Dune Awakening’s Approach to Monetization Seems Refreshing for Those Who Recall Tedious Subscription Fees

Recent updates on Dune Awakening have sparked interest online, thanks to a detailed briefing from Funcom about the game’s post-launch strategy. Additionally, they’ve also shared the PC specifications through a post on the game’s Steam page. 

The short breakdown, presented by Joel Byros, Funcom’s chief creative officer, sheds light on the plans set for Dune Awakening once it launches on May 20 later this year. In an appealing twist for MMO fans, Byros confirmed that the game won’t follow the subscription model typical to many of its peers. Instead, they’ll keep things fresh with optional paid DLCs, paired with free updates. 

These complimentary updates will include improvements to the game’s experience, new features, and additional story content. While there are no specifics on what each DLC will offer, gamers will have the option to purchase them individually or grab a season pass to bundle several content packs together.

Another intriguing aspect revealed by Byros is that certain game editions will allow players to jump into the action as early as May 15—a few days before the official release. This early access not only gives players a head start but also helps Funcom manage server loads to ensure a smooth launch. After all, a solid start is crucial for any MMO’s reputation.

On top of those details, Funcom’s Steam post outlines the essential and recommended PC specifications for players gearing up for launch.

Minimum Requirements:

• OS: Windows 10 64-bit or newer
• Processor: Intel Core i5-7400 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB) or AMD Radeon 5600XT (6GB)
• Storage: 60 GB available space

Recommended Requirements:

• OS: Windows 10 64-bit or newer
• Processor: Intel Core i7-10700K or AMD Ryzen 5 2600X
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 (8GB) or AMD Radeon 6700XT (12GB)
• Storage: 75 GB available space

Furthermore, the post highlights some exciting PC features players can explore. For instance, it’s one of the first games to fully integrate NVIDIA’s DLSS 4, along with AMD’s FSR, Intel’s XeSS 2, and compatibility with Razer Chroma RGB and Razer Sensa HD Haptics. This means PC players have plenty of goodies to enhance gameplay and visuals.

Reflecting on this business model, it’s a refreshing change from the subscription-heavy landscape we navigate these days. Personally, I appreciate the flexibility of purchasing a game and returning to it whenever I want, similar to what Guild Wars 2 offers. So, I see this as a positive move. Plus, there’s more to look forward to with an upcoming gameplay stream on March 24 that promises further insights.

So, are you ready to dive into the sands of Dune on May 20, or perhaps even earlier? Let us know your thoughts!