Game developer Funcom has opened the ongoing Dune: Awakening beta weekend to players who preordered the game. The decision came after many players expressed concern over initial beta access requirements.
The large-scale test for the survival MMO began on Thursday, May 9, and is scheduled to run through Sunday, May 12. Access was initially granted primarily through giveaway keys distributed by various partners and promotions. For example, IGN Plus members were able to claim keys for the weekend event.
The beta weekend provides participants with access to a substantial portion of the game's content. This includes the first 20 to 25 hours of story progression, covering Act 1 of the main campaign. Players can explore the Hagga Basin South region, utilize the CHOAM Building Set for base construction, and operate vehicles like the Sandbike.
Following player feedback regarding access, Funcom announced on social media that anyone who preordered Dune: Awakening would automatically receive access to the beta test. The update stated that players who already own or purchase any edition of the game this weekend would find a Beta Weekend product in their Steam library.
Giving beta access to players who preorder a game is a common practice in the industry, making the initial exclusion for this large-scale beta unusual. Preordering often signals strong player interest and commitment to the game ahead of its official release.
The change in access policy, while responsive to players, resulted in some confusion, as players who preordered may have already obtained beta keys through giveaways. These extra keys could have gone to players who had not preordered the game.
Despite the beta distribution adjustment, the Funcom team has expressed confidence in the game's server infrastructure to handle the influx of players for the test. They stated they would spool up more hardware to support the event.
Players participating in this weekend's test should note that progress made with beta character builds will not carry over to the final version of Funcom's survival MMO when it launches.
