Digital Extremes, the creators of Warframe, unveiled exciting new details about their free-to-play looter shooter and the upcoming fantasy MMO, Soulframe, at TennoCon 2024. Let's dive into the key announcements.
Warframe: 1999 – Arriving Winter 2024
The Warframe: 1999 expansion offers a significant departure from the series' established sci-fi setting. The gameplay demo, showcased at TennoCon, transports players to the Infestation-ravaged city of Höllvania in 1999. Players control Arthur Nightingale, leader of the Hex, piloting a Protoframe – a precursor to the familiar Warframes. The demo featured thrilling action sequences, including an Atomicycle ride and combat against proto-infested enemies, even a '90s boy band! The soundtrack from the demo is now available on the Warframe YouTube channel.
The Hex team consists of six unique characters, though only Arthur is playable in the demo. A novel romance system, utilizing "Kinematic Instant Message," allows players to build relationships with Hex members, potentially culminating in a New Year's Eve kiss. Furthermore, Digital Extremes is collaborating with The Line animation studio on an animated short film to accompany the expansion's launch.
Soulframe Gameplay Demo – An Open-World Fantasy MMO
The first Soulframe Devstream revealed extensive gameplay and narrative details. Players assume the role of an Envoy, tasked with cleansing the Ode curse plaguing the land of Alca. The Warsong Prologue introduces the game's world and establishes the narrative. Soulframe features slower, deliberate melee combat compared to Warframe's acrobatic style. Players have access to a personal Nightfold, a pocket Orbiter serving as a hub for crafting, interacting with NPCs, and even petting a giant wolf companion.
Players will encounter Ancestors – spirits of powerful beings providing unique gameplay benefits. Verminia, the Rat Witch, for example, aids in crafting consumables and cosmetic upgrades. Significant antagonists include Nimrod, a formidable lightning-wielding enemy, and the ominous Bromius, teased at the demo's conclusion.
Soulframe's release is currently limited to a closed alpha phase (Soulframe Preludes), with plans for broader access this Fall.
Digital Extremes CEO on the Short Lifespan of Live Service Games
In a VGC interview at TennoCon 2024, Digital Extremes CEO Steve Sinclair voiced concerns about the trend of large publishers prematurely abandoning live service games following initial struggles. He highlighted the significant investment of time and resources in these titles, emphasizing the detrimental impact of abandoning them due to perceived underperformance. Sinclair contrasted this with Warframe's decade-long success, attributing it to consistent updates and community engagement. The company's experience with the cancelled The Amazing Eternals further underscores their commitment to avoid repeating past mistakes with Soulframe. The success of Warframe, alongside the concerns raised by Sinclair, provides a compelling case study for the long-term viability of thoughtfully developed and supported live service games.
