Warframe & Soulframe Redefine Live Service Games

Digital Extremes, the creators of Warframe, unveiled exciting new content at TennoCon 2024, including a gameplay demo for Warframe: 1999 and a Soulframe Devstream. Let's delve into the details.

Warframe: 1999 – A Retro Sci-Fi Adventure (Winter 2024 Release)

This expansion plunges players into a 1990s-inspired setting, trading sleek Orokin technology for the gritty, infested city of Höllvania. Players control Arthur Nightingale, leader of the Hex, utilizing a Protoframe to combat the infestation before New Year's Eve. The gameplay demo showcased thrilling Atomicycle rides, intense battles against proto-infested enemies, and an unexpected encounter with a 90s boy band (whose music is now available on the Warframe YouTube channel). The expansion also introduces a unique romance system, leveraging "Kinematic Instant Message" to foster relationships with Hex members. To top it off, an animated short, produced in collaboration with The Line animation studio, is planned for release alongside the game.

[Image: Warframe 1999 Gameplay Screenshot 1] [Image: Warframe 1999 Gameplay Screenshot 2] [Image: Warframe 1999 Gameplay Screenshot 3] [YouTube Embed: Warframe 1999 Gameplay Demo]

Soulframe – An Open-World Fantasy MMO (Closed Alpha, Open Beta this Fall)

Soulframe's Devstream showcased a live demo, introducing the Envoy, tasked with cleansing the Ode curse plaguing Alca. The Warsong Prologue serves as an introduction to the world and its slower, deliberate melee combat system. Players will utilize their Nightfold, a personal Orbiter, for crafting, interacting with NPCs, and even petting their wolf mount. The demo highlighted encounters with Ancestors, powerful spirits providing unique gameplay benefits (like Verminia, the Rat Witch, who aids in crafting and cosmetics), and formidable enemies such as Nimrod and Bromius. Currently in a closed alpha (Soulframe Preludes), Soulframe aims for a wider release this fall.

[Image: Soulframe Gameplay Screenshot 1] [Image: Soulframe Gameplay Screenshot 2] [YouTube Embed: Soulframe Devstream Demo]

Digital Extremes CEO on the Perils of Premature Live Service Abandonment

Digital Extremes CEO Steve Sinclair voiced concerns about large publishers prematurely abandoning live service games due to initial performance anxieties. He highlighted the significant investment in development and community building, arguing that the high operating costs often lead to hasty shutdowns even when potential remains. This contrasts with Warframe's decade-long success, a testament to their commitment to sustained updates and player engagement. After the cancellation of The Amazing Eternals, Digital Extremes is determined to avoid repeating past mistakes with Soulframe.

[Image: Steve Sinclair Quote Image 1] [Image: Steve Sinclair Quote Image 2]