Transferring a game from a PC to a console is always a challenging task, especially when the genre typically thrives on the former platform. It’s tough to make that leap without sacrificing some elements. However, Dune Awakening seems to have tackled this with a clever approach by being “designed with a controller in mind” right from the outset.
Despite this insight, there’s still no word on when console players will get their hands on the game. Even the PC launch date remains under wraps. Trying to unravel the mysteries surrounding this multi-platform release, I had a chance to chat with Nils Ryborg. He’s a producer on Dune Awakening and previously managed the console port of Pillars of Eternity at Paradox, giving us some interesting perspectives on this complex process.
Reflecting on his past experiences, Ryborg shared, “I still remember the challenge with Pillars of Eternity (he chuckles). We dedicated significant time to sorting out the UX and infused some elements from action RPGs, particularly concerning character movement.” He noted the latter is mostly a tactical game and using a controller presents limitations. To counteract that, “we devised AI architects to help guide NPCs to make smarter choices,” he reminisced.
Ryborg continued, “We aimed to smooth out character movement to aid quick decision-making and make real-time combat more manageable. Simultaneously, we retained the option to pause the game for executing complex strategies. It also involved revisiting basic UX aspects, like button cycling, while pushing it towards an ARPG style without stripping away the strategic depth.”
So how did Funcom address this transition? Did they follow a similar route or did they have tricks up their sleeve to ease the process? “It’s a bit simpler if you start with consoles in mind,” Ryborg explained. “This approach translates more easily back to PC. Crafting a game meant solely for PCs with mouse and keyboard controls complicates console adaptation significantly. Designing it with controllers from the get-go streamlines the whole process.”
He added, “Sure, we’re going to release on PC initially, which we’ve set up well for. But when it comes to the console experience, I’m confident. There’s always the typical tech limitations to consider, but it should perform well without being too complex.”
For those eagerly awaiting Dune Awakening’s console debut, the wait continues. However, there’s reassurance in knowing that their experience won’t be vastly different from PC players, ensuring a consistent experience across platforms.
