Overview

Dune: Awakening developer Funcom has addressed concerns about the game’s player-versus-player (PvP) mechanics. Although the game launched for PC on June 10, players have noticed issues regarding PvP during its closed beta and early access phases.

As the first officially licensed Dune MMO, Dune: Awakening has attracted many players, some due to their existing familiarity with the franchise, whether from the original books or recent movie adaptations. Others, drawn to Funcom’s reputation for engaging online games like The Secret World and Conan Exiles, have engaged in PvP battles to secure resources and establish their dominance in the game’s desert world of Arrakis.

Unfortunately, many players have voiced dissatisfaction with the PvP experience. Responding to community feedback on Reddit, Joel Bylos, the Creative Director, noted that the team is working on several fixes to improve the PvP scene, urging players to be patient as they implement these changes. The PvP takes place in the Deep Desert, an endgame zone where players face constant danger from sandstorms and each other, creating a hostile environment.

Funcom’s Commitment to Quality

Concerns have been raised about the rapid respawn timers, which allow players to quickly rejoin battles, thus affecting strategic depth. One community member reported that players could be back in action in as little as 12 seconds post-death, turning battles into sheer numbers games. Additionally, the lack of fall and collision damage for vehicles is allowing reckless tactics without repercussion.

Other Funcom representatives, such as Community Manager Ignasi Sastre, confirmed that the rapid respawn times were unintended and assured players that they would be adjusted in an upcoming patch. While many players expressed frustration with these issues, they appreciate Funcom’s direct engagement with community feedback.