In a recent roundtable interview at the Game Developers Conference (GDC), Scott Junior, the executive producer of the upcoming survival MMO game Dune: Awakening, revealed exciting details about the game's aesthetics and potential future updates. The game, based on the iconic Dune novel and film franchise, promises to break away from the dull browns and greys typically associated with Unreal Engine games, offering players a vibrant and diverse gaming experience.

Junior acknowledged that the challenge with Dune: Awakening lies in creating visuals that go beyond the monotonous sand-filled landscapes of the planet Arrakis. To tackle this, the developers at Funcom have incorporated underground environments, which feature hidden pockets of vegetation mentioned in Frank Herbert's original novels. These underground flora not only serve as decorative elements but also provide players with harvestable resources, some of which are highly valuable.

"We are using the underground vegetation to spice up the world and introduce different environments," Junior explained. "When you're on Dune, there's a lot of brown, rocks, and sand. We want to break that monotony and showcase more tropical and alien landscapes."

Furthermore, there is a possibility that Dune: Awakening will extend its gameplay beyond Arrakis to other planets within the Dune universe. Although this expansion is planned for post-launch, players can catch glimpses of these potential destinations through the game's character editor, which allows them to choose a background and associated Great House.

Junior hinted at the inclusion of planets like Giedi Prime and Caladan, expressing an interest in recreating scenes from the second Dune movie, with its striking black and white aesthetics. However, he clarified that the initial launch will focus solely on exploring the vast mysteries of Arrakis, from its northern hemisphere to the secluded and treacherous southern hemisphere, which is heavily guarded by equatorial sandstorms.

While post-launch planetary exploration is not part of the initial offering, the developers are open to expanding the game's universe in the future. Junior expressed enthusiasm for the idea, stating, "We can potentially go to other planets post-launch. If you see in the second movie, I would love to make a scene on Giedi Prime with the black and white thing they did there. I thought that was really striking."

Aside from the promise of stunning visuals and diverse environments, Dune: Awakening will also feature the awe-inspiring spectacle of sandworms in action, adding an extra layer of excitement to the gameplay.

As fans eagerly anticipate the early access launch of Dune: Awakening, set to happen soon, players can expect an immersive experience that offers more than just monotonous desert landscapes. Funcom's dedication to exploring underground flora and the potential for interplanetary travel in the future will undoubtedly captivate fans of the Dune franchise and draw in new players seeking a unique and visually stunning gaming experience.

For more details on the game's presentation at GDC, check out the full thoughts and insights from the Awakening GDC presentation.

(Note: The provided year "2024" is not mentioned in the given information, so it has been excluded from the article