Digital Extremes, the developers behind the beloved free-to-play looter shooter Warframe, recently unveiled exciting updates for both Warframe and their upcoming fantasy MMO, Soulframe, at TennoCon 2024. CEO Steve Sinclair shared his insights on the state of live service games, emphasizing the importance of long-term commitment to player engagement and continuous content updates.
Warframe: 1999 Coming in Winter 2024
Protoframes, Infestations, and Boy Bands
The Warframe 1999 expansion introduces a thrilling shift from the game's traditional sci-fi setting, transporting players to Höllvania—a city in the early throes of the Infestation. Players will step into the shoes of Arthur Nightingale, the leader of the Hex, wearing a Protoframe, the precursor to the Warframes. The storyline challenges players to race against time to find Dr. Entrati before midnight on New Year's Eve.
The gameplay demo highlighted Arthur's adventures on the Atomicycle, battling hordes of proto-infested enemies, and even featured a '90s boy band. Fans can now stream the demo's catchy soundtrack on the Warframe YouTube channel. Alternatively, players can engage in combat against an infested version of the boy band when the expansion launches on all platforms in winter 2024.
Get to Know the Hex
The Hex is comprised of six distinct members, each with unique roles and characteristics. While players can only control Arthur Nightingale in the demo, Warframe: 1999 introduces a novel romance system. Set amidst the nostalgic ambiance of CRT monitors and dial-up internet, players can use "Kinematic Instant Message" to forge relationships with Hex members, potentially leading to a special New Year's Eve moment.
Warframe Anime
Collaborating with The Line, the animation studio behind Gorillaz's music videos, Digital Extremes is set to release an animated short set in the world of Warframe 1999. Though details are sparse, the developers have confirmed that the short will coincide with the expansion's launch.
Soulframe Gameplay Demo
An Open-World Fantasy MMO
Soulframe's first Devstream provided a deep dive into this eagerly awaited open-world fantasy MMO. Players will assume the role of an Envoy, tasked with eradicating the Ode curse that plagues the land of Alca. The demo introduced the Warsong Prologue, setting the stage for the game's rich narrative.
Unlike Warframe, Soulframe offers a more measured approach to combat, focusing on deliberate melee engagements. Players will have access to the Nightfold, a personal Orbiter, where they can interact with NPCs, craft items, and bond with their giant wolf mount.
Allies and Enemies
Throughout Soulframe, players will encounter Ancestors—spirits of powerful beings that offer unique gameplay mechanics. For example, Verminia, the Rat Witch, assists in crafting consumables and unlocking cosmetic upgrades. Players will also face formidable foes like Nimrod, who wields long-range lightning attacks, and Bromius, an ominous beast hinted at in the demo's conclusion.
Soulframe Release Date
Currently, Soulframe is in an invite-only closed alpha phase known as Soulframe Preludes. However, the developers are planning to expand access to a broader audience this fall, marking a significant step toward the game's full release.
Digital Extremes CEO Comments on Short-Lived Live Service Games
Are Big Publishers Giving Up on Live Service Games Too Quickly?
During an interview with VGC at TennoCon 2024, Steve Sinclair, CEO of Digital Extremes, voiced his concerns about the trend of large publishers abandoning live service games shortly after launch. He lamented the short lifespan of many such games, citing high operational costs and initial player drop-offs as reasons for their premature closure.
Sinclair highlighted the contrasting success of Warframe, which has sustained a thriving community over a decade through continuous updates and player engagement. Reflecting on past experiences, such as the cancellation of The Amazing Eternals five years ago due to low interest during its closed beta, Digital Extremes is determined to avoid similar pitfalls with Soulframe.
