In a recent conversation with VG247, Nils Ryborg, producer of the highly anticipated Dune: Awakening, shared insights into the game’s development process. The survival MMO, set in an alternate-history universe inspired by Frank Herbert’s iconic sci-fi series, has been crafted with a clear focus on console gaming, particularly for controllers.
Design Philosophy and Development Approach
Ryborg emphasized the advantages of adopting a “console-first” strategy, stating, “From the start, it’s the easier way of making a game, going console-first.” This approach allows for a smoother transition to PC, as the design principles established for controllers can be adapted to keyboard and mouse controls. In contrast, games initially designed for PC often face challenges when porting to consoles.
The gameplay experience in Dune: Awakening will revolve around hundreds of players vying for dominance over Arrakis and its invaluable Spice. Ryborg noted that this controller-centric design not only enhances the console experience but also opens doors for compatibility with handheld devices like the Steam Deck.
“Obviously, we’re releasing on PC first, right?” Ryborg continued. “So that’s where we’ll have a good setup, but the console UX-wise, I’m not super concerned.” He acknowledged the inherent limitations of console hardware but expressed confidence in the game’s performance and user experience.
While the PC version is anticipated to launch in early 2025, the timeline for the console versions on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 remains uncertain. Ryborg hinted that players might expect the console release sometime after the PC debut, potentially in late 2025 or beyond.
