Imagine a universe: Colossal sandworms guard a life-extending spice, noble houses vie for galactic dominance, and a desert planet holds the key to interstellar travel.
This captivating world of Frank Herbert‘s Dune captivated all fans.
Moreover, translating Dune into film has been a challenge, but it has thrived in another realm: video games.
As the franchise triumphantly returns with a recently critically acclaimed film, one question emerges:
Did game developers ever truly neglect Dune games from the harsh sands of Arrakis?
Beyond Sandworms and Spice
The complex world-building, complex characters, and exploration of politics, religion, and the environment in Frank Herbert’s Dune held the attention of readers for decades.
Furthermore, Dune’s popularity extended well beyond the big screen, despite the notorious nature of its cinematic adaptation.
Video games offered another way to investigate Arrakis, its conflict-fueled melange, and the struggle for dominance.
From Text to Strategy
Unsurprisingly, game developers attracted Dune’s attention.
Just as the David Lynch film was about to hit theaters, one of the first Dune titles, simply named “Dune” (1992), arrived.
This mix of real-time strategy, economics, and adventure placed players in the role of Paul Atreides, who had to free Arrakis from the cruel Harkonnens’ grasp.
Westwood Studios’ Legacy
The release of Dune II: The Building of a Dynasty in 1992 altered the creation of RTS games.
In this game, players took command of one of three factions fighting for control of Arrakis’ spice supply.
Moreover, Westwood returned to the Dune series with the critically acclaimed Dune 2000 (a remake of Dune II), and Emperor: Battle for Dune cements its place in the RTS genre.
A Universe of Genres
Dune was not the only game to feature RTS elements.
Games like 2001’s Dune RPG offered role-playing adventures, while Emperor: Battle for Dune gave players direct control over well-known characters like Paul Muad’Dib.
In addition, a more recent Arrakis release introduced a 4X strategy viewpoint that allows players to build their own power base and navigate the complex political landscape.
The Spice Flows Again in New Games
The most recent film has also reignited interest in Dune among the gaming community.
Dune: Awakening, Funcom’s new open-world survival MMO, is as vast and harsh as Arrakis’ deserts.
Because players will not simply follow a predetermined path.
They’ll forge their own destiny.
A Multifaceted Legacy
The history of Dune games reflects the enduring appeal of Herbert’s universe.
From early strategy titles that defined genres to upcoming open-world adventures, Dune games have offered a gateway to Arrakis for players of all stripes.
As the franchise continues its comeback, one thing remains certain: The game developers will continue to captivate gamers for generations to come with the spice.
