Warframe: Living Evolution in Game Design

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 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 Warframes in the main game. The objective: locate Dr. Entrati before New Year's Eve.

The demo highlighted Arthur's Atomicycle, a fierce battle against proto-infested enemies, and an unexpected encounter with a 1990s-themed boy band. The demo's soundtrack is now available on the Warframe YouTube channel.

Meet the Hex

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

Warframe Anime Collaboration

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

Soulframe Gameplay Demo

An Open-World Fantasy MMO Experience

Digital Extremes unveiled a Soulframe Devstream, presenting a live demo with story and gameplay details. Players assume the role of an Envoy, tasked with cleansing the Ode curse plaguing Alca. The Warsong Prologue introduces the game's world.

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

Allies and Enemies Await

Players will encounter Ancestors – spirits of powerful beings – each offering unique gameplay benefits. Verminia, the Rat Witch, aids in crafting and cosmetic upgrades. Enemies include Nimrod, a powerful ranged attacker, and the ominous Bromius, teased at the demo's conclusion.

Soulframe Release

Soulframe's release is not imminent. Currently, access is limited to a closed alpha ("Soulframe Preludes"), with plans for broader access this Fall.

Digital Extremes CEO on the Premature Demise of Live Service Games

The Perils of Hasty Abandonment

In a VGC interview at TennoCon 2024, Digital Extremes CEO Steve Sinclair voiced concern over large publishers abandoning live-service games too soon after launch due to initial player count struggles.

Sinclair highlighted the significant investment in these games and the detrimental effect of premature closure. He cited examples like Anthem, SYNCED, and Crossfire X. Warframe's decade-long success serves as a counterpoint, emphasizing the importance of sustained support and community engagement. After canceling The Amazing Eternals five years ago, Digital Extremes is committed to avoiding similar mistakes with Soulframe.