Dune: Awakening – Bringing Frank Herbert’s Iconic Planet to Life
At this year’s PAX East in Boston, it’s impossible to miss the highly anticipated game, Dune: Awakening. The massive sandworm emerging from the exhibition floor is a sight to behold, and with dozens of stations offering fans an early chance to play the game, it’s clear that excitement is building. This reporter had the opportunity to try out the game and sit down with Dune: Awakening‘s Senior Art Director, Gavin Whelan, to discuss the challenges of bringing Frank Herbert’s legendary planet, Arrakis, to life.
According to Nerdist, the game’s developers, Funcom, worked closely with Legendary Entertainment, which also produces Denis Villeneuve’s films, to ensure that the game’s visuals stay true to the source material. Whelan revealed that the movies were a significant inspiration for the game’s look, with the team receiving concept art and feedback from Legendary. The books, of course, were also central to the game’s design, with Whelan stating that the goal was to "make your designs fit Dune, not the other way around."
One of the standout features of Dune: Awakening is its massive, open world, which allows players to explore and build on the iconic planet. Whelan highlighted the importance of building in the game, stating that it’s an area where players can be "really expressive." He also noted that the team was relieved to see players creating amazing structures and taking the game’s building mechanics in different directions. "Building is the part where I think people can be really expressive," Whelan said. "We had the brutalist architecture, we had a vision of the way the world was, and we were trying to create something that feels like it belongs in Arrakis."
In an interview with Nerdist, Whelan also discussed the challenges of designing a game set on a planet with such a unique environment. "Sand is incredibly hard to get right," he said. "The sand deformation, the way the sandworm interacts with the world… it’s a tough planet and there’s a lot of it." The game’s visual effects team had to create a range of complex effects, including sandstorms, spice explosions, and massive sandworms.
Whelan also touched on the topic of Frank Herbert’s involvement in the game, or rather, the lack thereof. While Herbert passed away before the game’s development began, Whelan noted that the team has been in contact with the Herbert estate and has tried to stay true to the source material. "I don’t know what he would think," Whelan said. "I’m scared to actually think what he would think. But I think it’s the way we build upon the world that he created… I think there’s a lot of interest in there as you grow and as you play the game."
As reported by Nerdist, Dune: Awakening is set to release on PC on June 10, 2025, and promises to offer players a rich and immersive experience in the world of Dune. With its massive open world, complex gameplay mechanics, and stunning visuals, it’s clear that this game is going to be a must-play for fans of the franchise. According to Whelan, the team is planning to release expansions for the game, which will add new experiences and content for players to enjoy.
In terms of future plans, Whelan hinted that the team is looking to expand the game’s universe, potentially taking players to new planets and locations. "We want to bring the players places," he said. "We want to take them on those journeys. There’s a lot of scope in this story to keep on going for years really." With Dune: Awakening shaping up to be one of the most ambitious games of the year, it’s clear that fans of the franchise have a lot to look forward to.
The game’s development was a massive undertaking, and it’s clear that the team has put a lot of effort into bringing the world of Dune to life. As Whelan noted, "It’s a big universe. The second movie ended with Paul flying off into space. We want to bring the players places. We want to take them on those journeys." With Dune: Awakening, it’s clear that the team has created a game that will keep players engaged for years to come.
Overall, Dune: Awakening promises to be an exciting and immersive gaming experience that will transport players to the iconic planet of Arrakis. With its stunning visuals, complex gameplay mechanics, and rich storyline, it’s a game that’s sure to delight fans of the franchise.
