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

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

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' established sci-fi setting. Trading sleek Orokin tech for the gritty decay of Höllvania, a city overrun by the early Infestation, players control Arthur Nightingale, leader of the Hex, wielding 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 action: Arthur riding the Atomicycle, intense battles against proto-infested hordes, and an unexpected encounter with a 90s boy band (yes, really!). The demo's soundtrack is now available to stream on the Warframe YouTube channel. If that's not enough, you can 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 characters, each with their own personality and role. While the demo focused on Arthur, Warframe: 1999 introduces a surprising new element: romance. A unique romance system, set against the backdrop of CRT monitors and dial-up connections, lets players build relationships with Hex members via "Kinematic Instant Message," unlocking conversations and the possibility of a New Year's Eve kiss.

A Warframe Anime?

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

Soulframe Gameplay Demo – An Open-World Fantasy MMO

Embark on a Fantasy Adventure

Digital Extremes hosted their first *Soulframe* Devstream, unveiling a live demo packed with story and gameplay details. Players become Envoys, tasked with cleansing the Ode curse plaguing Alca. The Warsong Prologue offers a captivating introduction to this world.

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

Allies and Enemies Await

Your journey will lead you to Ancestors, spirits of powerful beings who grant unique gameplay abilities. Verminia, the Rat Witch, for example, aids in crafting and cosmetic upgrades. You'll also face formidable foes like Nimrod, a lightning-wielding giant, and the ominous Bromius, teased at the demo's conclusion.

Soulframe Release Date

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

Digital Extremes CEO on the Perils of Premature Live Service Abandonment

The Short Lifespan of Live Service Games

In a VGC interview at TennoCon 2024, Digital Extremes CEO Steve Sinclair voiced concerns about large publishers abandoning live service games too quickly after launch struggles. These games, designed for long-term engagement, often face premature closure due to initial player count concerns.

Sinclair lamented the wasted investment of years of development and community building, sacrificed due to high operating costs and fear of declining player numbers.

Games like Anthem, SYNCED, and Crossfire X serve as cautionary tales. In contrast, Warframe's decade-long success highlights the potential of sustained support and player engagement. After canceling The Amazing Eternals five years ago, Digital Extremes is determined to avoid repeating past mistakes with Soulframe.