Digital Extremes, the masterminds behind the beloved free-to-play looter shooter Warframe, have recently unveiled thrilling updates for both Warframe and their upcoming fantasy MMO, Soulframe. Dive into the exciting gameplay features and insights shared by 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 an exhilarating gameplay demo for Warframe 1999, marking a bold shift from the game's traditional sci-fi aesthetic. The expansion transports players to Höllvania, a city battling the initial onslaught of the Infestation. As Arthur Nightingale, leader of the Hex, players will navigate this dystopian '90s setting in a Protoframe, the precursor to the iconic Warframes.

The demo featured Arthur riding the Atomicycle, battling hordes of proto-infested enemies, and even encountering a '90s boy band. Fans can now stream the song featured in the demo on the Warframe YouTube channel, or face off against an infested version of the band when the expansion launches across all platforms in winter 2024.

Get to Know the Hex

The Hex, a team of six unique characters, takes center stage in Warframe: 1999. While players can only control Arthur Nightingale in the demo, the expansion introduces a novel romance system. Set against the nostalgic backdrop of CRT monitors and dial-up connections, players can foster relationships with Hex members via "Kinematic Instant Message," culminating in the possibility of a New Year's Eve kiss.

Warframe Anime

Collaborating with The Line, the animation studio behind Gorillaz's music videos, Digital Extremes is set to release an animated short within the infested world of 1999. Although details remain sparse, fans can look forward to this visual treat coinciding with the expansion's launch.

Soulframe Gameplay Demo

An Open-World Fantasy MMO

After much anticipation, Digital Extremes hosted the first Soulframe Devstream, revealing a live demo filled with new story and gameplay insights. In Soulframe, players assume the role of an Envoy, tasked with eradicating the Ode curse that plagues the land of Alca. The Warsong Prologue introduces players to this rich, immersive world.

Soulframe offers a slower, more deliberate melee combat system compared to Warframe's fast-paced action. Players will have access to a personal Nightfold, a pocket Orbiter where they can interact with NPCs, craft gear, and bond with their giant wolf mount.

Allies and Enemies

Throughout their journey, players will encounter Ancestors, powerful spirits with 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 wielding lightning attacks, and Bromius, an ominous beast introduced 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.

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 major publishers abandoning live service games shortly after launch due to initial struggles. These games, designed for ongoing content and player engagement, often face premature shutdowns when player numbers dip.

"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."

High-profile cases such as Anthem, SYNCED, and Crossfire X, which were discontinued within a year or two of launch, underscore Sinclair's point. In contrast, Warframe has flourished for over a decade thanks to consistent updates and player engagement. After canceling their multiplayer shooter, The Amazing Eternals, five years ago due to lackluster closed beta interest, Digital Extremes is determined to avoid repeating the same mistakes with Soulframe.