Filmmaking maestro Denis Villeneuve did the impossible by bringing Frank Herbert’s Dune to the big screen, and now he’s back with Dune 2. But if you’re like us, you’ll want to experience this enormous, rich sci-fi world outside the movies. That’s why you’ll be thrilled to know a brand-new Dune Awakening gameplay showcase for the Xbox and PS5 MMORPG is almost here.
There have been plenty of Dune gaming experiences over the years, with titles like Dune 2000 proving to be among the best games in the RTS genre. Dune Awakening is opting for an open world game approach, and on Monday, March 4, 2024, you’ll be able to see more of it in action. According to developer Funcom, you can get an extended look at the new PS5 game and new Xbox game through the first Dune Awakening Direct showcase: “we are thrilled to announce the debut of our new series of Dune Awakening Direct showcases […] we’ll be showing new game footage and more.”
The showcase will be hosted by esports analyst and caster Soe Gschwind, and it will begin from 9:00 AM PT / 12:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM GMT. You’ll be able to watch it via the official Dune Awakening Twitch and YouTube channels, whether you’re tuning in on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Don’t worry, we’ve popped it down below ready for you to watch it with us.
We’re hoping that this showcase will shed some light on the Dune Awakening release date, as it still remains buried in the sand. Regardless, this showcase comes at a perfect time, hot off the hype of Dune 2. Dune isn’t the easiest source material to adapt, but the potential of a fully open world Arrakis is mouthwatering.
This iteration of Frank Herbert’s universe leans on the Denis Villeneuve iteration, which means you’ll be seeing designs for weapons, vehicles, and planets direct from the big screen. And yes, getting in the cockpit of an Ornithopter has already been teased in early footage of the game. However, unlike the movies, you won’t be playing as familiar characters.
According to the developer, players can expect to start Dune Awakening “alone on the deadliest planet in the universe” while coming across characters from both the movies and the books. With a custom created character that can be upgraded with skills and unique abilities, it is possible we’ll come across characters like Fremen leader Stilgar and perhaps even Paul Atreides himself. This is all while creating your own guild, harvesting resources, dealing with harsh weather, and getting into explosive fights.
Dune Awakening really could be one of the best RPG games available if it nails these aspects, but we’ll have to see what the first Direct showcase has to offer.
In the meantime, fellow fantasy RPG Remnant 2 just introduced a long awaited feature, and Baldur’s Gate 3 is going to be a juggernaut for its Xbox physical release.