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Soulframe's future remains uncertain as developers focus on community

Creative director Geoff Crookes admits uncertainty about the game's success amid a challenging market.

July 19, 2025 at 05:00 PM
blur Soulframe's leads don't know if it'll survive the brutal live service market, so they're betting big on a community-first approach

Soulframe creative director expresses uncertainty about the game's success, banking on community engagement and a unique vision.

Soulframe developers emphasize community-first approach amid uncertain future

The gaming landscape is growing increasingly competitive, and Soulframe is not immune to the challenges. During an interview with Eurogamer, creative director Geoff Crookes admitted he has doubts about whether Soulframe can thrive in the current live service market. He stated, "I don't know. Frankly, I don't know," illustrating the pressure developers feel in this tough environment. The team at Digital Extremes has been cautious throughout their journey, with Crookes revealing that even with 23 years of experience, they are still adapting and learning. Soulframe will take a slow approach, eschewing Early Access models in favor of careful development, to foster genuine community engagement. Crookes reflected on the vital role of nurturing this connection, stating, "It's the faith, trust, and hope that we've made something we're passionate about." He believes this path differs from other recent releases that struggled after high initial player counts.

Key Takeaways

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Geoff Crookes expresses uncertainty about Soulframe's future.
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Focus on community engagement is central to the game's development.
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Developers prioritize a slow, thoughtful approach over quick releases.
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Soulframe aims to create a new experience, unlike similar past games.
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Nurturing player relationships may lead to greater loyalty and success.
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The game's themes reflect a desire for hope and healing in gaming.

"I don't know. Frankly, I don't know."

Crookes expresses his doubts about Soulframe's success in a competitive market.

"It's the faith, trust, and hope that we've made something we're passionate about."

He emphasizes the importance of community engagement in developing Soulframe.

"We're deliberately being slow and thoughtful, to build engagement."

Crookes on their approach to developing Soulframe compared to industry norms.

"For us, maybe it's therapy, and maybe it's a way to bring people in."

Crookes highlights the emotional motivations behind the game's themes.

Crookes' admissions highlight a significant trend in the gaming industry: a move towards community-focused development. As various titles fail to maintain player interest, the emphasis on building a loyal community can set a game apart. This strategy is a refreshing take, especially when many developers rush to cash in on trends without engaging players deeply. Soulframe's unique vision suggests a hopeful shift in how games can be developed, focusing not just on profit but on cultivating lasting connections with audiences.

Highlights

  • Soulframe's future is uncertain, but community will lead the way.
  • We're taking our time to nurture community engagement first.
  • It’s about making something we are passionate about.
  • Soulframe aims to bring optimism and healing to gaming.

Concerns around budget and market competition

Soulframe faces challenges in a highly competitive live service market. Developers express uncertainty about long-term success alongside industry giants, raising concerns about funding and player retention.

As the gaming world faces intensifying challenges, Soulframe's approach may redefine player-developer relationships.

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