Game Dev Relentless Tackles Genre Defining Live Service Norms

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, recently showcased exciting new content for their flagship title and their upcoming fantasy MMO, Soulframe, at TennoCon 2024. CEO Steve Sinclair also shared his insights on the current state of live-service game development.

Warframe: 1999 - A Retro Trip to Höllvania (Winter 2024)

The highly anticipated Warframe: 1999 expansion, revealed with a gameplay demo, transports players to a 1990s-inspired 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 we know. The objective? Find Dr. Entrati before the New Year.

The demo showcased thrilling action, including Arthur riding the Atomicycle, intense combat against proto-infested enemies, and an unexpected encounter with a 90s boy band (yes, really!). The demo's soundtrack is now available on the Warframe YouTube channel. Warframe: 1999 launches on all platforms this winter.

The Hex and Romance in the Digital Age

The Hex, Arthur's team, consists of six unique characters. While only Arthur is playable in the demo, the expansion introduces a novel romance system, utilizing "Kinematic Instant Messaging" to build relationships with Hex members, 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) to produce an animated short film set in the world of Warframe: 1999, launching alongside the expansion.

Soulframe: An Open-World Fantasy MMO

The first Soulframe Devstream offered a detailed look at the game's open-world fantasy setting and gameplay. Players become Envoys, tasked with cleansing the Ode curse from Alca. The Warsong Prologue provides an introduction to the world and its story.

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

Players will encounter Ancestors (powerful spirit allies), such as Verminia (the Rat Witch), who assists with crafting and cosmetics. Enemies include the formidable Nimrod and the ominous Bromius.

Soulframe Release: Closed Alpha and Beyond

Soulframe is currently in a closed alpha phase (Soulframe Preludes), with plans for wider access this fall.

Digital Extremes CEO on the Perils of Premature Live Service Abandonment

In a VGC interview at TennoCon 2024, Steve Sinclair expressed concern about major publishers prematurely abandoning live-service games due to initial performance anxieties. He highlighted the significant investment in these games and the detrimental impact of abandoning them too soon. He used Warframe's long-term success as a counterpoint, emphasizing the importance of long-term commitment to live service titles.

This contrasts with the premature closures of games like Anthem, SYNCED, and Crossfire X. Digital Extremes is committed to avoiding similar mistakes with Soulframe.