Dune: Awakening director addresses crossplay support

As anticipation builds for Dune: Awakening, Funcom’s ambitious open-world survival MMO set in Frank Herbert’s legendary sci-fi universe, one question continues to surface among fans: will the game support crossplay across platforms? In a recent discussion, creative director Joel Bylos provided clarity on the matter, stating that while there are no major technical barriers preventing crossplay, the feature ultimately depends on the policies and cooperation of platform holders like PlayStation and Xbox.

Currently in early access on PC, Dune: Awakening has already drawn attention for its ambitious scope, blending survival mechanics with large-scale multiplayer interaction across the harsh deserts of Arrakis. The game allows players to harvest spice, build shelters, and engage in both cooperative and competitive encounters within a persistent online world. Funcom has previously confirmed that console versions are planned, with a launch expected on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S approximately one year after the PC debut. This staggered release schedule has only amplified curiosity about whether console and PC players will be able to share the same servers once the rollout is complete.

Bylos acknowledged that crossplay is a highly requested feature, but explained that its inclusion requires approval and logistical support from Sony and Microsoft. While the development team has designed the game to accommodate such functionality, the decision ultimately lies outside Funcom’s control. This reflects an industry-wide reality in which cross-platform support, despite being technically feasible, often hinges on negotiations over infrastructure, security, and ecosystem policies.

The director also noted that the team is keeping options open, hinting that crossplay could still be implemented either at launch on consoles or as part of a future update. For now, however, Funcom is prioritizing content development, player feedback, and server stability as the MMO prepares to expand beyond its PC community.

With Dune: Awakening set against the backdrop of Arrakis, one of science fiction’s most iconic settings, expectations are high for how the title will balance survival systems with massive online play. Crossplay would mark a significant step toward unifying the player base and ensuring that no matter the platform, fans could explore the sands of Arrakis together. Until an official decision is made, however, players will have to wait for further announcements to see if this vision of a shared desert battlefield will become reality.