Summary
Thanks to Denis Villeneuve,Dunefever has begun sweeping the world as moviegoers flock to its sci-fi world. Because of its success, there seems to be no shortage ofDunecontent on the horizon, with the likes ofDune: Prophecycoming to Max and a third film likely in the future. Additionally, the video game market is trying to get its hands on the IP through titles such asDune: Spice WarsandDune: Awakening. While all of that could be a lot of fun for fans of the sci-fi epic, video games could do so much more with the concept.
As of now, the major video games released are mostly original tales set withinthe universe ofDune. There is nothing wrong with telling original stories, as that can really help give IPs so much life. However, there are also countless books that explore every single corner of this universe, and the majority of them will likely never be adapted. Or if they are, it will be years before fans get to see any of it. So, instead of waiting that long, it may be time for video games to step in.
Dune Has Immense Potential in the Video Game Landscape
Dune Video Games Have Not Realized That Potential
There have been many video games over the years that have messed around in theDuneuniverse, yet none of them have really blown audiences away. The first official licensed title came in the form of 1992’sDuneadventure game. That simplyput players in the shoes of Paul Atreidesand let them experience their own version of the first novel. That same year,Dune 2: The Building of a Dynastywould put an RTS spin on theDunefranchise, and it would seemingly never look back.
1998’sDune 2000would serve as a remake ofDune 2, so it would once again be an RTS. 2001’sEmperor: Battle of Dunewould end up being an RTS follow-up toDune 2000,which meant that it continued to tell a mostly original story. Shortly after, players once again explored Paul’s story in the 3D adventure gameFrank Herbert’s Dune, but it proved to be a commercial flop. So, the franchise went back to the strategy landscape for its next outing in 2022’sDune: Spice Wars. And now,all eyes are onDune: Awakeningto see if it can succeed in bringing the IP to the survival genre, yet that also means it is another original story.
The Frank Herbert Prequel Novels Could Give Players Extremely Unique Experiences
TheDunevideo gameshave mostly stuck with the strategy genre, and have really only told original stories. While that has led to some fun experiences over the years, it may be time for studios to branch out a bit. Specifically, they should be able to take some of the novels for a spin. The main movie series will likely be the home for any Frank Herbert adaptation, but video games could breathe life into some of the better Brian Herbert adventures if given the chance.
It is no secret that the Brian HerbertDunenovels have been a bit controversial with the fanbase, so it does not seem like Warner Bros will rush to adapt them. So, in lieu of that, video games could take them for a spin to help further build out this sci-fi franchise. Fans would probably love to see the earlier days of the major warring houses, they may be enthralled by the tales of the universe-spanning war against the Butlerian Jihad, and they might even want to learn more about Paul’s father Leto. Even if these stories may not match up to the original series, they could still be great settings for video games.
These games could take on many forms, with some having the chance totakeDuneto new heights. RTS and strategy games may be fun, but it feels like the perfect time for the series to explore something new. Additionally, as Warner Bros. tries to expand the series further, video games seem like the perfect way to do that. While it may never happen, hopefully a canonDunegame following one of these stories comes to fruition one day.
Dune
Dune is a science fiction series written by author Frank Herbet. Set in the far future, it follows the story of character Paul Atreides living in a socially oppressive galactic society. The Atreides family acquires management of the planet Arrakis, which has the melange, a drug that enhances human life. Dune’s full story is told over its many different sequels.
