Dune II: The classic 90s strategy game celebrates its 30th anniversary this October. It is a classic game that has left its mark on gaming, one that has been re-made, re-released and even featured in books, TV shows, and more.
Dune II was first released in October 1992 for the PC, a significant step during that era for gaming. It was the sequel to the iconic game Dune, released in 1984 by Westwood Studios, and was designed by Joe Bostic and Brett Sperry, who also directed the original game. And unlike its predecessor, Dune II introduced the concept of real-time strategy ("RTS") gaming.
Dune II was set in the fictional universe of Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel Dune. Players took control of one of three interplanetary houses, Atreides, Ordos, and Harkonnen, in a struggle to control the desert planet Arrakis. Each house was equipped with differing weapons, units, and faction strengths, mirroring the shifting allegiances in Herbert’s book.
Dune II’s success is in large part due to its highly detailed battlefields and realistic strategy elements, while still remaining accessible to casual gamers. It was a type of game that had never been seen before, a blend of tactics-style strategy with real-time action. The game featured advanced artificial intelligence (AI) that simulated reactions from opponents, as well as a mission-based structure. This meant that players had to complete goals as well as manage resources and troops in order to expand their influence across Arrakis
Dune II was ultimately ported to multiple platforms, and it launched a series of successful games within the Dune universe, such as the 1995 release Dune 2000. The game was also licensed to Acclaim Entertainment who released a number of successful console versions for systems like the Genesis, PlayStation, and the Super Nintendo.
The success of Dune II also helped to strengthen the RTS genre, as it was soon followed by a host of similar titles such as Command & Conquer and WarCraft. It laid the groundwork for the mobile gaming market that followed in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and it paved the way for the modern gaming industry, which is dominated by simulation, strategy, and sandbox titles.
Moreover, the influence of Dune II remains strong today. It has been remade by the original developers for modern systems, re-released to multiple digital platforms, and referenced in music, books, TV shows, and more. As such, its influence is highly visible throughout modern gaming culture.
Although Dune II was released three decades ago, it remains a pivotal moment in gaming history, a truly innovative game that took gamers by surprise and one that still inspires modern developers. It’s particularly impressive for a game that was created in an era long before the advent of modern gaming technology, and it is a testament to the skill of its creators and the success of the franchise that it still remains relevant today. As such, Dune II deserves to be celebrated on its 30th anniversary, and be remembered for its enduring influence on the RTS and gaming landscape.
