Warframe and Soulframe: A New Paradigm for Live Service Excellence

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

Warframe: 1999 – Arriving Winter 2024

Warframe: 1999's gameplay demo, showcased at TennoCon, presents a significant departure from the series' usual 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 Warframes in the main game. The objective: locate Dr. Entrati before New Year's Eve.

[Image: Warframe 1999 Gameplay Screenshot 1]

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

[Image: Warframe 1999 Gameplay Screenshot 2]

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

[Image: Warframe 1999 Gameplay Screenshot 3]

Digital Extremes is collaborating with The Line animation studio (known for Gorillaz music videos) on an animated short film set in the 1999 infested world, slated for release alongside the expansion.

[Image: Warframe 1999 Gameplay Screenshot 4]

Soulframe Gameplay Demo – An Open-World Fantasy MMO

The Soulframe Devstream offered a live demo, revealing story and gameplay elements. Players assume the role of an Envoy, tasked with cleansing the Ode curse plaguing Alca. The Warsong Prologue serves as a world introduction.

[YouTube Embed: Soulframe Devstream Video]

Unlike Warframe's fast-paced action, Soulframe focuses on deliberate melee combat. Players have access to the Nightfold, a personal Orbiter for interacting with NPCs, crafting, and interacting with their wolf mount.

[Image: Soulframe Gameplay Screenshot 1]

Players will encounter Ancestors – spirits providing gameplay benefits. Verminia, the Rat Witch, assists with crafting and cosmetic upgrades. Enemies include Nimrod, a powerful ranged attacker, and Bromius, a menacing beast teased at the demo's conclusion.

[Image: Soulframe Gameplay Screenshot 2]

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

[Image: Soulframe Gameplay Screenshot 3]

Digital Extremes CEO on the Short Lifespan of Live Service Games

In a VGC interview at TennoCon 2024, Digital Extremes CEO Steve Sinclair expressed concern about major publishers prematurely abandoning live service games following initial struggles. He highlighted the significant investment in these games and the risk of abandoning projects due to fluctuating player numbers.

[Image: Steve Sinclair Quote Image 1]

Sinclair cited examples like Anthem, SYNCED, and Crossfire X, which shut down shortly after launch. Warframe's decade-long success serves as a counterpoint, demonstrating the potential for longevity with consistent updates and community engagement. After canceling The Amazing Eternals five years ago, Digital Extremes is committed to avoiding similar missteps with Soulframe.

[Image: Steve Sinclair Quote Image 2]