There was a time a few decades ago when all video games, especially all Unreal Engine video games, had to be brown and gray and dingy. We called it “The Cog of Graphics War,” huddled in a chest-high trench with an Xbox 360 controller. Survival MMO Dune: Awakening threatens to take that back in a big way. In other words, the novels and movies on which they are based are, after all, set on an entire planet made of sand.
However, developer Funcom has various plans to enhance the aesthetics. First, parts of Awakening are set underground, where there is actual, legitimate vegetation and therefore a wider range of colors. For another, Dune: Awakening could end up leaving Dune behind and taking us on a journey to another planet.
“Frank Herbert's book makes it very clear that there are quite a lot of plants growing in places hidden from sandstorms and between rocks,” said Scott Jr., the game's executive producer. told me in a roundtable interview. At GDC. Of course, these underground plant sources are not just ornamental, but harvestable materials, and some of the most valuable are found in environmental laboratories that have been abandoned for centuries.
“Yes, we use it to spice up the world, excuse the pun, but to get some different environments,” Junior continued. ”
As for travel to other planets in the Dune universe, which will happen after the start of Early Access if it ever comes to fruition, the game's character editor will feature a list of possible destinations where you can choose the background and associated Great House. You can find hints. From the villainous Ivory Harkonnen to the strong-willed Atreides. “At the beginning of the project, we had Giedi Prime, we had Caladan, and everything else. [major] We definitely considered the location,” Junior said. “However, we are planning to launch only on Arrakis Island. There is a lot to explore there, because there is not only the northern hemisphere, but also the southern hemisphere.” It's locked down. Dear game developers, I think this is a clear opportunity for those who change the pace of mid-to-late games.)
“We may be able to go to other planets after launch, but that's not part of the launch plan,” Junior continued. “But yeah, once I saw the second movie, I would love to do the black-and-white scenes they did in Geedi Prime. I thought that was really shocking.”
Also impressive was the sight of Dune: Awakening's sandworm in action, which somewhat offsets my slight sense of despair at playing yet another survival game in 2024. You can read my full thoughts from the Awakening GDC presentation here.
