"Warframe: 1999 and Soulframe Set New Standards for Live Service Games"

Digital Extremes, the developers behind the beloved free-to-play looter shooter Warframe, have unveiled exciting updates for both Warframe and their upcoming fantasy MMO, Soulframe. Dive into the latest gameplay features and hear insights from CEO Steve Sinclair on the state of live-service games.

Warframe: 1999 Coming in Winter 2024

Protoframes, Infestations, and Boy Bands

At TennoCon 2024, Digital Extremes showcased a thrilling gameplay demo for Warframe 1999, marking a significant shift from the game's traditional sci-fi aesthetic. This expansion transports players to Höllvania, a city in the throes of an early Infestation outbreak. Players will step into the boots of Arthur Nightingale, leader of the Hex, clad in a Protoframe—a precursor to the Warframes. The mission? Race against time to find Dr. Entrati before the New Year's Eve deadline.

The demo featured high-octane action, including Arthur's ride on the Atomicycle and battles against hordes of proto-infested enemies. A surprising addition was a '90s boy band, whose catchy tune you can now stream on the Warframe YouTube channel. If the music isn't your style, you'll have the chance to face off against an infested version of the band when Warframe: 1999 launches across all platforms this winter.

Get to Know the Hex

The Hex, a team of six unique characters, plays a central role in the expansion. While you'll initially control Arthur Nightingale, Warframe: 1999 introduces a novel romance system. Set against the nostalgic backdrop of CRT monitors and dial-up internet, players can foster relationships with Hex members through "Kinematic Instant Message", potentially culminating in a New Year's Eve kiss.

Warframe Anime

Digital Extremes is collaborating with The Line, an animation studio famed for their work with Gorillaz, to produce an animated short set in the world of Warframe: 1999. While details remain scarce, fans can look forward to this short accompanying the expansion's launch.

Soulframe Gameplay Demo

An Open-World Fantasy MMO

The much-anticipated Soulframe Devstream offered a deep dive into this open-world fantasy MMO. Players will assume the role of an Envoy, tasked with cleansing the Ode curse that plagues Alca. The Warsong Prologue introduced the game's immersive story and slower, more deliberate melee combat compared to Warframe's fast-paced action. Your journey will be aided by the Nightfold, a personal pocket Orbiter where you can interact with NPCs, craft gear, and bond with your giant wolf mount.

Allies and Enemies

Throughout your adventure in Soulframe, you'll encounter Ancestors—spirits with unique gameplay features. For example, Verminia, the Rat Witch, assists in crafting consumables and unlocking cosmetic upgrades. You'll also face formidable foes like Nimrod, who wields lightning attacks, and Bromius, an ominous beast revealed at the demo's end.

Soulframe Release Date

Currently, Soulframe is in a closed alpha phase called Soulframe Preludes, available only by invitation. However, Digital Extremes plans to expand access to a broader audience this Fall, keeping fans eagerly awaiting their chance to explore this new world.

Digital Extremes CEO Comments on Short-Lived Live Service Games

Are Big Publishers Giving Up on Live Service Games Too Quickly?

In an interview with VGC at TennoCon 2024, Steve Sinclair, CEO of Digital Extremes, voiced his concerns about the trend of large companies quickly abandoning live service games due to initial struggles. These games, built for continuous updates and player engagement, often face premature shutdowns if they don't meet immediate player number targets.

"Isn’t that a shame," Sinclair remarked. "You put so many years of your life into iterating on those systems or building technology or building the start of a community, and because the operating costs are high, you get terrified when you see the numbers drop and you leave."

This sentiment is echoed by the fates of games like Anthem, SYNCED, and Crossfire X, which were shut down shortly after their launches. In stark contrast, Warframe has enjoyed over a decade of success through consistent updates and dedicated player engagement. After the cancellation of their multiplayer shooter, The Amazing Eternals, due to lackluster closed beta interest, Digital Extremes is determined not to repeat this with Soulframe.