Dune: Awakening Livestream

Dune: Awakening Livestream is a series of developer discussions live streamed by Funcom on their Twitch and Youtube channels, hosted by Tascha Röösli where new insights and gameplay for the game will be presented and giveaways will be held.

Livestream #1 - 24th March 2025

The first livestream aired at 2024-03-23 17:00 UTC, which focused on the showing live gameplay, a deep dive on Funcom's business model for Dune:Awakening and a look at the making of its soundtrack, with commentary from guests, including an interview with Knut Avenstroup Haugen and several members from its developer team. The interview was hosted by Tascha Röösli, Global Senior PR at Funcom.

Exploring Arrakis

Gameplay Mechanics

The gameplay segment highlighted various mechanics that players can expect:

Exploration and Resource Gathering

• Players can scan for resources using a scanning module.
• Climbing to high peaks allows for surveying large areas.
• Tools like the Shiga Wire Claw and Suspensor Belt aid in traversing difficult terrain.

Crafting and Building

• Players can craft shelters and vehicles, enhancing their survival chances.
• The game features a contract system for quests, allowing players to earn rewards.

Dynamic Events

• Sandstorms: These storms can change the landscape and reveal new resources.
• Dynamic Encounters: Players may encounter NPCs or other players while exploring.

Combat

• Players can engage in combat with various factions, utilizing a range of weapons and tactics.
• The game features a shield mechanic that adds depth to combat strategies.

World Design

The world of Arrakis is designed with verticality and diverse biomes to avoid monotony. Jeff G, the World Director, emphasized the importance of creating an engaging environment that is not just flat desert but filled with rock formations and varied landscapes.

Notable Locations:

• Trade Posts: Neutral zones where players can interact with NPCs and accept contracts.
• Camps: Different factions inhabit various camps, each with unique aesthetics and challenges.

Environmental Hazards Players must navigate various hazards, including:

• Sandworms: Territorial creatures that react to vibrations in the sand.
• Radiation Zones: Areas that pose risks to players if not approached carefully.

Audio and Soundtrack Discussion

The audio design is a crucial aspect of Dune Awakening, enhancing the immersive experience. The soundtrack was recorded at the prestigious Air Studios in London, featuring a blend of orchestral and synthesized elements.

• Adaptive Music: The music changes dynamically based on gameplay events, enhancing emotional engagement.
• Sound Design: Unique sounds for environmental elements, such as sandworms and storms, contribute to the game's atmosphere.

Business Model and Pre-Orders

The stream concluded with a discussion on the game's business model and pre-order options. Dune Awakening will not follow an early access model; instead, it will launch as a complete game with a season pass for future DLCs.

Pre-Order Editions

• Standard Edition: Base game with exclusive cosmetic items.
• Deluxe Edition: Includes a season pass and early access.
• Ultimate Edition: Features additional cosmetic items and a digital art book.

Important Notes

• The game will not feature pay-to-win mechanics; all players will have equal access to gameplay content.
• Players can expect regular DLC updates every three to four months.

Livestream #2 - 17th April 2025

The second episode aired at 2025-04-17 16:00 UTC, again hosted by Tascha Röösli.

The team at Funcom provided an in-depth look at the game's combat mechanics, server structure, and upcoming beta weekend. The stream featured key developers, including Game Director Villar and Lead Combat Designer Alex, who shared insights into the game's design philosophy and showcased gameplay footage.

The developers also announced a new release date for the game, moving it from May 20th to June 10th, with a head start on June 5th. This change aims to enhance the gameplay experience and allow for a non-NDA beta weekend, where players can freely share their experiences.

Developer Insights

Villar's Background: Game Director with extensive experience in the gaming industry, including titles like Anarchy Online and Hitman Absolution.

Alex's Experience: Lead Combat Designer with a history in game design, previously working on Conan Exiles.

Release Date Change

• New Release Date: June 10th, 2023
• Head Start: June 5th, 2023
• Reason for Delay: Additional time for improvements and a large-scale non-NDA beta weekend.

Combat Mechanics Overview

The stream focused heavily on the combat system, which aims to elevate the standard for open-world survival games. Key points included:

Vision for Combat: The combat system aims to set a new standard in open-world survival games. Key Features:

• Interplay of Combat Styles: Ranged, melee, and abilities are crucial.
• Responsive and Tactical: Focus on positioning and movement rather than perfect timing.
• Solo and Group Play: Combat is designed to support both solo and cooperative gameplay.

Solo vs. Group Combat:

Solo Play:

• Players should adopt a "divide and conquer" strategy.
• Use abilities to control enemy engagement.

Group Play:

• Requires coordination and planning.
• Enemies are more aggressive and have higher health.
• Players must manage resources and abilities effectively.

Abilities and Customization:

• Players can customize their combat style through various skill trees.
• The game supports both archetype specialization and generalist approaches.

Weapons and Combat Tools

Ranged Weapons:

• Unique mechanics, such as spring-loaded and mechanical weapons.
• Examples include the Drillshot and Disruptor.

Melee Weapons:

• Different types of melee weapons, including swords and knives, each with unique attributes.
• Shields play a crucial role, as they can be compromised when shooting.

Holtzman Technology:

• Introduces mechanics like suspension and shields that affect combat dynamics.
• Spice and Its Influence

Spice Mechanics:

• Spice consumption grants players special abilities, enhancing combat effectiveness.
• Players can unlock additional abilities through story progression.

Gameplay Demonstration

The stream featured a live gameplay demonstration showcasing both solo and group combat scenarios. Key moments included:

Solo Combat Showcase: Players demonstrated combat mechanics in a solo environment, showcasing:

• Resource Management: Importance of hydration and stamina.
• Tactical Engagement: Using cover and abilities to defeat enemies.
• Combat Flow: Fast-paced action with a focus on movement and positioning.

Group Combat Showcase: Transitioned to group gameplay, highlighting:

• Team Coordination: Players worked together to defeat waves of enemies.
• Looting Mechanics: Differences in loot acquisition between PvE and PvP areas.
• Friendly Fire: Area-of-effect abilities can damage teammates, requiring careful placement.

Community Engagement

• The developers expressed gratitude for community feedback, which has been instrumental in shaping the game's combat mechanics.
• The upcoming beta weekend will allow players to experience the game and provide further feedback.

Livestream #3 - 29th April 2025

The third episode aired at 2025-04-29 16:00 UTC, hosted by Tascha Röösli, which focused on building in Dune: Awakening. Funcom also held giveaways for copies of Dune: Awakening. In this stream, Funcom dove into Dune: Awakening’s in-depth building and crafting mechanics as well as the Exchange and the Landsraad system.

Base Building

• Base Construction: Players can build bases alone or collaboratively, with unique architecture reflecting allegiance to one of the warring great houses.
• Customization: Bases can be customized using unique building pieces from different factions, such as the Atreides and Harkonnen.
• Blueprint System: Players can record their creations as blueprints, which can be shared, bought, or sold on the exchange.
• Building Restrictions: Players must adhere to certain restrictions to maintain game balance and performance.

Narrative and Story

• Alternate Timeline: The game features an alternate timeline where key events differ from the original Dune lore, allowing for player agency and dynamic storytelling.
• Character Interactions: Players will encounter familiar characters, some of whom are still alive due to the alternate timeline.
• Player Backgrounds: Players can choose their character's background, influencing their starting abilities and interactions with NPCs.

The Exchange System

• Auction House: The exchange functions as an auction house where players can buy and sell items, including blueprints and resources.
• Dynamic Economy: Players can engage in various economic activities, such as crafting and surveying, to contribute to the game's economy.
• Surveying: Players can survey areas to create sync charts, which can be sold to other players, enhancing the exploration aspect of the game.

Landsraad System

• Political Influence: Players can participate in the launch rod system, which allows them to influence the game's political landscape by aligning with factions and completing tasks.
• Voting Mechanics: Players can earn votes for their faction by completing tasks, which can lead to powerful decrees that affect the entire game world.
• Faction Dynamics: The system encourages competition and collaboration among players, fostering a sense of community and strategy.

Blueprint System

• Base Construction: Players can build bases that provide safety from environmental hazards like sandstorms.
• Customization: Bases can be personalized with unique architectural styles based on faction allegiance.
• Collaboration: Players can work together to design and build bases, sharing resources and blueprints.

Q&A Session Highlights

• Access Levels: Players can set permissions for their bases, allowing friends or guild members to access specific areas or resources.
• Base Movement: Players cannot move entire bases but can copy designs to replicate them elsewhere.
• Taxation System: Players must pay taxes every two weeks to maintain their bases and avoid decay.
• Faction Dynamics: The game encourages competition and collaboration among factions, with systems in place to prevent one faction from dominating.