Digital Extremes, the creators of Warframe, unveiled exciting new details about their free-to-play shooter and the upcoming fantasy MMO, Soulframe, at TennoCon 2024. Let's dive into the gameplay features and CEO Steve Sinclair's insights on the live-service game model.

Warframe: 1999 – Winter 2024 Launch

Protoframes, Infestation, and a Boy Band Showdown

TennoCon 2024 finally delivered a gameplay demo for Warframe: 1999. This expansion dramatically shifts the setting from the usual sci-fi aesthetic to a 1990s-inspired Höllvania, a city overrun by the early stages of the Infestation. Players control Arthur Nightingale, leader of the Hex, wielding a Protoframe – a precursor to the Warframes in the main game. The mission: locate Dr. Entrati before New Year's Eve.

The demo showcased Arthur's Atomicycle ride, intense combat against proto-infested enemies, and a surprising encounter with a 90s boy band – yes, really! The demo's soundtrack is now available on the Warframe YouTube channel. Prepare for infested boy band battles when the game launches on all platforms this winter.

Meet the Hex

The Hex team comprises six unique characters. While the demo only features Arthur Nightingale, the expansion introduces a novel romance system. Using "Kinematic Instant Messaging," players can forge relationships with Hex members, unlocking conversations and potentially, a New Year's Eve kiss.

Warframe: 1999 Anime Short

Digital Extremes is collaborating with The Line animation studio (known for Gorillaz music videos) on an animated short film set in the infested world of Warframe: 1999. Details are scarce, but the developers confirmed its release alongside the game.

Soulframe Gameplay Demo

An Open-World Fantasy MMO Experience

Digital Extremes hosted their first Soulframe Devstream, offering a live demo showcasing story and gameplay elements. Players become Envoys, tasked with cleansing the Ode curse plaguing Alca. The Warsong Prologue introduces the game's world.

Unlike Warframe's fast-paced action, Soulframe emphasizes slower, deliberate melee combat. The Nightfold, a personal pocket Orbiter, serves as a hub for interacting with NPCs, crafting, and even petting your wolf mount.

Allies and Enemies Await

Players will encounter Ancestors, spirits of powerful beings, each offering unique gameplay benefits. Verminia, the Rat Witch, for example, aids in crafting and cosmetic upgrades. Enemies include Nimrod, a powerful ranged attacker, and the ominous Bromius, teased at the demo's conclusion.

Soulframe Release

Soulframe is currently in a closed alpha phase (Soulframe Preludes) with invitations only. However, a wider release is planned for 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 large publishers prematurely abandoning live-service games after initial struggles. These games, designed for long-term engagement, often face closure if early player numbers disappoint.

Sinclair highlighted the wasted investment of years of development and community building. He cited examples like Anthem, SYNCED, and Crossfire X as games shut down prematurely. Warframe's decade-long success serves as a counterpoint, demonstrating the potential of sustained support and player engagement. After canceling The Amazing Eternals five years prior, Digital Extremes is determined to avoid repeating that mistake with Soulframe.