Digital Extremes, the studio behind Warframe and Soulframe, has built a name for itself by delivering exceptional games and extensive content updates, even if they often arrive later than expected. However, with the upcoming launch of Warframe 1999, the team has adopted a more reserved approach, finally announcing a definitive release date for this Cyberpunk-inspired expansion. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Soulframe.
Launch Date and Content
In the recent Warframe Devstream (check the video below or skim through the highlights), it was confirmed that Warframe 1999 is set to launch in December 2024. This expansion will present a wealth of new content for the live-service PvE looter. So far, Digital Extremes has revealed that Warframe 1999 will feature the following new content:
The new realm, Höllvania, will stick to the familiar tile-based procedural generation style that many of Warframe’s regions use. This marks a shift from the more recent updates that have focused on broadening open-world adventures and survival gameplay. That said, the new tileset promises to include various seasons, each offering distinct experiences. This hints at the possibility of different enemy types, buffs, effects, or even loot drops varying with the seasons, although Digital Extremes is being intentionally vague about the details of the new tileset.
Soulframe's Development Journey
Similarly to Warframe 1999, Soulframe has been under development for a considerable time, though Digital Extremes has been quite transparent about the fact that a full release is still far off. Even though there’s a closed, live version of Soulframe already being tested by a select group of players, during a Soulframe Devstream (watch below), the team indicated that the fantasy RPG will probably only reach pre-alpha status sometime in 2025.
Even though Digital Extremes initially planned to launch Soulframe in 2024, it seems likely that the game will debut in the first half of the year. However, the development team has not yet committed to a specific release timeline. Presently, the game is what they refer to as a "pre-pre-alpha."
Inspirations from Warframe
While Soulframe presents a stark contrast to Warframe, leaning more heavily on fantasy rather than sci-fi, the development team has mentioned during the stream that they will incorporate lessons learned from Warframe into Soulframe's design. For example, Digital Extremes plans to utilize Warframe's Focus Schools as a fundamental element for the Fighting Arts progression system in Soulframe. Observing the in-game visuals, including the particle effects, lighting, and character design and movement, it is clear that the influence of Warframe is significant.
Digital Extremes
