Warframe's Developer, Digital Extremes, Unveils Exciting Updates for Warframe and Soulframe
Digital Extremes, the 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. This includes gameplay reveals and insights from CEO Steve Sinclair on the challenges and successes of live-service games.
Warframe: 1999 – A Retro Sci-Fi Adventure
The long-awaited Warframe: 1999 expansion, launching Winter 2024, takes players on a nostalgic trip back to a 1999 setting overrun by the Infestation. The gameplay demo showcased Arthur Nightingale, leader of the Hex, piloting the Atomicycle and battling proto-infested enemies. A surprising twist? A '90s boy band encounter!
The Hex, a team of six characters, each with unique traits, is central to the narrative. A unique romance system, utilizing "Kinematic Instant Message," allows players to build relationships with Hex members.
Furthermore, Digital Extremes is collaborating with The Line animation studio on an animated short film set in the 1999 world, slated for release alongside the expansion.
Soulframe – A Deliberate Fantasy MMO
The Soulframe Devstream offered a first look at the open-world fantasy MMO, introducing players to the Envoy, tasked with cleansing the Ode curse from Alca. Gameplay features a slower, more methodical melee combat system. Players will utilize their Nightfold, a personal Orbiter, to manage their gear, interact with NPCs, and even pet a wolf companion.
The game introduces Ancestors, powerful spirits offering unique gameplay benefits. Enemies include Nimrod, a lightning-wielding giant, and the ominous Bromius.
Soulframe is currently in a closed alpha phase (Soulframe Preludes) but is expected to open to a wider audience this Fall.
Digital Extremes CEO on the Perils and Promise of Live Service Games
In an interview with VGC, CEO Steve Sinclair voiced concerns about major publishers prematurely abandoning live-service games due to initial performance anxieties. He highlighted Warframe's long-term success as a counterpoint, emphasizing the importance of sustained investment and community building.
Sinclair's comments reflect a broader industry discussion about the sustainability of live-service models and the need for long-term commitment from developers and publishers alike.
