Warframe & Soulframe: Redefining Live Service Games

Digital Extremes, the minds behind Warframe, unveiled exciting news at TennoCon 2024, showcasing updates for their free-to-play hit and their upcoming fantasy MMO, Soulframe. Let's dive into the details.

Warframe: 1999 – Arriving Winter 2024

Protoframes, Infestations, and Boy Bands, Oh My!

TennoCon 2024 finally delivered a gameplay demo for *Warframe: 1999*, a radical departure from the series' usual sci-fi setting. Trading sleek Orokin technology for the gritty, Infestation-ravaged city of Höllvania, players control Arthur Nightingale, leader of the Hex, piloting a Protoframe – a precursor to the Warframes we know and love. The mission? Find Dr. Entrati before the New Year's Eve clock strikes twelve.

The demo showcased thrilling Atomicycle rides, intense battles against proto-infested hordes, and a surprisingly memorable encounter with a '90s boy band (yes, really!). The demo's soundtrack is now available to stream on the Warframe YouTube channel. Prepare for infested boy band battles when the game launches on all platforms this winter!

Meet the Hex

The Hex, Arthur's team, comprises six unique characters, each with their own distinct roles. While the demo focuses on Arthur, Warframe: 1999 introduces a novel romance system, playing out amidst the backdrop of CRT monitors and dial-up internet. Utilize "Kinematic Instant Messaging" to build relationships with Hex members, unlocking conversations and potentially, a New Year's Eve kiss.

Warframe Anime

Digital Extremes is collaborating with The Line, the animation studio behind Gorillaz music videos, on an animated short set within the infested world of Warframe: 1999. Details are scarce, but the developers confirmed its release alongside the game.

Soulframe Gameplay Demo – An Open-World Fantasy MMO

Digital Extremes finally unveiled a *Soulframe* Devstream, offering a live demo packed with story and gameplay details. Players assume the role of an Envoy, tasked with purging the Ode curse plaguing Alca. The Warsong Prologue serves as an introduction to this captivating world.

Unlike Warframe's acrobatic combat, Soulframe emphasizes slower, deliberate melee fighting. Your trusty Nightfold, a pocket Orbiter, acts as your base of operations for crafting, interacting with NPCs, and even petting your giant wolf mount.

Allies and Enemies Await

Throughout your journey, collect Ancestors – spirits of powerful beings – each offering unique gameplay benefits. Verminia, the Rat Witch, for example, aids in crafting and cosmetic upgrades. Face formidable foes like Nimrod, a lightning-wielding giant, and the ominous Bromius, teased at the demo's conclusion.

Soulframe Release Date

While Soulframe is currently in a closed alpha phase (Soulframe Preludes), Digital Extremes plans a wider release this Fall.

Digital Extremes CEO on the Perils of Premature Live Service Abandonment

Are Big Publishers Giving Up Too Soon?

In a VGC interview at TennoCon 2024, Digital Extremes CEO Steve Sinclair voiced concern over large publishers abandoning live service games prematurely after initial struggles. He highlighted the significant investment and community building involved, suggesting that fear of declining player numbers shouldn't lead to abandoning potentially successful projects.

Pointing to the failures of titles like Anthem, SYNCED, and Crossfire X, Sinclair contrasted these with Warframe's decade-long success. Learning from the cancellation of The Amazing Eternals, Digital Extremes is committed to nurturing Soulframe's growth.