Warframe and Soulframe: The Future of Live Service Gaming

Digital Extremes, the creators of Warframe, unveiled exciting new details about their free-to-play looter shooter and upcoming fantasy MMO, Soulframe, at TennoCon 2024. This article delves into the key features and CEO Steve Sinclair's perspective on the live-service game model.

Warframe: 1999 – Arriving Winter 2024

A gameplay demo for Warframe: 1999, a radical departure from the core game's sci-fi setting, was showcased. Set in the Infestation-ravaged city of Höllvania, players control Arthur Nightingale, leader of the Hex, wielding a Protoframe. The demo featured fast-paced action, including an Atomicycle chase, combat against proto-infested enemies, and a surprisingly catchy 90s boy band encounter. The full song from the demo is available on the Warframe YouTube channel. The expansion introduces a unique romance system utilizing "Kinematic Instant Messages" to build relationships with Hex members. Furthermore, a companion animated short, produced in collaboration with The Line animation studio (known for Gorillaz music videos), is slated for release alongside the game.

[Insert Image: Warframe 1999 Gameplay Screenshot 1] [Insert Image: Warframe 1999 Gameplay Screenshot 2] [Insert Image: Warframe 1999 Gameplay Screenshot 3] [Insert Image: Warframe 1999 Anime Still]

Soulframe Gameplay Demo – An Open-World Fantasy MMO

The first Soulframe Devstream provided a deep dive into gameplay and story, introducing the Envoy, tasked with purging the Ode curse from Alca. The Warsong Prologue showcased a slower, more deliberate melee combat style compared to Warframe. Players will utilize the Nightfold, a personal Orbiter, for crafting, interacting with NPCs, and even petting a wolf mount. The demo introduced Ancestors, powerful spirits offering unique gameplay benefits (e.g., Verminia, the Rat Witch, assists with crafting and cosmetics). Significant enemies include Nimrod, a lightning-wielding giant, and the ominous Bromius.

[Insert Image: Soulframe Gameplay Screenshot 1] [Insert Image: Soulframe Gameplay Screenshot 2]

Soulframe Release – Closed Alpha and Future Plans

Soulframe is currently in a closed alpha phase (Soulframe Preludes) with plans for wider access this Fall.

Digital Extremes CEO on the Perils of Premature Live Service Shutdown

Steve Sinclair, CEO of Digital Extremes, voiced concerns regarding major publishers prematurely abandoning live service games due to initial performance anxieties. He highlighted the significant investment and community building involved, emphasizing the detrimental effects of abandoning projects too soon. He contrasted this with Warframe's long-term success, emphasizing the importance of sustained commitment to live service titles. The cancellation of their previous project, The Amazing Eternals, serves as a cautionary tale for their current endeavors.

[Insert Image: Steve Sinclair Quote Image 1] [Insert Image: Steve Sinclair Quote Image 2]