Digital Extremes VP: Warframe Was a "Hail Mary," Balances Acquisition With Retention
Getting new players to try your game while not alienating existing players is a difficult task for any game developer. Similarly, catering solely to your veterans might make forum-goers happy but doesn't do much to pad your player base.
The folks behind Warframe understand this delicate balance. In an interview with Games Industry, Digital Extremes VP Publishing Meredith Braun discussed Warframe's humble beginnings and its remarkable continued growth, which she attributes to careful attention to both new players and hardcores alike, all while adhering to strict budget constraints that were forged during Warframe's initial development:
"We spend very little compared to other free-to-play games that focus a large amount of their budgets on acquisition. Warframe was a passion project - the studio's 'Hail Mary' pass, if you will. There was barely budget to buy an account server for the game, let alone to spend on marketing at the time. We turned to viral everything to get the word out: live streaming, social media, Reddit, forums, PR, knocking on partner's doors for promotional opportunities. Once we launched in open beta and more players got a taste of the game, it was clear we had something unique on our hands. Since then our acquisition strategy has focused primarily on our update schedule and community involvement."
While the budget is a little more flexible nowadays, the company still relies heavily on word-of-mouth to advertise its product. Braun also says high-quality F2P games such as Warframe, Paragon, and Paladins are "disrupting" full-price releases like Titanfall 2 and Dishonored 2.
If you're into Warframe, make sure to check out the whole interview and see if you agree with Braun's assessment.
Related Articles
- Wayfinder’s Next Update Includes Its First Ever Live Event And A Fight With The Highlands Fire Lord
- TGS 2023: Wayfinder Teases New Lion-Warrior Grendel In Trailer By “Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse” Co-Director
- Soulframe Will Take Major Queues From Warframe When It Comes To How Content Is Released
About the Author

Jason Winter is a veteran gaming journalist, he brings a wide range of experience to MMOBomb, including two years with Beckett Media where he served as the editor of the leading gaming magazine Massive Online Gamer. He has also written professionally for several gaming websites.
Read Next
Blizzard Greatly Increases Number of Entries For This Week's Hearthstone Heroic Tavern Brawl
When we first got a look at the Heroic Tavern Brawl coming to Hearthstone, we weren't sure it was such a great deal.
By Jason Winter - 6 years agoYou May Enjoy
Here's What You Need To Know About Warhaven, Nexon's New PvP Game That's Launching Today
You have a sword, but no bow...and no axe.
By Matthew D'Onofrio - 1 week agoDeceit 2 Introduces New Demo Mode So You Can Invite Your Friends
There are, of course, some restrictions.
By Troy Blackburn - 5 days agoGet Your Magic: The Gathering Arena 5th Anniversary Celebration Rewards Now
There's also events coming up.
By Matthew D'Onofrio - 1 week agoVindictus Unleashes New Raid With A Boss Monster Who Wields Different Weapons Every Phase
Team up and take on Eisen Ritter.
By Troy Blackburn - 1 week agoNew World Takes You On A Deep Dive Of The Newest Expedition, The Savage Divide
Players must band together to protect Aeternum.
By Troy Blackburn - 2 days agoMarvel's Avengers End Of Support Date Nears, Bidding Farewell With 90% Discount
After delisting, the game will still be accessible for solo and multiplayer play.
By Matthew D'Onofrio - 1 week ago
Discussion (0)