Warframe is currently one of the most successful free-to-play shooters on Steam and is celebrating its 10th anniversary. In the beginning, the shooter was in quite a critical state. But the studio made one last attempt to bring the game out – successfully.
Warframe is a third-person shooter and action game developed by Digital Extremes. Players take on enemies as space ninjas and collect various combat suits called Warframes in order to utilize special abilities.
The game was released on March 25, 2013. Since then, it has earned a reputation as one of the best free-to-play shooters ever. The developers had it quite hard at the beginning to get Warframe off the ground. But in the end, they succeeded.
Here you can see a trailer for Warframe:
No one wanted to release Warframe
Warframe developed from the ideas of another game from Digital Extremes called “Dark Sector”. Under this title, Creative Director Steve Sinclair tried to find a publisher for the game.
However, the concept was repeatedly rejected. The argument: “Sci-Fi was dead” (via PCGamer).
Dark Sector was reworked and released in 2008. However, it only received mixed reactions from players.
Especially in 2010, it was a crisis time for the studio. CEO Sheldon Carter even spoke of a “last chance” the game makers had. About a third of the staff had to be laid off.
The resources and budget only allowed for the execution of one last project. If this failed, it would also mean the end of Digital Extremes.
The developers decided to develop the one sci-fi game they always wanted to make. Thus, work on Warframe began in 2012, using the original concept from Dark Sector, which no one really wanted.
After release, Warframe rises to the top
Warframe was released in 2013, at a time when free-to-play games had not yet gained the popularity they have today. The game studio learned over time how to best implement the game model.
After players criticized the paywall in the beta, Warframe currently relies on a free base game, with additional content available for voluntary purchase.
The wishes and needs of the players were very important. Rebecca Ford, the former community manager of Warframe, said:
I have simply tried to understand over the years what people like about Warframe and to create more of it. When we surprise them, we let them know that sometimes we will try different things. And the faster we fail, the easier it is for us to move on.
Throughout the years, the game retained its underdog charm for many fans but also regularly delivered new content through updates, allowing the game to evolve and grow larger over the years.
In the meantime, Warframe has built a loyal community that still enjoys the shooter even after all these years.
Warframe is one of the top games on Steam today
Currently, Warframe ranks 18th among the most played games on Steam (as of March 27, 2023), with over 50,000 active players at the same time. The game ratings are also very positive. Of the total 524,713 reviews, 87% are good.
Warframe has also received several off-topic reviews, which do not factor into the overall rating of the game.
Also, on MeinMMO, Warframe repeatedly makes it into top lists and impresses as a free shooter with extensive content and dynamic gameplay.
What can players expect for the anniversary? On the official Warframe website, you can see an overview of the special promotions currently running, as Warframe is celebrating its 10th birthday.
In the game, there are numerous rewards available for this occasion, such as special skins or weapons.
In addition, there will soon be special merchandise for the anniversary, as well as community events and an event at Techno Con 2023.
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