Warframe, Soulframe Aim to Revolutionize Live Service Gaming

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

Warframe: 1999 – Arriving Winter 2024

Warframe 1999's gameplay demo, shown at TennoCon, offers a significant departure from the franchise's typical sci-fi setting. The expansion transports players to Höllvania, a city overrun by the early Infestation. Players control Arthur Nightingale, leader of the Hex, wielding a Protoframe – a precursor to the main game's Warframes. The objective? Find Dr. Entrati before New Year's Eve.

[Image: Warframe 1999 Gameplay Screenshot 1]

The demo showcased Arthur using the Atomicycle, intense combat against proto-infested enemies, and an unexpected encounter with a 90s boy band. The music from the demo is available on the Warframe YouTube channel.

[Image: Warframe 1999 Gameplay Screenshot 2]

The Hex, Arthur's team, consists of six members, each with unique roles. While only Arthur is playable in the demo, the expansion introduces a romance system, allowing players to build relationships with Hex members via "Kinematic Instant Message," culminating in a potential New Year's Eve kiss.

[Image: Warframe 1999 Gameplay Screenshot 3]

Digital Extremes is collaborating with The Line animation studio on an animated short film set in the 1999 world, launching alongside the expansion.

[Image: Warframe 1999 Gameplay Screenshot 4]

Soulframe Gameplay Demo – An Open-World Fantasy MMO

The Soulframe Devstream showcased a live demo, revealing story and gameplay details. Players become Envoys, tasked with cleansing Alca of the Ode curse. The Warsong Prologue introduces the game's world.

[Video Embed: Soulframe Devstream Gameplay Footage]

Unlike Warframe's acrobatic style, Soulframe features slower, deliberate melee combat. Players have access to the Nightfold, a personal Orbiter for crafting, interacting with NPCs, and tending to their giant wolf mount.

Players encounter Ancestors – spirits granting unique abilities, such as Verminia (the Rat Witch) for crafting and cosmetic upgrades. Enemies include Nimrod (lightning attacks) and the ominous Bromius.

[Image: Soulframe Gameplay Screenshot 1]

Soulframe is currently in a closed alpha (Soulframe Preludes) with wider access planned for this Fall.

[Image: Soulframe Gameplay Screenshot 2]

Digital Extremes CEO on the Perils of Premature Live Service Abandonment

In a VGC interview at TennoCon, Digital Extremes CEO Steve Sinclair voiced concerns about large publishers prematurely abandoning live service games due to initial underperformance. He highlighted the significant investment and community building involved, arguing that abandoning projects due to fluctuating player numbers is short-sighted, citing examples like Anthem, SYNCED, and Crossfire X. He emphasized Digital Extremes' commitment to long-term support, contrasting their approach with the cancellation of The Amazing Eternals years ago. Warframe's decade-long success serves as a testament to their sustained commitment to their live service model.

[Image: Steve Sinclair Interview Screenshot 1]

[Image: Steve Sinclair Interview Screenshot 2]