As someone who loves both MMOs and Frank Herbert’s dazzling sci-fi universe, Dune Awakening is pretty high on my wishlist. Thrusting you into the sandy world of Arrakis with nothing but a few tools and a whole lot of cunning, I can’t wait to forge my own path to glory amid the sands. But as a longtime World of Warcraft player, I’ve been wondering what Funcom’s monetization model will look like. Will it be subscription-based? Will DLCs be essential purchases? Ahead of launch, the dev has dropped a video discussing plans for the game, and honestly, I’m pleasantly surprised.
Monetization is a tricky issue. Free PC games have to make money, but it feels like, slowly but surely, everything is ramping up. Nexon’s new FPS game FragPunk, for example, has nine (yes nine) different currencies, and Riot has come under fire for adding a gacha-esque store system to League of Legends, while simultaneously removing access to free skins (something it’s since U-turned on).
Dune Awakening, however, is a boxed product, unlike its competitor MMORPGs World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy 14. As a result, Funcom has elected to focus on free updates and optional DLC, which aligns with major content drops. No subscriptions here, folks.
In a new video, creative director Joel Bylos confirms that there will be no subscription model for Dune Awakening, with the focus being on consistent, free updates, and the aforementioned elective DLCs. “[Dune Awakening] will receive regular free updates, including new content, features, and quality-of-life improvements. In addition to these free updates we’ll offer optional DLCs.
“We’ll be releasing major free updates expanding the story and adding new content and features,” he continues. “With each major update, we’ll release a DLC. There will be an option to buy a season pass, which includes several DLCs, but you’ll also be able to buy them standalone when they release and as they release.
“Some editions of the game will also include a headstart of five days starting on May 15. Sure, this allows people to get into the game early, but it also helps us make sure we can balance the server load… for the best possible experience.” He goes on to confirm that fresh worlds will be available for players who don’t purchase the five-day head start.
While there’s no mention of how much each individual DLC will cost, the lack of subscription is a nice touch. While I’m relatively good at canceling subs ahead of time if I’m no longer playing, the faff of having to remember – and frustration of having forgotten – is one of my least favorite parts of MMOs. Plus, if you’ve ever tried to renew a FF14 sub when you play via Steam, you’ll know my pain.
The Dune Awakening release date is just around the corner, with Funcom confirming that there’ll be three editions to pre-order. There’s the standard option, which includes the absolutely adorable Muad’Dib Terrarium, as well as the Deluxe and Ultimate Editions. The latter both include the season pass and five-day headstart that Bylos mentions. You can pre-order Dune Awakening here.
Ahead of launch, check out our Dune Awakening preview to get a feel for what to expect. Additionally, here’s a list of the best survival games for you to while away the hours with.
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