Warframe & Soulframe: Redefining Live Service Games
Digital Extremes, the minds behind Warframe, unveiled exciting news at TennoCon 2024, showcasing updates for their free-to-play looter shooter and their upcoming fantasy MMO, Soulframe. Let's dive into the details.
Warframe: 1999 – Coming Winter 2024
Protoframes, Infestations, and Boy Bands
TennoCon 2024 finally delivered a gameplay demo for *Warframe: 1999*, a significant departure from the series' sci-fi roots. This expansion plunges players into Höllvania, a city overrun by the early stages of the Infestation. You'll play as Arthur Nightingale, leader of the Hex, wielding a Protoframe – a precursor to the Warframes we know and love. The mission? Find Dr. Entrati before the New Year's Eve clock strikes twelve.
The demo showcased thrilling action: Arthur riding the Atomicycle, intense battles against proto-infested enemies, and an unexpected encounter with a 90s boy band (yes, really!). The full song from the demo 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, Arthur's team, comprises six unique characters, each with their own role. While the demo focuses on Arthur, Warframe: 1999 introduces a surprising element: romance! A unique romance system, fueled by "Kinematic Instant Messaging," lets you build relationships with Hex members, unlocking conversations and potentially, a New Year's Eve kiss.
Warframe Anime
Digital Extremes is collaborating with The Line animation studio (known for their work with Gorillaz) 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
Digital Extremes hosted their first *Soulframe* Devstream, revealing new story and gameplay details. As an Envoy, your mission is to cleanse Alca, a land ravaged by the Ode curse. The Warsong Prologue offers a captivating introduction to this world.Unlike Warframe's fast-paced action, Soulframe features slower, deliberate melee combat. Your trusty Nightfold (a pocket Orbiter) serves as your base, allowing you to interact with NPCs, craft items, and even pet your giant wolf mount.
Allies and Enemies
Your journey will bring encounters with Ancestors – spirits of powerful beings you collect, each offering unique gameplay benefits. Verminia, the Rat Witch, for example, aids in crafting and cosmetic upgrades. You'll also face formidable enemies like Nimrod (a lightning-wielding giant) and Bromius, a mysterious omen beast glimpsed at the demo's end.
Soulframe Release Date
Soulframe is currently in a closed alpha phase (Soulframe Preludes), with wider access planned for this Fall.
Digital Extremes CEO on the Short Lifespan of Live Service Games
Are Big Publishers Giving Up Too Soon?
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, built for long-term engagement, often face early closure if initial player numbers disappoint.
Sinclair commented on the unfortunate trend, highlighting the years of investment and community building lost when games are shut down due to high operating costs and fluctuating player numbers. He cited Anthem, SYNCED, and Crossfire X as examples. Digital Extremes, having learned from past experiences (like the cancellation of The Amazing Eternals), is dedicated to avoiding similar mistakes with Soulframe.
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