Digital Extremes, the studio behind the popular cooperative third-person shooter Warframe, is navigating the treacherous waters of the live service market with a community-first approach. The game’s creative director, Geoff Crookes, admits that even after 23 years of experience, the studio still feels uncertain about its survival prospects.
Crookes attributes this uncertainty to the pressure to constantly update and expand his games, even in the face of success. This pressure has led to a shared DNA of caution and anxiety within the team, causing them to approach Soulframe with a slower, more thoughtful pace.
Unlike many other studios that opt for early access or rushed releases, Digital Extremes is taking a deliberate approach to building engagement and nurturing a community around Soulframe. The studio’s goal is not just to create a game but also to foster a sense of hope and healing through its narrative.
Crookes acknowledges that the formula created by Warframe has been influential in recent years, but none of these games have managed to replicate its success. He attributes this to the studio’s non-traditional approach to game development, which prioritizes passion and community over commercial expectations.
The direction Digital Extremes is taking with Soulframe can be seen as a response to the “poisoned soil” of the live service market. The game is focused on doing something new and distinct, rather than following conventional paths. With its unique blend of narrative and gameplay, Soulframe aims to inspire optimism and hope in players.
By adopting an unconventional approach to survival, Digital Extremes is challenging the industry norms that have led to the failure of similar games. As Crookes himself puts it, “I don’t want to feel confident.” Instead, he relies on faith, trust, and hope that his game will resonate with players and bring a sense of healing to their lives.
Source: https://www.eurogamer.net/soulframes-leads-dont-know-if-itll-survive-the-brutal-live-service-market-so-theyre-betting-big-on-a-community-first-approach