Frank Herbert’s Dune universe is a magnificent setting for video games as it revolves around the search for power, intricate political relationships, and warfare strategies. To celebrate the release of the second part of the new cinematic adaptation, here are the latest Dune crossovers with gaming.
The epic science fiction saga has been around since 1965 when Frank Herbert published the first Dune book, and over the decades both gaming and cinematic industries have tried to exploit its vast world, politics, and complex characters.
With David Lynch’s 1984 movie being the only cinematic adaptation, director Denis Villeneuve took the challenge and brought Herbert’s world to the big screen again, but as a trilogy. Now that Dune: Part Two is almost out, the Canadian director is currently working on his adaptation’s third and last installment.
Meanwhile, the gaming industry did its own thing trying to capture the essence of Dune and adding different gameplay styles over the years. There are currently 7 Dune videogames and another one –Dune: Awakening– is set to come out this year.
But that’s not all, as other big franchises took a different route and instead of creating a whole new Dune experience for players, they took inspiration from it and created crossovers to blend their own established successes with the rich universe of Arrakis.
Here are the gaming franchises that took advantage of Dune’s potential for their own games.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 & Warzone
The Call of Duty franchise is known for its intense first-person shooter action and for having incredible crossovers. From soccer megastar Lionel Messi to Nicki Minaj, Snoop Dogg, and even Rambo, Activision’s game has always been at the forefront of trends.
To celebrate the release of Dune: Part Two they offered fans a special bundle for both Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone Season 1. The event kicked off on December 13, 2023, and it included:
- Paul Atreides Operator
- Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen Operator
- Tracer Pack: Echo Endo Ecstatic Entrophy Mastercraft
- Tracer Pack: Supernova
- Beach Boomin’
This is not the first time they’ve done a crossover with Dune, as they already had a Sardaukar Operator Pack in the game back in November 2023 which included a skin and two weapon blueprints.
World of Tanks
World of Tanks has three major titles and all of them are massive online multiplayer games that focus on armored warfare, so they were destined to receive their own Dune crossover eventually.
In World of Tanks (PC) from February 15, 2024, to February 26, 2024, players were able to recruit Gurney Halleck, Rabban, and Lady Jessica as crew members for their tanks, and they also added one of these huge machines inspired by the Ornithopter. Additionally, they had a Battle Pass called Special Dune: Part Two – Destiny Arrives which included plenty of Dune-themed items.
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For World of Tanks Blitz, from February 23, 2024, to March 7, 2024, fans can get new hooks, a profile background and a Gurney Halleck avatar, a new tank, as well as new quests based on Rabban and the Fremen.
In World of Tanks Modern Armor, there will be a special event starting on March 5, 2024, where users will be able to get Rabban and Sardaukar Warrior Gurney Halleck as Commanders, with console players being able to get Rabban’s 3D special Commander.
Microsoft Flight Simulator
Back in June 2023, a Dune expansion was announced for Microsoft Flight Simulator during the Xbox Games Showcase, but it was delayed due to the movie being pushed because of the Hollywood strikes.
Finally, on February 13, 2024, the free expansion became available for all players. It includes the iconic Ornithopter packed with six different time-trial missions and a rescue operation where you must survive a deadly sandstorm in the empty deserts of planet Arrakis.
Fortnite
The battle royale’s huge popularity is based on its fun gameplay, but an important portion of it is due to its ever-evolving crossover events and collaborations, which include John Wick, Star Wars, Avengers, and recently even Lady Gaga.
As expected, when Dune Part 1 was released back in 2021, Fortnite took the opportunity to have its crossover with Frank Herbert’s universe and brought a little of the world of Arrakis to their game.
Both Paul Atreides and Chani’s character skins were added to the game, allowing players to look like the beloved characters.
Despite nothing being announced to celebrate Part Two, fans still believe Fortnite is not over with Dune crossovers, and Paul and Chani could come back or new character skins could be added.
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