Warframe's Sibling Soulframe Unveils Evolution of Live Service Gaming

Digital Extremes, creators of the popular free-to-play title Warframe, unveiled exciting new content at TennoCon 2024, including a gameplay demo for Warframe: 1999 and a developer stream for their upcoming fantasy MMO, Soulframe. This article delves into the key reveals and CEO Steve Sinclair's perspective on the live-service game model.

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

Protoframes, Infestation, and a Boy Band Showdown

The *Warframe: 1999* expansion transports players to a 1999-set Höllvania, battling proto-Infestation using Protoframes. Players control Arthur Nightingale, leader of the Hex team, racing against time to locate Dr. Entrati before New Year's Eve. The demo showcased thrilling Atomicycle rides, intense combat, and an unexpected encounter with a '90s boy band – now available to stream on the *Warframe* YouTube channel. The expansion arrives on all platforms in Winter 2024.

Meet the Hex

The Hex, a six-member team, is introduced. While only Arthur is playable in the demo, a novel romance system using "Kinematic Instant Messaging" allows players to build relationships with each Hex member, potentially leading to a New Year's Eve kiss.

An Animated Short

Digital Extremes is collaborating with The Line animation studio on an animated short film set within the Warframe: 1999 universe, launching alongside the expansion.

Soulframe Gameplay Demo - An Open-World Fantasy MMO

A World Under the Ode Curse

The first *Soulframe* Devstream showcased the Warsong Prologue, introducing the game's world and the Envoy's mission to cleanse the Ode curse from Alca. Gameplay emphasizes slower, deliberate melee combat. Players utilize the Nightfold, a personal Orbiter, for crafting, interacting with NPCs, and tending to their wolf mount.

Allies and Enemies Await

Players will encounter Ancestors, powerful spirits offering unique abilities (e.g., Verminia, the Rat Witch, for crafting and cosmetics). Enemies include Nimrod, a lightning-wielding giant, and the ominous Bromius.

Soulframe Release

Currently in a closed alpha phase ("Soulframe Preludes"), Soulframe is expected to open to a wider audience 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, CEO Steve Sinclair voiced concern over large publishers abandoning live-service games too quickly due to initial performance anxieties. He highlighted the significant investment and community building involved, suggesting that the high operating costs lead to premature shutdowns when player numbers dip. He contrasted this with Warframe's decade-long success, emphasizing the importance of long-term commitment. The cancellation of The Amazing Eternals five years prior serves as a cautionary tale for Soulframe.