Warframe: 1999 and Soulframe Aim to Show How Live Service Games Should Be Done

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

Warframe: 1999 – Arriving Winter 2024

Protoframes, Infestation, and Boy Bands

This expansion dramatically shifts the game's setting from its usual sci-fi backdrop to 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: find Dr. Entrati before New Year's Eve.

The demo showcased Arthur using the Atomicycle, a fierce battle against proto-infested enemies, and a surprising encounter with a 1990s boy band.

The demo's music is now available on the Warframe YouTube channel. If you prefer a more action-packed experience, you can face off against an infested boy band when the game launches on all platforms this winter.

Meet the Hex

The Hex features six members, each with unique traits and roles. While only Arthur Nightingale is playable in the demo, the expansion introduces a novel romance system.

Warframe: 1999 features romance options against the backdrop of CRT monitors and dial-up internet. Using "Kinematic Instant Message," players can build relationships with Hex members, unlocking conversations and the possibility of a New Year's Eve kiss.

Warframe Anime

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

Soulframe Gameplay Demo

An Open-World Fantasy MMO

Players become Envoys, tasked with purging the Ode curse from Alca. The Warsong Prologue showcased 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 more.

Allies and Enemies

Players will encounter Ancestors – spirits of powerful beings with unique abilities. Verminia, the Rat Witch, helps craft consumables and unlock cosmetic items.

Enemies include Nimrod, a powerful ranged attacker, and Bromius, a menacing beast hinted at in the demo.

Soulframe Release Date

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

Digital Extremes CEO on the Short Lifespan of Live Service Games

Big Publishers Abandoning Live Service Games Too Soon?

In a VGC interview at TennoCon 2024, Digital Extremes CEO Steve Sinclair voiced concerns about major publishers prematurely abandoning live service games after initial struggles.

These games, designed for continuous updates and player engagement, often shut down due to lower-than-expected player numbers and high operating costs. Sinclair noted the wasted investment of years of development and community building.

Games like Anthem, SYNCED, and Crossfire X serve as examples. In contrast, Warframe's success over a decade highlights the potential of sustained support. After canceling The Amazing Eternals five years ago, Digital Extremes aims to avoid repeating that mistake with Soulframe.