Digital Extremes, the creators of Warframe, unveiled exciting new content for their popular free-to-play title and their upcoming fantasy MMO, Soulframe, at TennoCon 2024. This announcement included gameplay reveals and insightful comments from CEO Steve Sinclair regarding the current state of live-service games.
Warframe: 1999 – Arriving Winter 2024
Protoframes, Infestation, and a Boy Band?
TennoCon 2024 showcased a gameplay demo for Warframe: 1999, a significant departure from the series' established sci-fi setting. The expansion transports players to the Infestation-ravaged Höllvania, where they control Arthur Nightingale and his Protoframe, a precursor to the Warframes we know. The mission: find Dr. Entrati before New Year's Eve.
The demo highlighted Arthur's 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.
Meet the Hex
The Hex, Arthur's team, comprises six unique characters. While only Arthur is playable in the demo, the expansion introduces a romance system, allowing players to build relationships with Hex members via "Kinematic Instant Message," potentially leading to a New Year's Eve kiss.
Warframe Animated Short
Digital Extremes is collaborating with The Line animation studio (known for Gorillaz music videos) on an animated short film set in the world of Warframe: 1999. 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 live Soulframe demo, revealing story and gameplay details. Players assume the role of an Envoy, tasked with cleansing Alca of the Ode curse. The Warsong Prologue introduces the game's world and slower, more methodical melee combat. The Nightfold, a personal Orbiter, serves as a hub for crafting, interacting with NPCs, and even petting a wolf mount.
Allies and Enemies Await
Players will encounter Ancestors—powerful spirits offering unique gameplay benefits. Verminia, the Rat Witch, for example, assists with crafting and cosmetic upgrades. Enemies include Nimrod, a formidable lightning-wielding foe, and the ominous Bromius, teased at the demo's conclusion.
Soulframe Release
Soulframe is currently in a closed alpha phase (Soulframe Preludes), with plans for wider 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 concerns about major publishers prematurely abandoning live-service games due to initial performance concerns. He highlighted the significant investment in these games and the detrimental effects of abandoning them due to fluctuating player numbers.
Sinclair cited Anthem, SYNCED, and Crossfire X as examples of games shut down too soon. In contrast, Warframe's success over a decade demonstrates the potential for long-term live service success with consistent updates and community engagement. Digital Extremes aims to avoid repeating past mistakes (like the cancellation of The Amazing Eternals) with Soulframe.
