Funcom is offering a new opportunity for gamers to dive into the sandy world of Arrakis with an exciting free trial week for Dune: Awakening. This open-world survival game is not only available to try for free but also comes with a special discount, allowing new players to purchase the game at 25% off until December 1, 2025. It’s a chance for both newcomers and fans to experience the harsh, captivating environment of Dune like never before.
Free Trial Week Details
The latest free trial marks an improvement over previous promotions. Unlike the last event, which coincided with the release of the DLC Lost Harvest and was limited to a weekend, this trial spans an entire week. Players can choose any server, offering more freedom and flexibility. While the trial allows for a maximum of 10 hours of gameplay, the extended period lets players explore the game at their own pace. Importantly, all progress will carry over if you decide to purchase the full game afterward.
Impact on Player Base
Past free trials have shown a significant uptick in player engagement. The previous trial saw player numbers soar from 20K to over 44K according to SteamDB, albeit temporarily. Unfortunately, the game’s concurrent player numbers have since dwindled, struggling to reach 10K in November. Funcom is optimistic that the new free trial will invigorate the player base and enhance the game’s standing in the gaming community. However, the studio acknowledges the potential for only a short-term spike.
Challenges for Funcom
Despite the challenges with player retention, Dune: Awakening remains a crucial title for Funcom, which has recently faced internal difficulties. At the beginning of October, the company announced layoffs, a surprising move given that Dune: Awakening was touted as their biggest release in the 32-year history of game development. This free trial could be a pivotal moment for both the game’s success and the studio’s future.