THE MAKING OF CHAPTER 3
[p]Ever since the early days of beta, player feedback has been invaluable in helping improve the game and steer it in the right direction. Since launch, we've been looking closely at the feedback you've given us through Discord, player surveys, and other platforms. This feedback has led to many improvements (Cobalt paste, anyone?) and it continues to inform many of the decisions we make for the game, large and small. [/p][p]This has never been truer than for Chapter 3. This update is a direct response to the two most common player requests: the desire for a more fleshed out endgame and making it a smoother experience coming back after an extended period away from the game. [/p][p] [/p]A BIGGER, BETTER ENDGAME
[p]When it comes to the endgame, the specifics of what you're looking for varies across both players and player types, but we've also been able to combine your feedback with cold, hard in-game telemetry that provides a good picture of what content, activities, and systems most of you spend time with later in the game. [/p][p]This has allowed us to make informed decisions on where to spend our time and effort, with player feedback and in-game data working in concert to produce what is undoubtedly our biggest and most important update yet. [/p][p]So, what does the feedback and data tell us? Players want: [/p]- [p]More options in the endgame, more ways to play that are all equally rewarding.[/p][/*]
- [p]More content; more stuff to discover and experience in the world of Arrakis.[/p][/*]
- [p]To be able to take full advantage of everything the endgame has to offer, without being forced to engage in a play style they don't want to.[/p][/*]
- [p]More ways to advance their character, with deeper progression systems.[/p][/*]
MAKING IT EASIER TO TAKE A BREAK AND RETURN LATER
[p]The other much-shared feedback point we've received is that it can be daunting coming back to Dune: Awakening after an extended break. Whether it's unpaid taxes or power running out, if you've been away for a long time, chances are your base is gone. The intention behind these mechanics are good, essentially ensuring servers don't fill up with abandoned bases. [/p][p]That said, we heard your feedback, and we've been working on several things to make this a smoother experience. [/p]- [p]Base Reconstruction Tool: Last year, we introduced a tool that allows you to pack up your base, store it, and then reassemble it. This is a great tool for when you know you will be taking an extended break from the game. [/p][/*]
- [p]Increasing Bank Storage: Last year we also made it easier for players to safely store everything they have been working hard on obtaining by increasing the bank storage space. [/p][/*]
- [p]Character Transfers: Earlier this month, we also introduced Character Transfers. Not only is this useful for active players who might want to move to a more active World or Sietch, it's also great for returning players who might be in a situation where their friends have left, and they want to find a more active home to play in. [/p][/*]
- [p]No More Taxes: Since the game’s launch, taxes have been a regular point of discussion in the community. We are happy to share that we are eliminating this source of frustration and starting with Chapter 3, the Emperor will no longer require players to pay taxes for any bases! This also means that you can expand your bases to your heart’s content without incurring any additional upkeep costs. [/p][/*]
- [p]Return Packages: Not everyone who left the game earlier has been able to take advantage of these new tools for packing up and storing their stuff. That's why Chapter 3 introduces custom Return Packages full of resources to help you jump back into the game. Once Chapter 3 is live, the package will be available to every character that hasn't logged in for 28 days and can be claimed via the "Claim Rewards" option in the in-game menu. [/p][/*]
