Movies

Is a 'Dune'-Based Videogame a Good Idea? Here's What Fans Think

Is a 'Dune'-Based Videogame a Good Idea? Here's What Fans Think
Image credit: Legion-Media

After the huge success of the movie based on the world of Frank Herbert's 'Dune', new adaptations were just a question of time.

It is official: a videogame based on the world of 'Dune ' is happening. But even though the news has a lot of fans excited, it has a fair share of disappointment as well. The first teaser trailer for the game was released on Wednesday, and it already caused a buzz online.

The game was announced during the Gamescom 2022 Opening Night Live broadcast. 'Dune: Awakening' is going to be an open-world survival MMO — and this is one of the things that seems to not quite click with fans.

"Dune gets a video game." Might be interesting.

"Survival MMO." Ok, never mind. The least interesting genre that exist. – @Blubbator

According to people who have long been part of the fandom, MMO needs to be handled perfectly in order to be a success – or else it will only draw ire from 'Dune' fans.

"As MMO this wil leither flip hard or will be highly sucesfull. As Dune has so many fans thru generations, they really need to make it right. It seems too ambitious of project, but damn if made it right... Still seeing MMO world today i would restrain hype." – @gunslingerx2011

The game, however, seems to have little connection to the Timothee Chalamet-led movie 'Dune'. The player will have to survive in the sands of the planet Arrakis, gathering resources, developing skills, and "rising to dominance", as the game description puts it.

Many people joke about how the game has to be a long slow-burner for the sake of honoring the book canon… well, at least we hope that's a joke.

"dune video game better have 3 hour long cutscenes interspersed and maybe two action scenes total or else i will not feel that it's book accurate." – @HuntersChance

What's truly impressive about the game's teaser is the visuals, but the gameplay and the storyline have drawn too much skepticism from fans to rule that 'Dune: Awakening' will be an instant and undisputed success.

The release date for the game is yet to be clarified, with players urged to sign up for a beta version if they want. It is likely that the game will come out relatively simultaneously with the movie sequel, 'Dune 2', with its premiere scheduled for November 2023.