Dune: Awakening
News, coverage and analysis tracking Dune: Awakening across the outlets.
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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.
Here's the second wave of Xbox Game Pass games coming in September
The second wave of games for Xbox Game Pass in September includes major additions like Gears of War: E-Day, Dune: Awakening, and Minecraft Dungeons 2. Dune: Awakening will also be available on PlayStation 5. Several other titles are being added to Game Pass Premium and Ultimate, while some games will be leaving the service on September 30th.
Xbox Game Pass September 2026 Wave 2 Lineup Announced
Microsoft has revealed the second wave of games coming to Xbox Game Pass in September 2027. The lineup includes Dune Awakening, Minecraft Dungeons 2, and Gears of War: E-Day for Ultimate and PC subscribers.
Xbox Game Pass Gets 12 More Games In September
Microsoft has announced 12 new games coming to Xbox and PC Game Pass in September, with some arriving day-one. Titles include Kernel Hearts, Well Dweller, Minecraft Dungeons II, Ninja Gaiden 4, and Dune: Awakening. Several games are also leaving the service on September 30.
Coming to XBOX Game Pass: Gears of War: E-Day, Minecraft Dungeons II, Dune: Awakening, and More
Xbox Game Pass is adding a variety of new titles throughout September and October, including Gears of War: E-Day, Minecraft Dungeons II, Dune: Awakening, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Several games are also leaving the service on September 30th.
Why switching main characters for your game's sequel might be a mistake
Consultant Christian Fonnesbech argues that switching main characters in game sequels is a significant business risk, as characters are a primary emotional connection for players and a valuable IP asset. While artistic choices like introducing female protagonists in Hades 2 can be successful, Fonnesbech questions their long-term business impact and suggests maintaining character continuity is crucial for franchise success, citing examples like Tomb Raider and James Bond.
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.
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.
September's schedule of new games, events, and updates refuses to let 2026 go down in history as a slow year for…
September 2026 is shaping up to be a busy month for PC gaming, featuring new releases like The Blood of Dawnwalker, Silent Hill: Townfall, and Control Resonant, alongside major updates for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered, Valheim, and RuneScape. The month also includes significant industry events such as PAX West, Blizzcon, and Tokyo Game Show.
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.
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 promises it’s not abandoning the PvP playerbase despite its small size
Dune Awakening's creative director Joel Bylos acknowledged that the majority of players (80%) prefer PvE content over PvP. Despite this, the development team still plans to consider and implement more structured PvP elements, particularly after the console release, to support the smaller PvP player base.
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.
MMO Week in Review: Gamescom, Asura, and Ascension
Gamescom was the dominant event this week, bringing news for numerous MMOs including launch dates for Aion 2 and Path of Exile 2, and trailers for Dune Awakening, Sea of Remnants, and Cinder City. Star Citizen's Squadron 42 received another delay into 2027, while Guild Wars 3 revealed its Asura, and Blizzard shut down another World of Warcraft private server. Other news included updates for Throne and Liberty, Ultima Online, and The Division 2, alongside discussions on game design, AI training lawsuits, and the shutdown of the Project Ascension World of Warcraft emulator.
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.
