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

Digital Extremes, the creators of Warframe, unveiled exciting new content for their free-to-play title and their 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 Surprise

TennoCon 2024 showcased a gameplay demo for Warframe: 1999, a significant departure from the series' usual sci-fi setting. The expansion transports players to Höllvania, a city overrun by the early stages of the Infestation. Players control Arthur Nightingale, leader of the Hex, wielding a Protoframe – a precursor to the Warframes in the main game. The objective? Find Dr. Entrati before New Year's Eve.

The demo highlighted Arthur using the Atomicycle, a fierce battle against proto-infested enemies, and an unexpected encounter with a 90s boy band. The demo's soundtrack is now available on the Warframe YouTube channel.

Meet the Hex

The Hex team comprises six members, each with unique roles. While only Arthur is playable in the demo, the expansion introduces a romance system, allowing players to build relationships with Hex members via "Kinematic Instant Message," potentially leading to a New Year's Eve kiss.

Warframe Anime Short

Digital Extremes is collaborating with The Line animation studio (known for Gorillaz music videos) on an animated short set in the 1999 infested world. Further details are scarce, but the short is slated for release alongside the expansion.

Soulframe Gameplay Demo

An Open-World Fantasy MMO Experience

Digital Extremes unveiled a Soulframe Devstream, offering a live demo and new story and gameplay details. Players become Envoys, tasked with cleansing the Ode curse plaguing Alca. The Warsong Prologue introduces the game's world.

Unlike Warframe's fast-paced action, Soulframe features slower, deliberate melee combat. The Nightfold, a personal Orbiter, serves as a hub for interacting with NPCs, crafting, and interacting with a wolf mount.

Allies and Enemies

Players will encounter Ancestors, spirits granting unique abilities. Verminia, the Rat Witch, aids in crafting and cosmetic upgrades. Enemies include Nimrod, a powerful ranged attacker, and Bromius, a menacing beast.

Soulframe Release

Soulframe is currently in a closed alpha (Soulframe Preludes), with plans for wider access this Fall.

Digital Extremes CEO on the Premature End 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 abandoning live-service games too quickly after launch struggles. He highlighted the significant investment and community building involved, suggesting that fear of declining player numbers leads to premature shutdowns.

Games like Anthem, SYNCED, and Crossfire X serve as examples of this trend. In contrast, Warframe's success over a decade demonstrates the potential for long-term live-service success with consistent updates and player engagement. After canceling The Amazing Eternals, Digital Extremes is committed to avoiding similar mistakes with Soulframe.