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Dune Awakening releases its single-player mode and begins its head start for console players
Dune: Awakening has launched its single-player mode, allowing players to explore the desert solo. This update includes adjustments to game mechanics for solo play, the conclusion of Book One of the narrative with new rewards, and character server transfer options. Additionally, head start access for console players on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S has begun for those with Deluxe and Ultimate packs.
Dune: Awakening Finally Arrives On Xbox With A Desert Full Of Danger
Dune: Awakening has launched on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC, priced from £31.99, and will be available on Game Pass from September 22nd. The open-world survival adventure allows players to forge their own path on Arrakis, aligning with different factions and building their empire. Deluxe and Ultimate Editions offer early access and additional content.
Dune: Awakening lets you explore Arrakis solo on consoles
Funcom is bringing Dune: Awakening to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on September 22nd, featuring a new dedicated single-player mode alongside PC updates. The console release includes performance and image quality modes, granular difficulty options, and adaptations for solo play, though text size may be challenging for couch play. While visually impressive and offering more accessibility, the game remains primarily a survival experience focused on grinding and resource management.
Next Week on XBOX: New Games for September 14 to 18
Microsoft has announced a slate of new games coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Game Pass between September 14 and 18. Titles include TCG Card Shop Simulator, RuneScape: Dragonwilds, Aniimo, Train Sim World 7, and Dune: Awakening, among many others across various genres.
Conan Exiles shares October 1 updates to terms of service and procedures for official servers
Conan Exiles is updating its terms of service and official server procedures on October 1st. The changes clarify that administrator support is not provided for in-game losses except for extreme, game-wide issues, and that players may face account-level bans without prior warning. Funcom states these updates align with existing community safety guidelines.
Dune: Awakening lead says the MMO can be "a really great" solo experience, but if players "expect it to be like The Last of Us, they're probably barking at the wrong tree"
Funcom's Chief Creative Officer Joel Bylos stated that Dune: Awakening's new single-player mode will offer a great survival experience but cautioned players not to expect it to be like The Last of Us. He emphasized that player expectations should align with the game's genre to ensure satisfaction with the solo journey on Arrakis.
Inside Tencent's long-term strategy: live service, AI tools, and evergreen titles
Tencent's long-term strategy for its global games division centers on building sustainable communities through live service titles and evergreen IPs, alongside investing in high-quality talent and synergistic partnerships. The company is also embracing AI as a tool to enhance developer efficiency and iteration, rather than replace human roles, while navigating challenges in global integration and outsourcing.
Perfect Ten: Revisiting the winners of our last 10 underrated MMORPG awards
This article revisits the winners of the last 10 years of "underrated MMORPG" awards, offering retrospective thoughts on each choice. While some picks like Project Gorgon and Final Fantasy XIV are celebrated, others like Elyon are noted for their short lifespan, and New World's inclusion is bittersweet due to Amazon's decision to sunset the game.
GamesRadar+ Fall Preview 2026: Your next favorite games make up our hefty Most Wanted list
GamesRadar+ has released its Fall Preview list for 2026, highlighting anticipated games across various genres. While Grand Theft Auto 6 is mentioned, the list focuses on other titles like Marvel's Wolverine, Control Resonant, Silent Hill: Townfall, Gears of War: E-Day, and Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, among many others.
Massively OP Podcast Episode 578: Gamescoming and Gamesgoing
The Massively OP Podcast episode 578 covers Gamescom announcements, including launch dates for Aion 2 and Path of Exile 2, and future content plans for Dune: Awakening. The hosts also discuss the shutdown of another WoW Classic server, Guild Wars 3's Asura, Star Citizen's delays, and Star Wars Galaxies hacking drama.
Dune: Awakening lead says "100 hours isn't bad" to get out of the survival MMO, but its new single-player mode gives you "full control over the experience" and time you spend
Dune: Awakening is introducing a new single-player mode that allows players to customize their experience and potentially complete the game in fewer than 100 hours. Chief creative officer Joel Bylos stated that this mode offers full control over difficulty and other settings, contrasting with the more curated multiplayer experience. The developer is also looking into addressing player feedback regarding the grind in the multiplayer aspects of the survival MMO.
Dune: Awakening's players might be 80% PvE, but devs are considering ways to spice PvP up in the future with…
Funcom's Chief Content Officer, Joel Bylos, revealed that while Dune: Awakening's player base is predominantly PvE-focused (80%), the developers are considering ways to enhance the PvP experience. Bylos acknowledged that the game's initial design attempted to cater to both player types, leading to issues, but future updates may include more structured PvP features like faction vs. faction combat.
The 19 most exciting video game releases of September 2026
September 2026 is set to be a massive month for video game releases, with over a dozen highly anticipated titles launching across various platforms. The month features new entries in established franchises like Onimusha and Fire Emblem, alongside promising new IPs such as Crimson Moon and Orbitals. Notable releases include Marvel's Wolverine, Dune: Awakening, and the full console launch of Valheim.
Xbox Gamescom 2026 Day Two: 19 Games and Announcements You Need to Know About | Invision Game Community
Xbox's second Gamescom 2026 showcase highlighted a diverse range of upcoming games, emphasizing discovery over blockbuster reveals. The presentation featured new titles like Rogue Fortune, PUBG: DED.NET, Cassette Beasts 2002, and Militsioner, alongside updates for established franchises such as Dune: Awakening, Planet Zoo 2, and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Many of these titles will be available on Xbox Game Pass, showcasing the breadth of experiences coming to the Xbox ecosystem.
Dune: Awakening's new single-player mode fits perfectly in the MMO because of its strong story, lead says: "I think we have the best story in a survival game that exists"
Funcom's Chief Creative Officer Joel Bylos stated that Dune: Awakening's new single-player mode integrates well into the MMO structure due to its strong narrative foundation, which is an alternate timeline to Frank Herbert's original book series. He believes the game has the best story in any survival game and that the team has balanced the progression for solo players, making it a smoother experience.
Cozy co-op sandbox Aloft’s Discovery & Ancestry update is live with new biomes, farming, and more
The 'Discovery & Ancestry' update for the co-op sandbox game Aloft is now available, introducing new biomes, farming mechanics, and a wind spirit companion. This update also includes a significant game engine upgrade to Unity 6, alongside a revamped user interface and progression systems. Players will need to start a new world to experience all the new content, though character progression and home islands can be carried over.
Everything announced at FGS Live From Gamescom 2026
FGS Live From gamescom 2026 showcased numerous world premieres, trailers, and developer interviews. Highlights include Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 with a Mick Gordon collaboration, the action-adventure Blackwood, and the puzzle game Rivage. Several titles like Neon Abyss 2 and Haunted Paws are coming to PC and consoles, with some also slated for Nintendo Switch.
Gamescom 2026: Dune Awakening confirms crossplay, DLC collab with Villeneuve’s movies
Funcom has announced that Dune Awakening will feature crossplay post-launch and a new DLC, 'Filmic Archive,' releasing September 22nd for $9.99. This DLC includes outfits and a base building set inspired by Denis Villeneuve's Dune films, with more details expected during an Xbox broadcast. The PlayStation 5 version will be playable at Gamescom.
One Shots: Dogs and cats, mass hysteria!
This week's "One Shots" feature highlights community screenshots from various MMOs, including The Elder Scrolls Online, Guild Wars 2, and The Secret World. Players shared humorous and striking in-game moments, with one player noting the incorporation of "Dogs Playing Poker" into The Elder Scrolls Online's questline. The article encourages readers to share their own virtual vacation screenshots.
Inflexion deep-dives Conan Exiles’ Legacy of the Giant Kings, teases something for Nightingale after Gamescom
Inflexion Games provided an update on Conan Exiles' 'Legacy of the Giant Kings' arc, detailing the return of a legendary repair mechanic within a new dungeon. The studio also teased potential news for their upcoming game Nightingale following Gamescom, with director Aaryn Flynn suggesting announcements may come after the event.
