Digital Extremes' Vision for the Future of Live Service Games: Warframe 1999 and Soulframe

Digital Extremes, the creators of Warframe, unveiled exciting updates for their free-to-play title and their upcoming fantasy MMO, Soulframe, at TennoCon 2024. This article delves into the new gameplay features and CEO Steve Sinclair's perspective on the live-service game model.

Warframe: 1999 – Arriving Winter 2024

Protoframes, Infestations, and a Boy Band Twist

TennoCon 2024 showcased a gameplay demo for Warframe: 1999, a significant departure from the series' established sci-fi setting. The expansion transports players to Höllvania, a city overrun by the early stages of the Infestation. Players control Arthur Nightingale, leader of the Hex, wielding a Protoframe – a precursor to the familiar Warframes. The mission: locate Dr. Entrati before New Year's Eve.

The demo featured Arthur using the Atomicycle, intense combat against proto-infested enemies, and an unexpected encounter with a 1990s-inspired boy band. The demo's soundtrack is now available on the Warframe YouTube channel.

Meet the Hex

The Hex, Arthur's team, comprises six unique characters. While only Arthur is playable in the demo, the expansion introduces a romance system. Using "Kinematic Instant Message," players can cultivate relationships with Hex members, leading to unique conversations and the possibility of a New Year's Eve kiss.

A Warframe Anime Short

Digital Extremes is collaborating with The Line animation studio (known for Gorillaz music videos) to produce an animated short film set in the 1999 infested world. Further details are yet to be revealed, but the short is slated for release alongside the expansion.

Soulframe Gameplay Demo

An Open-World Fantasy MMO Experience

Digital Extremes presented the first Soulframe Devstream, offering a live demo and showcasing story and gameplay details. Players become Envoys, tasked with cleansing the Ode curse from Alca. The Warsong Prologue serves as an introduction to the world.

Unlike Warframe's fast-paced action, Soulframe emphasizes slower, deliberate melee combat. The Nightfold, a personal Orbiter, acts as a central hub for interacting with NPCs, crafting, and interacting with a wolf companion.

Allies and Enemies Await

Players will encounter Ancestors – spirits of powerful beings offering unique gameplay benefits. Verminia, the Rat Witch, for example, assists with crafting and cosmetic upgrades. Enemies include Nimrod, a powerful ranged attacker, and Bromius, a formidable beast.

Soulframe Release

Soulframe is currently in a closed alpha phase (Soulframe Preludes) with invitations only. A wider release is planned for this Fall.

Digital Extremes CEO on the Premature End of Live Service Games

The Perils of Hasty Abandonment

In a VGC interview at TennoCon 2024, Digital Extremes CEO Steve Sinclair voiced concerns about major publishers prematurely abandoning live-service games following initial struggles. These games, designed for continuous updates and player engagement, are often shut down quickly if initial player numbers disappoint.

Sinclair highlighted the significant investment in these projects and the detrimental effect of abandoning them due to short-term performance anxieties. He contrasted this with Warframe's long-term success, emphasizing the importance of sustained commitment to live-service titles. Digital Extremes aims to avoid repeating past mistakes (like the cancellation of The Amazing Eternals) with Soulframe.