Warframe, Soulframe: Future of Live Service Revealed

Warframe's Developer, Digital Extremes, Unveils Exciting Updates for Warframe and Soulframe at TennoCon 2024

Digital Extremes, creators of the popular free-to-play looter shooter Warframe, showcased exciting new content for both Warframe and their upcoming fantasy MMO, Soulframe, at TennoCon 2024. The event featured gameplay demos and insights from CEO Steve Sinclair regarding the current state of live-service games.

Warframe: 1999 – A Retro Trip to Höllvania

Warframe 1999, launching Winter 2024, takes players on a nostalgic journey to a 1999-inspired Höllvania, engulfed by the early stages of the Infestation. Players control Arthur Nightingale, leader of the Hex, utilizing a Protoframe – a precursor to the Warframes we know. The gameplay demo, available on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/embed/Yi0fgygNwvk), showcased intense combat, the Atomicycle vehicle, and a surprisingly catchy 90s boy band encounter (with an infested twist!).

The Hex, a team of six unique characters, introduces a romance system allowing players to connect with team members via "Kinematic Instant Message," potentially leading to a New Year's Eve kiss. A collaborative animated short with The Line, the studio behind Gorillaz music videos, is also planned for release alongside the expansion.

Soulframe: A Deliberate Fantasy MMO Experience

The Soulframe Devstream unveiled a live gameplay demo, introducing the Warsong Prologue and the Envoy character. Unlike Warframe's fast-paced action, Soulframe features slower, deliberate melee combat. Players utilize the Nightfold, a personal Orbiter, for crafting, interacting with NPCs, and even petting a wolf mount. The demo showcased Ancestors, powerful spirit allies offering unique gameplay benefits, formidable enemies like Nimrod and Bromius, and a glimpse into the game's lore.

Currently in a closed alpha phase (Soulframe Preludes), Soulframe is expected to open to a wider audience this Fall.

Digital Extremes CEO on the Perils of Premature Live Service Game Abandonment

In an interview with VGC, CEO Steve Sinclair voiced concerns about major publishers abandoning live-service games too quickly due to initial performance anxieties. He highlighted the significant investment and community building involved, suggesting that the high operating costs often lead to premature shutdowns even when the game has potential for growth. He used the longevity of Warframe as a counterpoint, emphasizing the importance of long-term commitment to live-service titles.