Warframe and Soulframe Forge the Future of Live Service Games

Digital Extremes, the creators of Warframe, unveiled exciting new details about their free-to-play shooter and upcoming fantasy MMO, Soulframe, at TennoCon 2024. Let's dive into the gameplay features and CEO Steve Sinclair's insightful comments on the live-service game model.

Warframe: 1999 – Winter 2024 Launch

Protoframes, Infestations, and a Boy Band Showdown

TennoCon 2024 finally delivered a gameplay demo for Warframe: 1999, a dramatic shift from the series' usual sci-fi setting. Trading sleek Orokin tech for the gritty, Infestation-ravaged Höllvania, players control Arthur Nightingale, leader of the Hex, wielding a Protoframe – a precursor to the familiar Warframes. The mission? Find Dr. Entrati before the New Year's Eve deadline.

The demo showcased Arthur's Atomicycle, intense battles against proto-infested enemies, and an unexpected encounter: a '90s boy band (infested, naturally!). The demo's soundtrack is now available on the Warframe YouTube channel. Prepare for infested boy band combat when the game releases on all platforms this winter.

Meet the Hex

The Hex, Arthur's six-member team, each boasts unique traits and roles. While the demo focuses on Arthur, the expansion introduces a novel romance system, playing out amidst CRT monitors and dial-up internet. Using "Kinematic Instant Message," players can cultivate relationships with Hex members, unlocking conversations and the possibility of a New Year's Eve kiss.

Warframe Anime Short

Digital Extremes and animation studio The Line (known for Gorillaz music videos) are collaborating on an animated short set in the infested world of Warframe: 1999. Details remain scarce, but the developers confirmed its release alongside the game.

Soulframe Gameplay Demo

An Open-World Fantasy MMO Experience

Digital Extremes hosted the first Soulframe Devstream, showcasing a live demo brimming with story and gameplay details. Players become Envoys, tasked with cleansing the Ode curse plaguing Alca. The Warsong Prologue offers a compelling introduction to the world.

Unlike Warframe's fast-paced action, Soulframe emphasizes deliberate melee combat. Players receive a Nightfold, a personal Orbiter for interacting with NPCs, crafting, and even petting their giant wolf mount.

Allies and Enemies Await

Envoys will encounter Ancestors – spirits of powerful beings – each offering unique gameplay benefits. Verminia, the Rat Witch, for example, assists with crafting and cosmetic upgrades. Nimrod, a formidable lightning-wielding enemy, and Bromius, a menacing omen beast, also await.

Soulframe Release

Soulframe's release is staggered, starting with an invite-only closed alpha (Soulframe Preludes). A wider release is planned for this Fall.

Digital Extremes CEO on the Premature Demise of Live Service Games

The Perils of Hasty Abandonment

In a VGC interview at TennoCon 2024, Digital Extremes CEO Steve Sinclair voiced concerns about major publishers prematurely abandoning live service games following initial struggles. These games, designed for sustained updates and player engagement, are often shut down quickly if early player numbers disappoint.

Sinclair highlighted the significant investment in these projects and the detrimental effects of abandoning them due to perceived underperformance. He contrasted this with Warframe's decade-long success, emphasizing the importance of long-term commitment and community building. After the cancellation of The Amazing Eternals five years prior, Digital Extremes is diligently working to avoid repeating that mistake with Soulframe.