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

Digital Extremes, the minds behind Warframe, unveiled exciting new details for their free-to-play looter shooter and their upcoming fantasy MMO, Soulframe, at TennoCon 2024. Let's dive into the gameplay features and CEO Steve Sinclair's insightful comments on the live-service game model.

Warframe: 1999 Arriving Winter 2024

Protoframes, Infestations, and Boy Bands, Oh My!

TennoCon 2024 finally gave us a gameplay glimpse of *Warframe: 1999*. This expansion dramatically shifts the game's usual sci-fi setting, transporting players to the Infestation-ravaged city of Höllvania. You'll play as Arthur Nightingale, leader of the Hex, wielding a Protoframe – a precursor to the Warframes we know and love. Your mission? Find Dr. Entrati before the New Year's Eve clock strikes twelve.

The demo showcased thrilling action, including Arthur riding the Atomicycle, a fierce battle against proto-infested enemies, and an unexpected encounter with a '90s boy band (yes, really!). The song from the demo is now available to stream on the Warframe YouTube channel. If that's not your jam, well, you can always face off against an infested boy band when the game launches on all platforms this winter.

Meet the Hex

The Hex, Arthur's team, comprises six unique members, each with their own personality and role. While the demo focused on Arthur, Warframe: 1999 introduces a surprising new element: romance! Using "Kinematic Instant Messaging," players can build relationships with Hex members, unlocking special conversations and the possibility of a New Year's Eve kiss.

A Warframe Anime?

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

Soulframe Gameplay Demo

An Open-World Fantasy MMO Awaits

Digital Extremes finally hosted their first *Soulframe* Devstream, offering a live demo packed with story and gameplay details. As an Envoy, you'll embark on a quest to purge the Ode curse plaguing the land of Alca. The Warsong Prologue, showcased in the Devstream, serves as a captivating introduction to this world.

Unlike Warframe's fast-paced acrobatics, Soulframe emphasizes slower, deliberate melee combat. Your trusty Nightfold, a personal pocket Orbiter, will be your base of operations for crafting, interacting with NPCs, and even petting your giant wolf mount.

Allies and Enemies

Your journey will lead you to Ancestors – spirits of powerful beings you collect. Each Ancestor offers unique gameplay benefits; for example, Verminia, the Rat Witch, helps with crafting consumables and cosmetic upgrades. You'll also face formidable foes, including Nimrod, a lightning-wielding giant, and the ominous Bromius, teased at the demo's end.

Soulframe Release Date

Soulframe is currently in a closed alpha phase (Soulframe Preludes), accessible only via invitation. However, Digital Extremes plans to open access to a wider audience this fall.

Digital Extremes CEO on the Short Lifespan of Live Service Games

Are Big Publishers Giving Up Too Soon?

In a recent VGC interview at TennoCon 2024, Digital Extremes CEO Steve Sinclair voiced concerns about major publishers prematurely abandoning live service games after initial struggles. These games, designed for long-term engagement and updates, often face early closure if player numbers dip below expectations.

Sinclair commented on the wasted potential, highlighting the years of development and community building that are lost when these games are shut down due to high operating costs and fear of declining player numbers.

Games like Anthem, SYNCED, and Crossfire X serve as stark examples. Warframe's decade-long success, however, stands in contrast, demonstrating the potential for long-term live service success with consistent updates and community engagement. After the cancellation of The Amazing Eternals five years ago, Digital Extremes is committed to avoiding similar mistakes with Soulframe.