Funcom has announced a significant design pivot for its upcoming multiplayer survival game Dune: Awakening, adopting a "PvE-first" approach in response to player data. The decision stems from internal analytics revealing that approximately 80% of players in similar titles consistently avoid player-versus-player (PvP) combat entirely.
"Our data clearly shows that the vast majority of our potential player base is here for the cooperative survival experience and the rich world of Dune, not for competitive combat against other players," a studio representative stated.
This strategic shift means core gameplay loops, resource systems, and world events will be designed primarily for cooperative and solo play. While PvP arenas or opt-in zones may still exist, they will no longer be a central requirement for progression. The developers aim to capture the essence of surviving on Arrakis—contending with sandworms, spice harvesting, and faction intrigue—as a shared or solitary adventure, rather than a constant battle against other gamers.