Dune: Spice Wars, the first Dune video game to be released in 13 years, has already found critical acclaim following the early access release.
The game, developed by Shiro Games, combines the features of a 4X real-time multiplayer strategy with a large-scale core RTS to create a hybrid game as players battle with rival factions in an attempt to obtain spice, the most sought-after commodity in the barren desert planet of Arrakis.
Dune: Spice Wars is the seventh Dune video game to be released. In 1992, following the release of the ill-fated 1984 movie adaptation, both the Dune and Dune II video games were released. In 2009, a Dune Wars mod for Civilization IV was released, which allowed players to navigate a Dune landscape in Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword.
The enduring popularity of the sci-fi genre
Although the sci-fi classic Dune is returning after an absence of many years, the sci-fi genre remains a highly popular theme in the entertainment industry. The latest stats reveal that 24% of Americans between 18-29 and 34% of the 30-49 age group watched sci-fi and fantasy programs on TV in 2021. This creates a significant base of sci-fi fans.
Alongside sci-fi video games and movies, we are increasingly seeing a wide range of slot games in the iGaming industry with sci-fi themes, such as Cyberpunk City, Space Spins, and Turbo Play, which means sci-fi aficionados can also have fun when playing online casino Canada. With sci-fi themes proving so popular, it is no surprise to see so many slot titles catering to fans of the genre. Many slot developers have identified that customizing their slots with themes can help attract new players.
A tale of two Dune movies
The latest video game comes on the back of the 2021 Dune movie. The sci-fi epic, directed by the Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, starring Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, and Josh Brolin, scooped six Academy Awards in 2022, including Best Original Score, Best Cinematography, and Best Visual Effects.
The success of the latest Dune movie is in stark contrast with the original, which was released in 1984. The movie was directed by David Lynch with Kyle MacLachlan as Paul Atreides and a supporting cast that included Patrick Stewart, the singer Sting and Sean Young. Unlike the 2021 version, the movie was a box office flop. However, the US filmmaker has recently raised speculation that there could be a director’s cut of the original 1984 movie.
In 2000, a TV miniseries entitled Frank Herbert's Dune was released, featuring William Hurt, Alec Newman, and Saskia Reeves. The show was a success, winning two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Cinematography and Outstanding Special Visual Effects.
The Dune movies and video games are based on the 1965 epic novel by Frank Herbert. The American author wrote five sequels over the following three decades: Dune Messiah, Children of Dune, God Emperor of Dune, Heretics of Dune, and Chapterhouse: Dune, which was published a year before his death.
This leaves plenty of scope for the further development of Dune video game and movie spinoffs and with the movie Dune: Part Two set to be released next year, there is every chance we will see more game releases as there is so much more of Herbert’s Dune world to explore.
