Dune Awakening

Cybsled said:

Don’t have time to watch right now, but what was the explanation on server layout/population because they mentioned queues for some areas?

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Overview of Dune: Awakening Gameplay Reveal​

• Game Title: Dune: Awakening
• Type: Massive open-world multiplayer survival game.
• Platform: PC and consoles.
• Setting: The desert planet Arrakis (Oracus), known from the Dune franchise.
• Objective: Survive, explore, build, and align with factions in a hostile environment.

Key Gameplay Features Introduced​

1. Exploration & Survival Mechanics
   • Ever-changing desert world with dynamic weather like Coriolis storms.
   • Weekly map changes add replayability and new secrets.
   • Scan terrain for resources using modules and survey probes.
   • Use tools like suspensor belts and grappling claws for traversal.
2. Building & Crafting
   • Collect resources to craft stillsuits, shelters, and vehicles.
   • Bases can be relocated; old bases are cleaned by storms (game mechanic).
   • Building system praised by developers for its flexibility and creativity.
   • Community has already created imaginative structures during beta.
3. Combat & Encounters
   • Weapons: From guns to melee combat (e.g., swordmaster tree).
   • Sandworms react to vibrations – danger if detected.
   • NPC Factions: Scavengers, smugglers, mercenaries—each with different behaviors.
   • Dynamic encounters and random world events.
4. Factions & Quests
   • Align with houses like Atreides or Harkonnen.
   • Pick up contracts from boards or discover them in the world.
   • Specific quests unlock unique skill trees (e.g., from NPCs like planetologists).
5. Environmental Interactions
   • Quicksand, radiation zones, and drum sands affect survival.
   • Sunstroke impacts hydration—traveling at night is safer.
   • Caves and outposts offer unique loot and lore.

Vehicles & World Travel​

• Sand bikes and ornithopters (flying vehicles).
• Flight opens up access to remote locations and cities.
• Travel systems enhance sense of scale and progression.

World & Visual Design​

• High emphasis on verticality despite being a desert.
• Distinct rock formations, lighting, and biomes for variety.
• Inspiration from the Dune universe, with alien yet familiar aesthetics.

Developer Insights​

• Hosted by Natasha Rosley (Funcom).
• Guests: Jeff G. (World Director), Iin Yanow (Environmental Artist).
• Talked about challenges designing a desert world and balancing realism with fun.

Notable Mechanics Mentioned​

• Harvest blood for water (survival tactic).
• Hidden chests with rare loot like lasguns.
• Areas like abandoned testing stations and shipwrecks contain valuable rewards.
• Survey probe system to map terrain and find hotspots.
  
  
  Summary of Transcript Part 2 of 3
  
  
  Start Time: 00:52:02
  End Time: 01:31:55
  
  
  

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  World Design & Environmental Mechanics​

  • Canyons & Elevation: Deep canyons like the Hagger Rift offer shelter from sandstorms and worms.
  • Traversal Challenges: Platforms and mining tunnels help players navigate vertical spaces.
  • Lighting Techniques: Inspired by games like Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom; carefully crafted for visibility and mood.
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  PVE vs PVP Zones​

  • Kenly System: Zones are color-coded (Green: PVE, Red: PVP, Yellow: War of Assassins).
  • Shipwrecks vs Testing Stations:
    • Shipwrecks: Primarily PVP, with valuable components for crafting weapons.
    • Imperial Testing Stations: PVE areas with parts mainly for vehicle crafting.
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  Resources & Looting​

  • Resource Types:
    • Armor plating, mechanical parts, plasti-microfiber.
    • Replace traditional materials like “wood and stone” with sci-fi equivalents.
  • Loot & Stealing: Vehicles can be stolen from NPCs. Hidden loot chests reward exploration.
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  Map Travel & Exploration​

  • Overland Map System:
    • Travel via ornithopters across various zones (e.g., Habbanya Basin to Harco Village).
    • Players manage fuel and water even during flight segments.
  • Cities & NPCs:
    • Towns like Harco Village act as social hubs.
    • Transport services (e.g., NPC shuttles) available before acquiring flying vehicles.
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  Music & Sound Design Feature Segment​

  
  

  Behind-the-Scenes Recording in London​

  • Recording Studio: Air Studios in London (secured last-minute).
  • Soundtrack Goals:
    • Emotive, immersive, and adaptive to game environments.
    • Inspired by Hans Zimmer's film score but with original identity.
    • Uses vertical layering and stems for dynamic transitions.
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  Music Composition Approach​

  • Composer: Knut Avenstroup Haugen
    • Known for Age of Conan and Conan Exiles.
    • Focus on synthesizers and non-traditional orchestration.
  • Three Audio Design Pillars:
    1. Flow – Seamless transitions in gameplay.
    2. Information – Cues for in-game actions and locations.
    3. Evocation – Emotional depth through adaptive music.
  • Notable Musical Track: Wind Sack – Vocal-driven theme representing the "Voice of Arrakis".
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  Sound as a Narrative Tool​

  • Environmental Cues: Sounds convey biome identity (e.g., radioactive zones vs desert).
  • Sandworm Sound Design:
    • Described as divine creatures, not just monsters.
    • Audio conveys size, threat, and presence.
  • Communet Radio System:
    • In-game radio with faction propaganda, lore, and music.
    • Includes podcast-like content to deepen immersion.
      
      
      Summary of Transcript Part 3 of 3
      
      
      Start Time: 01:31:55
      End Time: 02:11:41
      
      
      

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      Business Model & Pre-Orders​

      • No Early Access: Dune: Awakening will have a full release at launch.
      • Head Start Access: Available with Deluxe/Ultimate editions – 5 days early playtime.
      • DLC Strategy:
        • Focused on optional content like cosmetics and side stories.
        • Season Pass includes first four DLCs.
        • Not Pay-to-Win – no power or progression locked behind payment.
      • Three Editions:
        1. Standard – Base game, terrarium pet, cosmetic swatches.
        2. Deluxe – Includes Head Start, DLCs, armor set.
        3. Ultimate – Includes all Deluxe features + exclusive building set, art book, and soundtrack.

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      Customization & Base Building​

      • Swatches: Customize armor, weapons, and vehicles with color “swatches.”
      • Kaitain Palace Building Set: Exclusive decorative assets, includes iconic Atreides bull statue.
      • Furniture, not Walls: Building sets mostly focus on decor elements.
        

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      Tech & Tools​

      • Benchmark Tool + Character Creator:
        • Available now on Steam.
        • Save your character for launch.
        • Running it unlocks a special Frame Blade weapon skin.

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      Gameplay Systems Clarified​

      • Shared Server Instances:
        • Haga Basin: Starting area, instanced but not isolated—includes queue system.
        • Deep Desert: Shared among players, 3x3 grid, mostly PVP-focused with safe PVE edges.
      • Base Protection:
        • Shielded and powered bases are safe from destruction.
        • Bases decay if not maintained (similar to Conan Exiles).
      • Building Rules:
        • Can build nearly anywhere, but key lore areas and roads are restricted.
        • Building on sand attracts sandworms – risky but possible!

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      Vehicles & Combat​

      • Attack from Vehicles:
        • Ornithopters can be equipped with rockets.
        • Players can fire from buggies and flying transports.
        • Modular vehicle system allows loadout customization (e.g., scanner, mining laser).
      • Types:
        • Ground: Sandbike, buggy, Harvester.
        • Air: Transport ornithopter, scout versions, etc.

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      Q&A Highlights​

      • Voice Chat: Proximity voice available, off by default.
      • Controller Support: Yes, full support with UI optimized for controllers.
      • Solo Play: Nearly all content, including spice harvesting, is solo-friendly.
      • Guild Size: Max of 32 members.
      • Private Servers: Under consideration but no confirmation yet.
      • Battle Pass: Not included. "Season Pass" refers only to DLC bundles.