Warframe: 1999, Soulframe Set New Standards for Live Service Games

Digital Extremes, the developers behind the beloved free-to-play looter shooter Warframe, have unveiled thrilling updates for both Warframe and their upcoming fantasy MMO, Soulframe. Dive into the latest gameplay features and hear from CEO Steve Sinclair on the future of live-service games.

Warframe: 1999 Coming in Winter 2024

Protoframes, Infestations, and Boy Bands

At TennoCon 2024, Digital Extremes showcased a gameplay demo for the highly anticipated Warframe 1999 expansion. This new chapter takes players on a thrilling journey away from the familiar sci-fi setting into the ravaged city of Höllvania, where the early stages of the Infestation have taken hold. Players will step into the shoes of Arthur Nightingale, the leader of the Hex, equipped with a Protoframe—a precursor to the iconic Warframes. The mission? Race against time to find Dr. Entrati before the New Year's Eve deadline.

The demo highlighted Arthur's adventures on the Atomicycle, fierce battles against proto-infested hordes, and even a surprising encounter with a '90s boy band. Fans of the demo's soundtrack can now enjoy the full track on the Warframe YouTube channel. For those less musically inclined, you can challenge an infested version of the boy band when the expansion launches across all platforms in winter 2024.

Get to Know the Hex

The Hex, a team of six unique characters, each brings their own flair and role to the table. While the demo focused on Arthur Nightingale, Warframe: 1999 introduces a novel romance system. Set against the nostalgic backdrop of CRT monitors and dial-up connections, players can use "Kinematic Instant Message" to foster relationships with Hex members, unlocking deeper conversations and the possibility of a New Year's Eve kiss.

Warframe Anime

In collaboration with The Line, the animation studio behind Gorillaz's music videos, Digital Extremes is set to release an animated short set in the infested world of 1999. While details are scarce, fans can look forward to this visual treat accompanying the expansion's launch.

Soulframe Gameplay Demo

An Open-World Fantasy MMO

After much anticipation, Digital Extremes unveiled the first Soulframe Devstream, offering a live demo filled with new story and gameplay details. In Soulframe, players assume the role of an Envoy tasked with purging the Ode curse from the land of Alca. The Warsong Prologue introduced players to this immersive world, showcasing a slower, more deliberate melee combat style compared to Warframe's acrobatics. Players will have their own pocket Orbiter, the Nightfold, where they can interact with NPCs, craft gear, and bond with their giant wolf mount.

Allies and Enemies

Throughout your journey in Soulframe, you'll encounter Ancestors—spirits of powerful beings that offer unique gameplay features. For example, Verminia, the Rat Witch, aids in crafting consumables and unlocking cosmetic upgrades. Players will also face formidable foes like Nimrod, a towering enemy with long-range lightning attacks, and Bromius, an ominous beast teased at the demo's end.

Soulframe Release Date

Currently, Soulframe is in an invite-only closed alpha phase known as Soulframe Preludes. However, Digital Extremes plans to expand access to a broader audience this Fall, promising an exciting future for this fantasy MMO.

Digital Extremes CEO Comments on Short-Lived Live Service Games

Are Big Publishers Giving Up on Live Service Games Too Quickly?

In an interview with VGC during TennoCon 2024, Steve Sinclair, CEO of Digital Extremes, voiced his concerns about the trend of large companies abandoning live service games shortly after launch due to initial struggles. Sinclair highlighted the dedication required to build and maintain these games, lamenting the quick shutdowns that often follow disappointing player numbers.

"Isn’t that a shame," Sinclair remarked. "You put so many years of your life into iterating on those systems or building technology or building the start of a community, and because the operating costs are high, you get terrified when you see the numbers drop and you leave."

Examples like Anthem, SYNCED, and Crossfire X, which shut down within a year or two of launch, underscore his point. In contrast, Warframe has flourished for over a decade thanks to consistent updates and strong player engagement. After canceling their multiplayer shooter, The Amazing Eternals, five years ago due to lackluster interest during the closed beta, Digital Extremes is determined to avoid repeating this with Soulframe.