Good news for fans of sandworms and spice: the beta weekend for Dune: Awakening has opened its doors to everyone who preordered the game. This beta event, which began today, will run until May 12.

While it seems like a reasonable step, many are puzzled as to why players who preordered the $50 game on Steam weren’t automatically included in this beta weekend from the start. Funcom announced on social media several hours after the beta went live: “Everyone who has pre-ordered Dune: Awakening can now also access the Beta Weekend!”
(Translation: “Todos los que han preordenado Dune: Awakening ahora también pueden acceder al fin de semana beta!”)

Previously, there were various ways to obtain one of the many Dune: Awakening beta keys, but the decision to not guarantee a key for early buyers has caused some bewilderment among fans. Preordering typically ensures at least some form of beta access.

Now, Funcom is attempting to rectify what they recognized as a misstep in their marketing strategy by opening up opportunities for its loyal fans, even if this adjustment exposes another potential issue: many that preordered may have already secured beta keys through giveaways.

This situation, while manageable, does highlight some unnecessary confusion, especially given Funcom’s assurance about their experience in launching MMOs and survival games. The recent statement indicating there would be no launch issues stands somewhat in contrast to the mismanagement of the beta’s initial access.

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