not scripted for a trailer.. Almost two years have passed now, the words and the premises are beautiful, I love everything you have said so far guys, but, now I would like to see some concreteness, or the beginning of it, please ♥

[@Funcom]

We totally understand wanting to see more. The Dune universe is so rich with lore and we want to get it right. If it helps, we will be showing a full gameplay reveal at Gamescom - that's only two months away! We hope you can wait a little bit longer. 😊

[@zeioh]

@@Funcom Absolutely yes! I'll be waiting anxiously, thanks guys for the work you are doing! And thanks for the reply! ♥

[@PuppetMasterdaath144]

@@zeioh haha 1 upvote haha

[@Albabraveheart]

I have watched and waited patiently for this game. Please please let it be fantastic. What I have watched and read ,my trigger fingers are ready, I’m going to play as an assassin.

[@SapphosSails]

I totally agree! Or that they open up more alpha testing opportunities

[@MrGatonegroish]

The attention to detail is staggering. At 28:11 you can see a kunlon -- that is a mule *wearing a stillsuit* that is used in the books as a transport animal.

[@nightsplurge810]

Screw a kunlon, all the homies and the worm god love thorses or laza tigers

[@nightsplurge810]

You don't have to worry about ruining the canon, Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson already did that to Frank's work

[@MrDezokokotar]

Its ok, i just pretend those books dont exist. Sadly, as excited i was for this game, im probably gonna have to do the same here.

[@cjro71]

the alternate timeline is such a great choice and really has the chance to emphasize the importance of the original story but also be impactful and iconic

[@GideonNine]

I just hope they don’t go with a narrative where it turns out the Kwisatz Haderach didn’t need to be male and that Jessica’s Daughter is able to go where the Bene Gesserit women cannot go.

[@cowboytv7903]

@@GideonNine if they did that they wouldn't need to get rid of paul, and they say no kwisatz haderach

[@blueberryelf1150]

Can't wait to see how melee combat is handled.

[@deaconx]

"The first moments of Dune: Awakening - character creation!" I'll be there for an hour. Definitely need way more hair options though.

[@hacenbourkiche5516]

Gameplay footage is the mind killer...

[@Funcom]

Please stay tuned to our full gameplay reveal at Gamescom this year.

[@MarkTheMadMan]

The reason why I'm not watching it while I've had a few beers because i will just winge and moan about the state of conan.

[@alexashman5183]

One thing i do hope for is that the character you play as has actual weight to it and good animations. So many mmo's feel like your character is skating around, light as a feather. Takes you out of it.

[@vegalefunk3]

we are all here to see the Melee combat system (Direction Combat System): thumbs-up

[@Symmz]

Take ALL the time you need!

[@anonam0us328]

I'm bummed out - i signed up for the beta when it first was available...no news, no invite. Sadface.

[@nightsplurge810]

Me too brother

[@Kira_Kage]

THANK GOD the devs are actually reading and respecting Frank Herbert's work faithfully!

[@macaL9]

RIP Frank Herbert, he’s awesome

[@82automan]

The alternate timeline stuff sounds lame. You don't respect the authors work by changing it.

[@Funcom]

We are all massive Dune fans and want to ensure we stay true to the IP. We work very closely with the Herberts and Legendary!

[@caikelm5766]

​@@82automanFollowing the book beat by beat would just be too limiting, too linear and too boring. Besides there's already the amazing adaptation by Villeneuve out there, no need to repeat the same story again

[@jasonmack760]

@@82automan I disagree. By doing the alternate timeline thing you show *ultimate* respect to the authors work by *not* changing it. Any concessions they have to make due to it being a video game, you can explain by it being in an alternate timeline, while leaving the true canon alone.

[@KorijySama]

Agamemnon as name of the character! Good choice, good reference to Atreides lineage!

[@robulosity84]

Hopefully PVP in the deep desert wont be mandatory

[@benward2010]

If it is I’ll find you ⚔️

[@elthereal]

SO HYPED

[@_Amadeus14]

The soundtrack is realllly really good!!! I hope u release it alongside the game, cuz Dune Spice Wars didn't do that

[@TacticalDorito]

Im super excited to hopefully get in and play its probably my most anticipated game atm

[@realnerdethan]

Really appreciate the information here and am looking forward to seeing more! Seems like it's going to be a great game :)

[@DustyRoberson]

really wanted to get into the beta, but am moving soon, so pc is already packed away, but i can't wait for this game...

[@robotunicorn9974]

Honestly after seeing how many games have flopped because they were rushed i really appreciate that this game is taking its time. This would also make some of the prequel books a lot more relevant since all the politics would look similar to them.

[@Aarrax]

I really hope that I can get access to the beta, I'm quite literally obsessed with this game and can't stop thinking about it.

[@caintindal1671]

The best thing is that the game designers have actually thought about the game before making it. Something that is very Rare in AAA Games today.

[@Jay-ft3xh]

You should stay off social media for a few years if you want to have any chance of being a healthy human with a functioning brain

[@PuppetMasterdaath144]

haha only 1 upvote

[@deep_water]

I remember watching the first film with Sting as a kid, read the books when I was a little older and now I hope to get to play the game. Big pair of trousers to fill but It looks amazing. I look forward to it.

[@eclipse2327]

I’m very much looking forward to playing this

[@RazulLD]

Can't wait to try it!

[@Omega_Contagion]

very exciting stuff! loved that you gave us info about the server structure. I would like some clarification about player base persistence, and what happens to my base when I transfer to different versions of a map to play with my friends? Is there a blue print system to insta build my base again in a new location? Is my base permanently fixed to that layer/version of the map I was in?

[@blabla1177-r7u]

I never played an MMO. And I have been gaming for over 35 years. I think this might be the first MMO I get into.

[@PuppetMasterdaath144]

Get a job

[@Maiyo_Daemon]

Bruh y’all need to calm down and just be patient, I’m hopeful that it will be a good game they seem to really care about the world and story. I just want the game to get the love it deserves and I hope they deliver. I’m patiently waiting and beyond excited to try the beta when it’s ready. It’s always better to have a finished product than a rushed product.

[@Rauruatreides]

I wonder why they did Harko village (i assume being related to Harkonnens, though i could be wrong) vs Carthag, the other large city on Arrakis.

[@RisqueRique]

I think it’d be so cool if after you’ve discovered where the Fremen are you unlock their race as playable

[@Kaden10]

I would love to see this approach used in a City of Heroes Reboot.

[@blacklionapps7335]

Are we going to get to read that 20-page timeline?

[@ShadowHunter-d4y]

Hopefully they will reveal a release date on the Gamescom.

[@mattallen9629]

Interested to see if your base can be destroyed like in conan. Was always a fun concept but maybe will need you to be online if you are to be seiged. Can't wait looks amazing 👏

[@DieHardly88]

Looks great!

[@playerone1165]

Please take the time you need to finish this game because it looks so cool it would be terrible to release it uncomplete or not as you thought it

[@wahidkishka2453]

I love it your not ruining the timeline was set In place by Herbert A Master Piece that should be respected. Creating a new timeline from a source material have a lot of possiblity

[@deaconx]

NAMES should have FIRST and LAST names for proper roleplay

[@jdjin291]

We better have a collector edition we can buy that has a sandworm at its core

[@AstriaHelixia]

The New Timeline is what I want what if we are Paul POV seeing different Possibility instead the narrow path we go beyond what he sees.

[@donuteatingtiger]

Amazing!! I'm in awe by how much love and work was put into this project!! Can't wait to exerience it!!

[@makutarix1769]

The Gom Jabbar cutscene was sick asf. I am beyond ecstatic with the art and narrative direction of this game. Here's hoping the gameplay follows suit

[@Frostycrypton]

Did the emperor not provide Sardaukar forces for the Harkonnens’ attack on Arrakeen in this timeline? It would seem odd for Leto to not call out the emperor on that if he was involved.

[@emillarsson1299]

Why would Gaius convince the emperor to support the Harkonnen with Sardaukar if Jessica had obeyed her and birthed a daughter?

[@Frostycrypton]

⁠​⁠@@emillarsson1299wouldn’t the emperor still fear Leto as an inspiring figure that could usurp the emperor? Even if Gaius wouldn’t need to “correct” Jessica’s decision, the emperor should still have motivation to be rid of Leto.

[@henrycase3788]

​@@FrostycryptonGaius would still have wanted Jessica's daughter to wed with Feyd-Rautha, iirc. She is still vital to the Kwisatz Haderach program. Gaius would have tried and swayed/reasoned with Shaddam from annihilating the Atreides. Plus, Irulan's loyalty to the Sisterhood would have made it quite easy for Shaddam to listen to her if he ever distrusts Gaius' advice. Not saying this is what would have played out, it's just my thoughts afterall, but it's 15 years of being talked out of destroying the Atreides as opposed to 15 years of a Reverend Mother whispering to you that the Atreides are a threat to the throne (because of Jessica's defiance to the Sisterhood).

[@jewelscoop3570]

Im guessing duke leto would have had more time considering the value of his daughter in this timeline, allowing him more time to gather strength with the fremen.

[@user-vw3yr2rt8z]

​@@emillarsson1299 in that case Atreides family would never be sent to Dune. The while point of sending them to Dune was to drag them from their home planet to kill them off easy. Funcom's timeline makes no sense.

[@Albabraveheart]

Can you create more than 1 build on your character?. ie assassin, stealth, leader etc

[@bensun432]

I love Dune and I'm really excited for this game, please take your time and don't rush the release

[@drakenblazinggaming5478]

I’ve been playing MMOs for a while and I cannot wait to hop into my journey to become a Fremen, and hopefully bring peace to Arrakis. Ready to lead the factions that will follow me, and those that will not will be lead to paradise.

[@geraldimhof2875]

Love everything.. except for one small detail, which is important in the character creation and the narrative of NOT being Paul. The box is to test whether you succumb to animalistic instincts and Paul goes through it because Jessica created him to be the Kwisatz Haderrach. Since our character isn't the chosen one, the box makes no sense.

[@user-es7sd3xv7n]

Is the data interoperable between different worlds? Can players interact with each other in different worlds?

[@yourejustjellis]

how would anyone be able to interact with someone on a totally different world from them

[@tristanmattwig8541]

YESSS SOEEE blizzard should not have let her go. Glad she is still hosting games

[@Razachiel]

I have to agree with the other comments here, creating an alternative timeline was a great idea on how to handle the possible lore controversies. Also, good job with the lore knowledge! I'm impressed so far and looking forward to try the game 🙂

[@jasonmack760]

Let's be serious, the lore of Dune... is *enormous*. No matter how hard they try, they *will* get something wrong sooner or later. It won't be intentional, that's just what happens. This way, you can fudge a little on the lore here and there and it's fine, the timeline's different.

[@ghostbc5214]

500k views in 4 days. the world is waiting for a good MMO. please dont let us down. also release date when???

[@WingedSoda]

Will this be crossplay between consoles and PC?

[@misapheonix]

The lore shift is one of the most interesting things. Mainly due to this being the only missing thing with the last movie remake. It's a msssive cherry on top to satisfy and intrigue veterans of the series, who often only get fan service for their loyalty to the series. To see this get put into a game version feels kinda redeeming lol

[@matthewlampkin820]

I can be patient and wait for the release but man are you guys making my itch to play this asap so much stronger haha I want to find the fremen and be 1 Long live the fighters

[@Fatesmaster]

With the way this server structure is being set up i'm very worried about private servers. Are those even going to be a possibility? Or are official servers going to be our only option?

[@bluebloodline7]

❤

[@ArchSight]

Question: Is the servers going to have a match making system to balance out player numbers on each team/faction? Like reserve slots per faction and limitations on how many on a specific team/party receiving rewards? This could resolve the problem of player zergs winning all PvP encounters by sheer number of players allied with each other on a single server. Many survival MMO's have this problem ruining the game for me and everybody else that's not part of the Zerg.

[@guy6451]

is it possible you get onto the beta as a console player ?

[@OrishiBlackMoses]

Guess we'll find out in-game, but Im curious as to why the Fremen have disappeared? I know you've changed the timeline for an alternate one, but I would think the Fremen would still be there protecting their territory whether a boy or girl had been born to come lead them as the Legend has Prophesied.

[@Funcom]

The fremen will remain an important culture in Dune: Awakening. Their impact on Arrakis will be visible, either in locations they used to inhabit, or messages they may have left behind. Follow the clues and discover the truth in your journey across the game.

[@elkpapa]

No fremen!?!! No Dune! ​@@Funcom

[@nicklockk]

These hairstyle options are abysmal. You're on a desert planet, you're gonna want a protective hairstyle, ofc! You really ought to add those.

[@alexha2884]

Protective hairstyle from…? And what type of hairstyle would be protective?

[@nicklockk]

@@alexha2884 protective hairstyles are hairstyles actually worn in the desert. They are meant to minimize exposure to the elements. Just google it and you'll see lots of different ones :)

[@nicklockk]

@@alexha2884 Protective hairstyles are hairstyles that are actually worn irl in the desert. They minimize exposure of the hair to the elements. Just google it and you'll find a bunch of different styles.

[@nicklockk]

@@alexha2884 it appears my replies to you get deleted?

[@nicklockk]

It appears like my replies to you get deleted?

[@franciscoleite353]

I just hope they don't delay this to 2080

[@marvineetron]

Very cool soe!

[@id_avalon3451]

gz you beat CIG to inventing Server Meshing.

[@elliotmckenzie205]

Darn, I was hoping Lankiveil would have been an option as a starter planet. I was looking forward to role playing as a Harkonnen whaler with a big bushy beard.

[@NBS506]

Videos like this need to be the standard for any developer that wants to be taken seriously.

[@Jay-ft3xh]

Videos like this are meaningless. This is advertising. Juveniles...

[@starman825]

Ok I understand why the alternate timeline it gives more freedom in the lore instead of just piggybacking off the book or movies but I got a question will we be able to side with any of the great houses you guys add or will be limited to just be a sort of free agent Ps. When are you guys gonna show off gameplay

[@reddeadass7934]

how do I log in to beta testing?

[@TinyTheGameDev]

The way that the server architecture is described in this video, makes me think of games like Escape from Tarkov. I am holding out until a real video of the gameplay loop comes out, so it is less my imagination and more proof of how this will play. However, please don't let this be a Spice Themed extraction shooter :( Unless I missed it being discussed elsewhere - How will base persistence work as a gameplay mechanic? Over on Hagga Basin it sounds similar to server survival games like Conan & Ark. What about The Deep Desert - will it just get wiped away with the reset making Hagga Basin our hub where we want to build?

[@VonBrachsenbruegge]

I hope that i'm able to build a base like the one at 14:29.. buildings that look broken and beaten down. I fear we will only be able to have new shiny and clean stuff.. and the cool things are only available for the NPCs.. like in every god damn game.

[@fico1557]

judging by conan exiles we will have broken parts to build with XD, but i think that player made buildings will be quite blocky/unrealistic compared to the npc ones

[@NeelixMaster]

Im so happy that this game will be a complete successor of Conan Exiles 😂

[@stevenbigdinofan]

I wanted to buy it but i cant on pc steam its not released yet why??

[@Patrick-ys3bc]

Because it's not released yet.

[@cardileidedossantos1238]

O senhor é o meu pastor e nada me faltará

[@willmorgan5692]

I think im really gettig excited for the game alternate timelines not being stuck in pauls footsteps and discovering a different dune yup im hooked

[@philliparroyolong3718]

Wait, did they say the fremen are exterminated? And this is the "good" timeline?

[@elkpapa]

Yeah WHAT

[@jasonsborean]

So no player servers?

[@stevenbigdinofan]

I tought it released 20 june?? Whhy

[@juni0r427]

Can someone tell me if I can watch this without any spiler for the Dune Books? For reference, I am more than halfway done with Dune Messiah and plan to read at least until God Emperor. Are there things in ANY part of this that will spoil anything between where I am and God Emperor? I will not watch if there are

[@tristancoward6935]

If you stop at God Emperor your missing out on the awesomeness that is Miles Teg.

[@TFT-bp8zk]

They threw the Dune books in the garbage can. This game has nothing to do with the Dune books. They’re actually proud of it.

[@Draec]

*Gasp* Soe!

[@Funcom]

We love Soe!

[@user-zw9bl9lu4u]

How big is Dune: Awakening

[@Donarfloydr]

What they need is to fix the Conan Exiles game.

[@theAnton81]

I hope it is possible to play the game without being forced to PvP for those only interested in PvE.

[@Baraz_Red]

Hopefully the tech is better than Conan Exiles, which I wanted to love, but the janky PvE and other issues had me turn away after a while (the base building was awesome though).

[@MRMichyBio]

I don't know a single person who has got access to the beta...and I have a shit ton of people on my steam with it on their wishlist...seems fishy.

[@arielcarrasquillo9022]

I think it would be cool since this is an alternative time line to see how it connects back to the original dune since the god emperor leto pretty much saw all and realized that his bloodline always was and always will be. It would be really cool to see the new daughter of Jessica fall in love with a ferman and produce the new Lisan al Gaib.

[@gordonburchell4337]

Cool how about them bug fixes on Conan? siptah was unplayable last night after update npcs were bugging out wouldn’t attack for 45 mins couldn’t open chest all kinds of cool features

[@DF999]

Yay another lore trailer with zero gameplay. Let’s all stay hyped it’s sure to come out soon Kappa

[@yourejustjellis]

they have explicitly stated many times (including in the video!) that there will be a gameplay reveal in august

[@Vincento...]

When Dune is released, will Conan Exiles no longer be developed?

[@Funcom]

Conan Exiles is not being sunsetted any time soon. We have separate development teams for both games, and Conan Exiles will still see regular content updates.

[@imcartermatic]

wait... the way he described joining a game. its a server cluster? so... like conan or rust or ark... just clustered. like how ark clusters map servers together..

[@SantorGames]

Please Funcom, bring the old hecatomb back to Conan Exiles, it was one of the best things in the gaming experience. With this new mode, the hecatomb lost all its essence and the game became just a collect and build game. This system of collecting treasures is ok, but as long as the hecatomb comes in the old way, the more treasures you have, you will suffer a hecatomb invasion with only bosses and mini-bosses. You created one of the best survival games, if not the best, then you killed it. But there's still time to rescue him. Conan Exiles has every chance of being for survival games what GTA is for the gaming world. Rescue this pearl and think of a Conan Exiles 2 in a world after the bracelet has been taken off and continue the journey.

[@nano-producciones6231]

Will it come dubbed into Spanish? please

[@thewaveybean6285]

so its technicaly not open world?

[@MortusVanDerHell]

First and most important question for me - is a offline Singleplayer possible, like in Conan: Exiles ? I don't want some human player to ruin my immersion by giving themselves a ridiculous rubbish name that floats above their head as they sprint and jump through the crowd to the next instance raid. -.- Oh well... And Paul was 15 years old in the actual timeline when the Battle of Arrakeen took place. Was Jessica 5 years pregnant with you or why is her decision after conception exactly 20 years before the battle? 😀

[@yourejustjellis]

the player isn't playing as jessica's kid

[@MortusVanDerHell]

@@yourejustjellis That was not my point. My point is that it was said here that between Jessica's decision to give birth to a boy/girl (shortly after conception) and the point on the timeline where the child born was 15 years old according to the book, a span of 20 years has passed on the timeline depicted. This is simply wrong in terms of the years.

[@Quoxozist]

"Don't worry - You're NOT locking yourself into a class or archetype" - ...well that's really too bad, because hard choices drive meaningful decisions and effective builds, that's exactly what makes RPGs meaningful - what does it matter what your starting skill and class is then? If you can just shift anytime, pick any other skill, train in any other discipline? Outside of the aesthetics, it just means that skills and classes and character creation choices don't mean anything. Also, you really didn't answer the questions about server structure at all - "many many hundreds of players on multiple maps" what does that mean exactly? what are the server limitations? how many maps? if maps are "full" does that mean I can't get in? IN other words, is this going to be an actual MMO where everyone is playing in a single same game world on their regional server? ie. asia server, europe server, etc. and all players on that server play together on the same maps in the same game "instance"? OR, will it be a pseudo MMO where there are multiple "instances" running on the same server, and those instances have population limits, and so you can be on the same server, same map, but still not actually be playing with people on the same server/map who are in a different instance? "A large infrastructure of connected servers" okay, what does this mean for the actual gameplay experience though? Different "dimensions" and "areas" are mentioned - so does this mean "instances" after all then? You say that we will fly between locations on a separate "overworld map" which is it's own server? but it's just a top-down view of the "world map" with little ornithopter icons zooming from place to place.. so then we don't get to actually traverse a real world map, instead we use what is really just a form of fast travel to get from area map to area map? You mention that even the biggest map, the "Deep Desert", will have a player cap? so I simply can't go there if it's "full"? This is sounding more and more like pseudo-MMO stuff.

[@parkerzer078]

Lol so they fremen just went south by the sound of it.

[@KanaGamez]

aw man no private servers?

[@RiPPeRZ]

Then it turns into a conan exiles.....where devs release glitched updates over glitched updates. Stay tunned.

[@gordonburchell4337]

I know these poor ppl don’t understand the lies us Conan veterans know the truth

[@CerberusWP]

The Overland Map feels kinda cheap. While it's understandable that each areas have to be connected, I just wished that we could appreciate that in 3D with the same level of immersive graphics initialy unveiled rather than this aerial synthetic view to connect all point of interests.

[@jasonmack760]

Unfortunately, unless you want to wait another eight years for them to crack the code of full-scale, modifiable planets like Star Citizen, it must be this way.

[@ConstantineKeeper]

Let me in

[@user-zw9bl9lu4u]

is there single player

[@Aarrax]

There will not be Single player, it is a live service MMO.

[@slowgamergaming6462]

Conan exiles server owner here. We are all pumped for the new game. But don't forget us over in the exiled lands