Funcom has revealed details about one of the core features of the game Dune: Awakening, specifically about the Landsraad, a council that in the Dune narrative is made up of the most influential houses, such as House Atreides and House Harkonnen. In the game, 25 minor houses have been incorporated that vote weekly to decide the control of the world. Through missions and objectives assigned by these houses, player guilds can influence the votes, supporting one of the two competing major houses.
Players decide the rules of the game… by force
The result of these votes determines which of the houses, Atreides or Harkonnen, will control the game world for the week. The leaders of the guilds that support the winning faction will be able to vote on decrees that provide significant competitive advantages. For example, reductions of 75% in repair costs and refining times have been mentioned, as well as exclusive access to tools and weaponry for the victorious faction.
Additionally, there is a decree known as The Right of Salvage, which can intensify the tension in the game, as it implies that players who die in PvP will lose all their gear. This type of dynamic will add layers of strategy and risk to PvP interactions in the vast desert of the game.
To prevent one faction from dominating continuously, they have implemented balance systems and plan to introduce a third faction, the Fremen, who will also play a role in maintaining that equity. According to Joel Bylos, the game’s creative director, there are “good systems” to balance power among the factions, which promises a competitive and dynamic experience for players.
Dune: Awakening is scheduled for release on June 10, while players who purchase the Deluxe or Ultimate editions will be able to access an early preview starting June 5.
