Entertainment · Gaming · 4 hrs ago
Rights disputes are blocking a possible re-release of Dune 2
GOG says an official re-release of Dune 2 faces major rights problems because the game’s ownership is split among several parties.
Released in 1992 by Westwood Studios, Dune 2 helped shape the real-time strategy genre and influenced later games.
EA holds the game code, assets and related materials, but it does not own the Dune intellectual property.
The game was based on the 1984 film, so rights connected to that film and the estate of producer Dino De Laurentiis also matter.
Rights tied to newer Dune projects add another complication, including a deal between Legendary Pictures and game developer Funcom whose effect on a re-release is unclear.
GOG has no clear path to bring the game back, and its representative says a re-release is unlikely soon.
A return would make this influential game easier for new players to access, but no next step has been announced.
A possible official re-release of Westwood Studios’ Dune 2 is blocked by a complex web of licensing rights.
GOG says Electronic Arts holds the game’s code, assets and related materials, but does not own the Dune intellectual property.
The game was based on the 1984 film, not directly on Frank Herbert’s books, bringing other rights holders into the picture.
The estate of producer Dino De Laurentiis owns a portion of the film rights, while Legendary Pictures holds rights for the newer Dune films.
GOG’s Marcin Paczynski says it is unclear whether an exclusivity deal involving Legendary and Funcom would also affect a re-release.
- Who
- Westwood Studios made Dune 2. GOG says Electronic Arts holds the game’s code, assets and related materials.
- What
- A possible official re-release is complicated by disputes and overlapping rights.
- When
- The game was released in 1992. GOG discussed the rights issues in an interview reported on November 2, 2026.
- Where
- The game is a PC title; a re-release on modern PC storefronts is discussed.
- Why
- The game was based on the 1984 Dune film, and rights are divided among several parties; a separate exclusivity deal may also be relevant.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Universal Pictures released the film that Dune 2 was based on.
Westwood Studios’ Dune 2 was released.
GOG’s Marcin Paczynski discussed the game’s rights complications in an interview reported by Kotaku.
- Game
- Dune 2: The Building of a Dynasty
- Developer
- Westwood Studios
- Release year
- 1992
- Game code and assets
- Held by Electronic Arts, according to GOG
- Film basis
- 1984 Dune film
- Potential rights complication
- Legendary Pictures has a deal with Funcom that includes some amount of exclusivity
3 sources
GOG is fighting a five-way licensing nightmare to bring legendary RTS classic Dune II back to PC after 34 years
GOG Explains How One Of The Most Important PC Games Ever Made Is Trapped In Licensing Hell
Classic PC strategy game Dune 2 is a ‘holy grail’ re-release but it’s a licensing nightmare, GOG says
What people are saying
So currently, Electronic Arts has the game code, the assets, all of the rights to those things, and all the materials around the game
The situation is a good example of how bad it can get with the licensing situation of a game
It’s on the top of my list, my personal one, because this is a game that I have a lot of nostalgia for