Survival MMO Dune: Awakening has suspended its Steam Family Sharing feature due to ongoing issues with cheating. The publisher, Funcom, announced the temporary measure in a statement on both Steam and Discord, citing frequent abuse of the feature. The disabling of Family Sharing comes as the game struggles with negative reviews and persistent exploitation issues.
Since its launch in June 2023, Dune: Awakening initially received positive feedback. However, by the end of July, user reviews had shifted to a “Mixed” rating on Steam, with players expressing concerns over cheating and griefing. Despite multiple patches aimed at addressing these issues, players have reported ongoing problems, particularly related to the game’s endgame content.
In its announcement, Funcom explained that the disabling of Family Sharing is part of an effort to combat cheating. “We have unfortunately seen this feature abused frequently,” the company stated. The suspension may last for several months, potentially extending into late 2025. This decision impacts many players who have relied on sharing the game with family and friends.
Funcom expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to legitimate users. “We apologize to our players who legitimately used this feature,” the company said. The studio is currently working on adjustments to enable Family Sharing to return as soon as possible. While no specific timeline has been provided, Funcom aims to implement changes within this year.
Players have speculated about how Family Sharing was misused. Some suggest that individuals may have created alternate accounts to access Landsraad vendors, allowing them to exploit in-game resources. Others have reported instances of players camping high-tier loot chests to gain an unfair advantage.
The impact on the game’s community is significant, particularly for those who engage with the game fairly. Many players feel frustrated that the actions of a few have led to broader consequences. Funcom acknowledged this sentiment, stating, “It sucks that people using a feature as it’s intended will be the ones hurt most by it being disabled.”
In response to the cheating problem, Funcom has taken several measures, including banning hundreds of accounts involved in exploiting. The company has also removed substantial amounts of exploited in-game currency, known as Solaris, from affected accounts. These actions are part of ongoing efforts to rectify the situation and ensure a fair playing environment for all users.
As the gaming community watches closely, Funcom continues its investigation and enforcement actions against offenders. Players are encouraged to stay updated on the situation through official channels, including announcements on Steam and Discord. The company remains committed to addressing these issues while seeking a balance that allows players to enjoy the game as intended.
