The recent livestream for Dune Awakening has stirred excitement among fans, particularly concerning the game’s approach to monetization. As a buy-to-play title, there were initial concerns about the potential for heavy in-game monetization tactics designed to drive revenue. Fortunately, developers have alleviated those fears with reassurances regarding their monetization strategy.
For those anxious about the introduction of a battle pass system or similar mechanisms, developers have confirmed that such features will not be part of Dune Awakening. The game’s monetization model will include free updates alongside optional paid downloadable content (DLC), marking a refreshing departure from industry norms.
Clear Monetization Strategy for Dune Awakening
Upon its release, Dune Awakening is set to launch as a complete experience without a tiered Early Access phase or frustrating in-game monetization features, a prevalent concern within the online gaming landscape. Many titles currently implement Battle Pass systems, costly cosmetic items, or even pay-to-win structures, making it a relief for the gaming community to hear that Funcom’s survival MMO will not adopt such practices.
In the first livestream, key team members, including Natascha (Senior PR Manager), Ole Andreas (Lead Producer), and Jeff (World Director), addressed numerous community concerns during a Q&A session. A significant takeaway was the developers’ commitment to maintaining a model devoid of in-game monetization. This means players can expect no boosts, in-game purchases for skins, or any kind of Battle Pass associated with gameplay enhancement.
It’s worth noting that while the developers mentioned a “Season Pass,”this terminology is more related to how Steam categorizes DLC bundles rather than a monetization strategy. The intention is to offer paid, optional DLC approximately every three months, which players can choose to purchase separately or as part of the Season Pass bundle.
Rest assured, if you harbor fears of an influx of microtransactions akin to those witnessed with Diablo Immortal, you can put those concerns aside. While the evolving nature of the gaming industry means that plans can shift, it is our hope that Funcom remains steadfast in their promise to keep intrusive monetization elements out of the game. This commitment is especially significant in the context of premium-priced video games, particularly those set in online environments.
- More Details: For further insights, you can check out the livestream here: Livestream Link (Information begins at 2:03:42)