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

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

Warframe: 1999 – Arriving Winter 2024

A gameplay demo for Warframe: 1999 showcased a dramatic shift from the series' usual sci-fi setting. The expansion transports players to the Infestation-ravaged Höllvania, where they control Arthur Nightingale and his Protoframe, battling hordes of enemies and even a 90s boy band! The demo highlighted the Atomicycle vehicle and a unique romance system utilizing "Kinematic Instant Message" to interact with the Hex team. A companion animated short, produced in collaboration with The Line animation studio, is slated for release alongside the expansion.

[Image: Warframe 1999 Gameplay Screenshot]

[Image: Warframe 1999 Character Art]

[Image: Warframe 1999 Romance System Screenshot]

[Image: Warframe 1999 Animated Short Teaser Image]

Soulframe – An Open-World Fantasy MMO

The first Soulframe Devstream offered an extensive look at this open-world fantasy MMO. Players assume the role of an Envoy, tasked with cleansing the Ode curse plaguing Alca. The Warsong Prologue introduces the game's world, and gameplay emphasizes slower, deliberate melee combat. Players utilize their Nightfold, a personal Orbiter, for crafting, interacting with NPCs, and managing their giant wolf mount. The demo featured encounters with Ancestors (spirits offering unique gameplay benefits, such as Verminia, the Rat Witch) and formidable enemies like Nimrod and Bromius. Currently in a closed alpha (Soulframe Preludes), Soulframe is planned for wider release this Fall.

[Image: Soulframe Gameplay Screenshot]

[Image: Soulframe Character Art]

[Image: Soulframe Ancestor Abilities Screenshot]

[Image: Soulframe Enemy Design Screenshot]

Digital Extremes CEO on the Short Lifespan of Live Service Games

In a VGC interview, Digital Extremes CEO Steve Sinclair voiced concerns about large publishers prematurely abandoning live-service games after initial struggles. He highlighted the significant investment in development and community building, suggesting that the high operating costs lead to hasty shutdowns when player numbers dip. This contrasts with Warframe's decade-long success, demonstrating the potential for long-term engagement with consistent updates. The experience gained from canceling The Amazing Eternals five years ago informs their approach to Soulframe, aiming to avoid repeating past mistakes.

[Image: Steve Sinclair Interview Screenshot]

[Image: Warframe's Long-Term Success Chart (Illustrative)]