Dune: Awakening Beta Weekend Now Open to Pre-Orderers
In a surprise move, game developer Funcom has opened up the beta weekend for its highly anticipated Dune MMO, Dune: Awakening, to players who have pre-ordered the game. The beta, which began yesterday afternoon, was initially only available to a select group of players who had been invited to participate under a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). However, following complaints from players, Funcom has decided to expand access to the beta to include pre-orderers.
According to a report from Polygon, the beta weekend will run until Monday, May 12, and will allow players to experience the game and share their thoughts with friends and online communities. Initially, players had to put their names forward in hopes of receiving a key to participate in the beta. However, with the change in policy, anybody who pre-orders the game can now get an invitation and join in on the virtual Arrakis experience.
"We heard your feedback on this," Funcom stated in a post on Bluesky, announcing the course reversal. The developer’s decision to open up the beta to pre-orderers came just a few hours after the initial launch, with the post about the beta’s official launch going up at 8:12 AM and the subsequent post about adding pre-order players going up at 3:37 PM on the same day.
The move is likely to be welcomed by fans of the Dune franchise and gamers who have been eagerly anticipating the release of Dune: Awakening. The game is set to be released for PC on June 10, 2025, after being delayed from its initial release date of May 20. As Polygon reports, the delay was likely a strategic move to ensure the game meets the high standards set by the developer and the Dune franchise.
The beta weekend is a significant opportunity for players to experience Dune: Awakening and provide feedback to Funcom. With the game’s release still several months away, the developer will likely use the beta to fine-tune the game and address any issues that arise. As quoted in Polygon, the developer’s decision to open up the beta to pre-orderers demonstrates its commitment to engaging with the gaming community and delivering a high-quality gaming experience.
In conclusion, the decision to open up the Dune: Awakening beta weekend to pre-orderers is a positive move for fans of the game and the Dune franchise. With the game’s release set for June 2025, the beta weekend provides a valuable opportunity for players to experience the game and provide feedback to Funcom. As reported by Polygon, the beta weekend is now live, and pre-orderers can join in on the virtual Arrakis experience until Monday, May 12.
As Polygon notes, "The team at Funcom launched the beta yesterday afternoon and then, later that day, made the decision to open up the beta to include players who had pre-ordered." This move demonstrates Funcom’s commitment to engaging with the gaming community and delivering a high-quality gaming experience.
The Dune: Awakening beta weekend is a significant event for fans of the game and the Dune franchise. With the game’s release still several months away, the beta weekend provides a valuable opportunity for players to experience the game and provide feedback to Funcom. As reported by Polygon, the beta weekend is now live, and pre-orderers can join in on the virtual Arrakis experience until Monday, May 12.
