Dune: Awakening Will Skip Two Key Dune Features At Launch

While looks to provide players with an authentic Arrakis experience, two iconic parts of creator Frank Herbert's world haven't made it into the game. Given the gigantic scale of and the various aspects that must be included to authentically adapt the sci-fi universe, it stands to reason that certain aspects would need to be changed or added through future updates. Fortunately for players, developer Funcom has good reason for leaving out some iconic parts of the franchise.

Per PC Gamer, 's creative director Joel Bylos revealed that the team toyed with the idea of sandwalking, a style of movement that is used to throw off any potential Sand Worms lurking under the surface of Arrakis. They ultimately scrapped the idea because it simply wasn't very fun, with Bylose explaining, "" The director elaborated that since was originally meant to be released before the movie, the developers had to avoid sandwalking since it was considered a spoiler to include references to the Fremen.

Sandwalking isn't the only thing that ultimately didn't make the cut in, as Eurogamer questioned Bylos on whether Funcom ever entertained the concept of riding sandworms, the monstrous beasts that slither around the deserts of Arrakis. According to Bylos, the technical cost of including such a mechanic was too steep but also specifically stated that the game won't "." The director's phrasing has prompted speculation amongst the community that sandworm-riding may ultimately make it into the game as a major content update.

Developed by Funcom, the studio behind the hit survival game, is an open-world survival MMO where players are let loose upon the sandy world of Arrakis to create their own story. While adventuring around the planet on foot or with several iconic vehicles, users will be able to harvest resources to create their own base while interacting with several characters pulled directly from the books and movies. Aside from fending off enemies, players can even form a guild and become a