Warframe: 1999 and Soulframe Aim to Show How Live Service Games Should Be Done

Digital Extremes, the masterminds behind the beloved free-to-play looter shooter, Warframe, have thrilled fans with new reveals at TennoCon 2024. Not only did they showcase exciting developments for Warframe, but they also unveiled details about their upcoming fantasy MMO, Soulframe. Dive in to discover the latest on gameplay features and hear from CEO Steve Sinclair about the future of live service games.

Warframe: 1999 Coming in Winter 2024

Protoframes, Infestations, and Boy Bands

Digital Extremes treated fans to a gameplay demo for Warframe 1999, signaling a bold shift from the game's traditional sci-fi backdrop. This expansion transports players to Höllvania, a city in the throes of early Infestation. As Arthur Nightingale, the leader of the Hex, players will navigate this dystopian landscape in a Protoframe—the precursor to the Warframes seen in the main game. The mission? To locate Dr. Entrati before the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve.

The demo highlighted Arthur’s adventures, including riding the Atomicycle, engaging in fierce battles against proto-infested enemies, and encountering a '90s boy band. Music enthusiasts can stream the track featured in the demo on the Warframe YouTube channel. For those less musically inclined, there's an option to battle an infested version of the boy band when the expansion launches across all platforms this winter.

Get to Know the Hex

The Hex, a team of six with distinct roles and personalities, introduces players to Arthur Nightingale as the playable character. Warframe: 1999 spices things up with a romance system, set against a nostalgic '90s backdrop of CRT monitors and dial-up internet. Using "Kinematic Instant Message," players can foster relationships with Hex members, unlocking deep conversations and the possibility of a New Year’s Eve kiss.

Warframe Anime

In a thrilling collaboration with The Line, the animation studio behind Gorillaz's music videos, Digital Extremes is crafting an animated short set in the world of Warframe 1999. While details are scarce, fans can look forward to this visual treat accompanying the expansion's launch.

Soulframe Gameplay Demo

An Open-World Fantasy MMO

After much anticipation, Digital Extremes unveiled Soulframe through their first Devstream, featuring a live demo rich with new story elements and gameplay mechanics. As an Envoy in Soulframe, players are tasked with eradicating the Ode curse that plagues Alca. The Warsong Prologue introduced viewers to the game's expansive world.

Unlike Warframe's fast-paced action, Soulframe offers a more measured approach to melee combat. Players will have access to the Nightfold, a personal Orbiter where they can interact with NPCs, craft equipment, and bond with their giant wolf mount.

Allies and Enemies

Throughout your journey in Soulframe, you'll encounter Ancestors, spirits that offer unique gameplay enhancements. For example, Verminia, the Rat Witch, aids in crafting consumables and unlocking cosmetic upgrades. Players will also face formidable foes like Nimrod, a giant capable of long-range lightning attacks, and Bromius, an ominous beast hinted at in the demo's conclusion.

Soulframe Release Date

While Soulframe is currently in a closed alpha phase known as Soulframe Preludes, Digital Extremes plans to expand access to a broader audience this Fall.

Digital Extremes CEO Comments on Short-Lived Live Service Games

Are Big Publishers Giving Up on Live Service Games Too Quickly?

In an interview with VGC at TennoCon 2024, Steve Sinclair, CEO of Digital Extremes, voiced his concerns about the quick abandonment of live service games by major publishers. He highlighted the challenges these games face, requiring ongoing content updates and player engagement. Sinclair lamented the premature shutdown of games due to fluctuating player numbers, emphasizing the years of dedication invested in developing these games.

Examples like Anthem, SYNCED, and Crossfire X, which were discontinued shortly after launch, underscore Sinclair's point. In contrast, Warframe's success over a decade showcases the potential for longevity through consistent updates and community engagement. Learning from past projects like The Amazing Eternals, which was canceled due to lackluster closed beta feedback, Digital Extremes is committed to nurturing Soulframe's development to avoid similar pitfalls.