In this article, we take a closer look at the major takeaways from the alternate history and narrative segment from the latest Dune: Awakening Direct. We’ll explore the key elements revealed, delve into the bold narrative choices made by Funcom, and discuss what we missed in terms of story details and gameplay integration.
The recently revealed cinematic story trailer for Dune: Awakening has captivated fans, particularly with its bold narrative choice to remove Paul Atreides from the storyline. Creative Director Joel Bylos explains that Paul’s significant presence on Arrakis leaves little room for the player’s own story, so this decision allows for a more immersive and personal experience.
Truthsayer and Daughter
We learn that Jessica uncovers Dr. Yueh’s betrayal in this alternate timeline, saving Duke Leto and House Atreides. The story diverges from the original when Lady Jessica chooses to give birth to a daughter, Ariste, instead of Paul, aligning with the Bene Gesserit’s wishes. This decision strengthens her bond with the sisterhood, allowing her to receive Truthsayer training.
In the Dune universe, a Truthsayer is a highly trained member of the Bene Gesserit sisterhood who can detect lies. This skill is part of their training, which includes various physical and mental disciplines designed to enhance sensory perception, memory, and intuition. Truthsayers can sense the truth or falsehood in a person’s words, making them invaluable in settings where integrity is critical.
The training to become a Truthsayer involves rigorous mental conditioning and the consumption of the Water of Life, a substance derived from the bile of a sandworm. This substance grants the user prescient abilities and deepens their connection to the Bene Gesserit’s genetic memory, but it is also hazardous and can be fatal to those who are unprepared.
Truthsayers play crucial roles in governance and diplomacy, often serving as advisors and judges in high-stakes negotiations. They are respected and feared for their abilities to uncover the truth, and their presence is a testament to the Bene Gesserit’s profound influence and power.
The Bene Gesserit influence not only Lady Jessica’s fate but also Ariste’s. Jessica’s daughter was destined to marry Feyd-Rautha, aimed to unite the Atreides and Harkonnen houses and produce the Kwisatz Haderach. This immense pressure shaped her youth.
When asked on X whether this arranged marriage is still relevant when the game begins, Joel Bylos confirmed that these plans have failed:
Like Paul, Ariste is supported by familiar mentors: her mother’s Bene Gesserit teachings, Mentat training from Thufir Hawat, and swordsmanship from Duncan Idaho. While further footage of Ariste is yet to be seen, we can’t wait to experience what she is up to in the game’s story.
These Are Interesting Times We Live In
Dune: Awakening, while primarily a survival MMO, offers a “fairly in-depth story” for those who seek it. Many tasks will prompt players to ponder the motivations and goals behind them.
When creating the alternate timeline, Funcom begins with the book’s source material and then explores possible deviations. Collaborating closely with Legendary Pictures and the Herbert Estate, Funcom ensures accuracy and consistency with the Dune universe.
The developers have written a 10,000-word script for this new timeline, approved by the Herbert Estate. According to our calculations, it is equivalent to approximately 22 printed pages. The game starts in 10199 AG, eight years after the Harkonnen attack on the Atreides in 10191 AG, and 29 years after the alternate history begins with Ariste’s birth in 10171 AG.
Have You Seen These Fremen?
Joel Bylos has reassured fans that the Fremen are not dead but missing, supporting hints that they will become another faction post-launch. Finding the Fremen is a central quest in the game’s story, involving the exploration of their past habitats, learning their rites, and discovering their culture.
Players will not only explore abandoned sietches but also encounter factions that have risen to power in the Fremen’s absence. Senior Narrative Designer Léa Talbot mentions a religious cult of fanatics known as Mascaret (a name of potentially French origin, which could mean “Tidal Bore” in English), who have “copied and twisted the Fremen way of life.” We might see their twisted ways of life in the screenshots below.
Luckily, even without Paul as a messiah and the Fremen missing, the world of Arrakis is not without religion. Léa Talbot highlights that players can explore and experience the religious and spiritual journeys of various characters they encounter, and she adds that surviving Arrakis has its spiritual aspects.
Many Narrative Questions Remain
After PAX East and GDC 2024, many fans looked forward to more gameplay footage of Dune: Awakening. However, for Summer Game Fest and the second Dune: Awakening Direct, Funcom shifted focus to the story—a bold move. A compelling narrative could be the secret weapon that sets this survival MMO apart from its competitors. Exploring an alternate history was the right decision, sparking considerable excitement.
Yet, much about the game’s story needs clarification. How will the narrative unfold? Will the dialogue be primarily written or voiced? Will there be cutscenes depicting key developments? How might players encounter famous characters from the Dune universe, such as Duncan Idaho? Can he be one of the masters players learn from? Are story elements tied to contracts and the journey system alone, or will there be other quests and random narrative encounters? How will players delve into Fremen culture and the broader lore? Will NPCs provide explanations, or will there be filmbooks and other in-game texts to discover?
Even more surprising is that Summer Game Fest previews, which went online right after the story-focused Dune: Awakening Direct, only mentioned a little about the game’s story beyond the beginning. Instead, these previews focused more on the gameplay mechanics portfolio rather than detailing a single story-based quest from start to finish.
Removing Paul Atreides from the story and temporarily omitting the Fremen are intriguing choices, but they might feel like harsh blows to hardcore Dune fans. Funcom needs to showcase more narrative depth to win them back. Providing transparency and depth in the story is crucial to ensure both new and long-time fans are fully engaged.
Funcom‘s narrative choices have the potential to redefine the survival MMO genre. Hopefully, Funcom will showcase more of the narrative and how it’s woven into the gameplay during the extensive gameplay reveals at Gamescom in August, when the game will be played live in front of the public audience.
