Game Pulse Me

Dune: Awakening Story Revealed, Takes Part In An Alternate Timeline

Dune: Awakening, the upcoming open-world survival MMO developed by Funcom, has revealed a fascinating twist in its narrative. Announced during this year's Summer Game Fest, the game's story will unfold in an alternate timeline where the central character, Paul Atreides, was never born. This intriguing divergence sets the stage for a unique exploration of the Dune universe, promising both familiar and novel elements for fans.

The Alternate Timeline Unveiled

In this alternate timeline, Lady Jessica, instead of giving birth to Paul Atreides, has a daughter. This significant change ripples through the narrative, creating a world where Duke Leto Atreides survives and House Atreides ascends to new heights of power. The Fremen, on the other hand, face near extermination. This new storyline offers a fresh take on the Dune saga, allowing players to experience events that never occurred in the original timeline.

"I created the future until it created me... What if my mother had obeyed orders and given birth to a girl? Everything would have changed." - Dune: Awakening Trailer

Game Overview and Development

First announced in 2022, Dune: Awakening has been eagerly anticipated by fans of the franchise. Developed by Funcom, known for their work on Conan Exiles, the game promises to combine elements from the books and movies, such as the menacing sandworms, with the grit and creativity of sandbox survival games. The social interactivity of a large, persistent multiplayer game will create a unique and ambitious open-world survival MMO.

Despite being an open-world survival MMO, Dune: Awakening aims to deliver a compelling narrative. The new cinematic story trailer revealed at Summer Game Fest provided a glimpse into the game's world, highlighting the impact of Paul Atreides' absence and setting the stage for the events players will experience upon its release.

Story Details and Player Experience

In Dune: Awakening, players will explore a radically transformed Arrakis. The game begins with the aftermath of Lady Jessica’s decision, leading to House Atreides surviving the betrayal of Doctor Yueh and engaging in a prolonged War of Assassins with House Harkonnen. The Fremen, now hunted down, have seemingly disappeared.

“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.” - Funcom

Players will start their journey by acquiring water and establishing shelter, then seek strategic alliances and engage in battles to control the precious resource of spice. The game will feature encounters with key figures from the Dune universe, including Ariste Atreides, the daughter of Duke Leto and Lady Jessica.

Creative Freedom and Future Updates

One of the most exciting aspects of Dune: Awakening is the creative freedom Funcom has in crafting a unique storyline within the rich lore of Dune. This freedom allows the developers to explore new and familiar stories without the constraints of the existing plotlines from the 23 books in the franchise.

“It’s exciting and a bit of a relief to finally share the details of the alternative timeline in Dune: Awakening. It’s the pebble that starts a landslide, and it opens up a lot of really cool opportunities for players to explore when they arrive on Arrakis.” - Funcom

More information about the game will be revealed in a standalone direct scheduled for later this month, with a gameplay trailer expected to drop during Gamescom later this year. Until then, fans can only speculate about the possibilities this new timeline holds.

Community and Anticipation

Dune: Awakening has already garnered significant attention, with over one million players wishlisting the game on Steam. This milestone reflects the high anticipation and excitement surrounding its release.

“What if Lady Jessica had obeyed the Bene Gesserit and given birth to a daughter in Dune? How would the future of the Imperium diverge, with a timeline where Paul Atreides had never been born?” - Dune: Awakening Trailer

Conclusion

Dune: Awakening presents a bold and innovative approach to the beloved Dune universe. By exploring an alternate timeline, the game offers fresh narrative possibilities while maintaining the rich lore and complex world-building that fans adore. With its blend of survival mechanics, multiplayer interactivity, and an engaging storyline, Dune: Awakening is set to provide a unique and immersive experience for players. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach its release.

Mark your calendars for more exciting reveals at Gamescom in August, where Funcom is expected to share detailed gameplay mechanics and possibly a playable build for journalists. The world of Dune awaits, ready to be reshaped by your choices and actions in this alternate reality.