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 their upcoming fantasy MMO, Soulframe, at TennoCon 2024. This article explores the key features and the CEO's insights into the live-service game model.

Warframe: 1999 – Winter 2024 Release

Protoframes, Infestation, and a Boy Band?

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

The demo highlighted Arthur's Atomicycle, a fierce battle against proto-infested enemies, and an unexpected encounter with a 1990s boy band (whose music is now available on the Warframe YouTube channel!). Prepare for infested boy band combat when the game launches on all platforms this winter.

Meet the Hex

The Hex team comprises six unique characters. While only Arthur Nightingale is playable in the demo, the expansion introduces a romance system, allowing players to build relationships with Hex members via "Kinematic Instant Message," leading to potential New Year's Eve kisses.

The Warframe Anime Short

Digital Extremes is collaborating with The Line animation studio (known for Gorillaz music videos) to create an animated short film set in the 1999 Infestation world. More details will be revealed closer to the game's launch.

Soulframe Gameplay Demo

Open-World Fantasy MMO

The first Soulframe Devstream offered a live gameplay demo, revealing 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

Players will encounter Ancestors – spirits granting unique abilities. 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 (Soulframe Preludes), with plans for wider access this fall.

Digital Extremes CEO on the Short Lifespan of Live Service Games

The Premature Demise of Live Service