As the gaming community gears up for the launch of the highly anticipated survival MMO, Dune: Awakening, players are already voicing concerns about potential server issues that accompany launches of new multiplayer games. Recognizing the likelihood of server strain, developer Funcom is proactively addressing these worries ahead of the beta weekend starting tomorrow.
In a post on Steam, Funcom acknowledged the expected high player volume, stating, “We certainly expect heavy loads at launch, and that is why we are preparing accordingly.” The developer plans to mitigate issues by launching thousands of servers across various regions, including North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, and has committed to adding more servers as needed.
Funcom reassures players that they are equipped with a wealth of experience, having launched several games over the past 25 years. However, history shows that even the best-laid plans can falter. Many recent game launches have faced significant server challenges, with high-profile titles like Helldivers 2 and Microsoft Flight Simulator encountering extensive downtime as they grappled with unprecedented player traffic. The industry has even labeled 2024 as “the year of server issues” due to the frequency of these problems.
Funcom warns players to anticipate potential wait times when trying to log in, suggesting that a server queue system could create a smoother experience compared to traditional methods of merely clicking to find an opening. While this approach may relieve some stress, it still highlights the uncertainty surrounding day-one server performance.
The anticipation builds as players look forward to the beta test, where Funcom has issued “tens of thousands” of beta keys for an effective trial run. Despite the preparations, the full launch slated for June could see an influx of hundreds of thousands of players, and there is no guarantee that server stability will hold.
Overall, while excitement grows for Dune: Awakening, the gaming community remains cautiously optimistic, hoping that Funcom’s past experiences will translate into a successful launch. This could be a pivotal moment for the developer, and it offers a chance for substantial player engagement right from the start.