Digital Extremes, the studio behind the powerhouse Warframe, is currently pouring its efforts into Soulframe—its first major original title in nearly ten years. Currently available in an early access state known as “Preludes,” the game is being shaped alongside its growing community. During my recent visit to the studio’s headquarters in Ontario, Canada, for our May cover story, I discovered that this fantasy MMO serves as a deliberate antidote to the pervasive cynicism found in today’s world.
“The emotional impetus for creating Soulframe is a direct response to the global disillusionment we see around us,” explains Digital Extremes CEO Steve Sinclair. “It feels even more relevant today than when we first started the project.”
Sinclair points to a 2021 New York Times piece regarding the enduring appeal of The Lord of the Rings, noting that the trilogy resonates so deeply because it centers on characters capable of vulnerability and redemption. He observes that while dark, gritty fantasy is a staple of the industry, Soulframe aims for a different tone. “We wanted to bring a bit of a classic, fairy-tale sensibility to the genre,” he says.
This perspective shifts the focus of gameplay. Instead of glorifying violence, Soulframe highlights moments of restoration. Players are tasked with purging corruption from the wilderness and healing the majestic Omen Beasts that inhabit the world of Alca. Ultimately, the narrative centers on a hero rising to defend the land against an extraterrestrial force hell-bent on strip-mining its natural resources.
“We aren’t interested in celebrating gratuitous destruction or gore,” Sinclair notes. “We’re trying to evoke a sense of ‘touching grass’—an ironic nod to the phrase usually used to tell people to get away from their screens, but here, it’s about reconnecting with the beauty of the world we’ve built.”
Geoff Crookes, the game’s creative director, views these themes as a commentary on our fractured modern reality. “There’s a lack of shared community and objective truth in the world right now,” Crookes explains. “While we can’t single-handedly fix the world, we are excited about designing mechanics that foster genuine, community-driven cooperation.”
Community lead Sarah Asselin notes that this philosophy is already resonating with players. “We constantly see people on Discord and in streams saying they love just existing in this world,” she shares. “For many, wandering through the forest and witnessing the environment we’re cultivating has become a cozy, optimistic sanctuary.”
As Soulframe continues through its “Preludes” phase, the developers are using player feedback to refine these themes, ensuring that the game provides the sense of harmony they strive for.
For more exclusive insights on our latest cover game, be sure to keep an eye on our dedicated Soulframe hub for ongoing behind-the-scenes coverage.
