Gom Jabbar: A Dune Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode: Creative Director of Dune: Awakening Joel Bylos
Release Date: June 10, 2025
Host: Abu and Leo
Guest: Joel Bylos, Creative Director at Funcom

1. Introduction

In this special episode of Gom Jabbar: A Dune Podcast, hosts Abu and Leo delve into the intricate world of Dune: Awakening, the survival MMORPG developed by Funcom. The episode features an exclusive interview with Joel Bylos, the game's Creative Director, who shares his profound connection with the Dune universe and the meticulous efforts behind bringing it to life in the gaming realm.

2. Joel Bylos’s Journey with Dune

Joel Bylos recounts his longstanding relationship with the Dune series, highlighting how his early exposure to Frank Herbert’s novels and subsequent engagements with various Dune adaptations fueled his passion.

Joel Bylos [05:10]: "It started so my dad had a bookshelf and it kind of had a prominent place in our living room... I played a lot of PC games around the time, like 92, 93 was when the Cryo game came out, and I loved the music and atmosphere."

He emphasizes the depth of his immersion, having read all six of Frank Herbert’s books and several of Brian Herbert’s contributions, which has profoundly influenced his approach to game development.

3. Role as Creative Director at Funcom

Joel outlines his responsibilities as the Creative Director, focusing on maintaining a cohesive vision for Dune: Awakening and ensuring that every aspect of the game aligns with the rich Dune lore.

Joel Bylos [10:17]: "Game development is about creative direction and vision... I create a mental model for the team to follow, setting guidelines that ensure we're all working towards the same goal."

He collaborates closely with various directors—game, economy, and world—to craft an immersive and authentic Dune experience.

4. Lessons from Previous Games

Drawing from his extensive experience, including work on Conan games, Joel emphasizes the importance of adhering to source material to honor the original IP.

Joel Bylos [12:19]: "The source material is both your limitations and your opportunities. You need to lean in as hard as you can... Make your game match the IP as best you can."

This philosophy ensures that Dune: Awakening remains faithful to Herbert’s vision while innovating within the gaming landscape.

5. Choice of MMO Genre

Joel discusses why Funcom chose the MMO format for Dune: Awakening, aligning it with the company's expertise in creating multiplayer experiences.

Joel Bylos [14:09]: "Funcom makes multiplayer games. It's our strength. We wanted to leverage that to create a social multiplayer game that fits within the Dune universe."

This decision allows players to collaboratively explore and influence the ever-evolving world of Arrakis.

6. Balancing Lore Accuracy with Creativity

Maintaining authenticity to the Dune universe while introducing original elements is a central challenge Joel addresses.

Joel Bylos [15:52]: "I wrote down the pillars for what a Dune game should be... Key fantasies like riding a sandworm or surviving a sandstorm are integral to the experience."

He ensures that deviations from the lore are thoughtfully executed, providing rationale for each creative decision.

7. Game Mechanics and Lore Integration

Joel highlights several game mechanics meticulously designed to reflect Dune’s unique elements:

• Stillsuits and Hydration Management: Players must manage their water resources, mirroring the harsh survival aspects of desert life.

  Joel Bylos [27:23]: "Stillsuits work great and you manually push a button to drink... it reminds me that I'm wearing a stillsuit, which is part of a universe that no other game does."

• Shield Fighting and Combat Systems: Authentic combat mechanics prevent the use of generic systems, fostering a unique combat experience.

  Joel Bylos [25:30]: "Make your design fit Dune. Do not make. That's what makes this a Dune game."

• Sandworms and Fremen Interactions: Incorporating iconic creatures and factions enhances immersion.

8. Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

Joel takes pride in embedding subtle lore references and Easter eggs that reward attentive fans:

Joel Bylos [31:19]: "There's a knife called Caliph's Drinker linked to a memorial at Khalif's Stand... If you're reading Dune and recognize the name, it enriches the game's world."

These details deepen the narrative and provide layers of discovery for players.

9. Future Plans Post-Launch

Looking ahead, Joel shares Funcom’s vision for Dune: Awakening, which includes regular updates, content drops, and DLCs to expand the storyline.

Joel Bylos [37:52]: "I have a 10-year plan for the project. We'll keep updating the main storyline and explore different aspects of the universe through DLCs."

This long-term commitment ensures that the game evolves alongside its player base, offering fresh experiences over time.

10. Rapid Fire Questions

In a lighthearted segment, Joel answers quick questions revealing his personal favorites within the Dune universe:

• Favorite Dune Character: God Emperor Leto II

  Joel Bylos [44:44]: "He's such a great character in so many ways."

• Favorite Faction: The Tleilaxu

  Joel Bylos [45:23]: "I like their weirdness and how it becomes a religious thing later on."

11. Conclusion

Abu and Leo express their gratitude to Joel for his insights and dedication to the Dune lore, highlighting the anticipated excitement surrounding Dune: Awakening. They commend Joel’s commitment to authenticity and his innovative approach to game design, reinforcing the podcast’s enthusiasm for the upcoming game's release.

Abu [52:40]: "Ultimately, it just instills confidence... that Dune love is sprinkled on top of the gameplay mechanics themselves."

The episode concludes with a mutual appreciation for the shared passion for Dune, setting the stage for future discussions and explorations of the game’s rich content.

Notable Quotes:

• Joel Bylos [05:10]: "I really think it might have been like a close to a first edition... I really think it might have been like a close to a first edition."

• Joel Bylos [12:19]: "The source material is both your limitations and your opportunities. You need to lean in as hard as you can."

• Joel Bylos [25:26]: "Make your design fit Dune. Do not make. That's what makes this a Dune game."

• Joel Bylos [27:44]: "Stillsuits work great and you manually push a button to drink. It reminds me that I'm wearing a stillsuit, which is part of a universe that no other game does."

• Joel Bylos [37:52]: "I have a 10-year plan for the project. We'll keep updating the main storyline and explore different aspects of the universe through DLCs."

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a comprehensive look into the creative processes and philosophies guiding Dune: Awakening. Joel Bylos’s dedication to honoring the Dune legacy while pushing the boundaries of MMORPG design promises a captivating experience for both veterans and newcomers to the Dune universe.