Warframe, Soulframe: Live Service Games Reach New Heights

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

Warframe: 1999 – Arriving Winter 2024

Protoframes, Infestations, and a Boy Band Twist

TennoCon 2024 finally gave us a gameplay glimpse of Warframe: 1999. This expansion dramatically shifts the setting from the usual sci-fi to a 1999 Höllvania, a city overrun by early-stage Infestation. Players control Arthur Nightingale, Hex leader, wielding a Protoframe – a precursor to the main game's Warframes. The mission: find Dr. Entrati before New Year's Eve.

The demo showcased Arthur on the Atomicycle, a thrilling battle against proto-infested enemies, and an unexpected encounter: a 90s boy band, infested, naturally! The demo's music is now available on the Warframe YouTube channel.

Meet the Hex

The Hex team comprises six unique characters. While the demo only features Arthur, the expansion introduces a romance system, allowing players to connect with Hex members via "Kinematic Instant Message," leading to conversations and a potential New Year's Eve kiss.

A Warframe Anime Short

Digital Extremes is collaborating with The Line animation studio (known for Gorillaz music videos) on an animated short set in the infested world of Warframe: 1999. Details are scarce, but the short will launch alongside the expansion.

Soulframe Gameplay Demo

Open-World Fantasy MMO

Digital Extremes hosted the first Soulframe Devstream, revealing story and gameplay elements. Players become Envoys, tasked with cleansing Alca of the Ode curse. The Warsong Prologue introduces the game's world.

Soulframe's combat is slower and more deliberate than Warframe's acrobatic style. The Nightfold, a personal pocket Orbiter, serves as a hub for interacting with NPCs, crafting, and tending to your giant wolf companion.

Allies and Enemies

Players will encounter Ancestors, powerful spirits granting unique abilities (Verminia, the Rat Witch, aids in crafting and cosmetics). Enemies include Nimrod, a lightning-wielding giant, and the ominous Bromius, teased at the demo's end.

Soulframe Release

Soulframe's release is staggered. Currently, access is limited to a closed alpha (Soulframe Preludes), with broader access planned for this Fall.

Digital Extremes CEO on the Perils of Premature Live Service Abandonment

The Problem of Too-Quick Abandonment

In a VGC interview at TennoCon 2024, Digital Extremes CEO Steve Sinclair voiced concern over large publishers quickly abandoning live-service games after initial struggles. High operating costs and declining player numbers often lead to premature shutdowns, despite significant investment.

Sinclair highlighted examples like Anthem, SYNCED, and Crossfire X. Warframe's success over a decade demonstrates a different approach, prioritizing consistent updates and community engagement. After canceling The Amazing Eternals, Digital Extremes is committed to avoiding similar mistakes with Soulframe.