Multiplayer shooters have experienced a huge boom in recent years, and with them, we’ve witnessed the growth of collaborations. Amid these, Warframe stands out for putting the power of expression into the hands of its players.
Casual shooters like Fortnite might be the worst offenders, bringing brands and names like The Simpsons, Skibidy Toilet. and Sabrina Carpenter in as limited-time skins. But even more “serious” titles like Call of Duty often rely on collaborations with other franchises and brands, from Snoop Dogg to Squid Game.
Warframe does things quite differently. The number of collabs this sci-fi shooter has had in its 12-year run can be counted on one hand. Instead of using skins as a cash grab, Warframe hands the reins to its community.
ScreenRant spoke with Community Director Megan Everett & Concept Artist Liger Inuzuka of Digital Extremes about the process of fostering collaborations from the game’s passionate fanbase.
Warframe Prioritizes Lore And Community With Every Collaboration
Warframe Gives Back To Its Creative Fans, Literally
Browsing the TennoGen marketplace on Warframe, you might notice that skins are a little pricey at an average of $5.99 per individual helmet, weapon, and so on. By and large, players have no qualms about paying up, as they know their money is going straight to a fellow player.
That’s because the skins in the Warframe TennoGen marketplace are all player-made, and 30% of every purchase goes to the player who designed it. “We will always celebrate the passion of our community, however we can,” says Megan Everett. “The TennoGen program is just a small piece of that.”
Players get the same tools as Digital Extremes to create their skins. Anyone can submit their design for a chance to be featured in the TennoGen marketplace as long as their work meets the basic guidelines listed on the Warframe website.
With both player and brand collaborations, designs “have to fit two categories,” according to Everett. “First, does it feel like it could exist in the world of Warframe and not feel immersion-breaking to see it in that world?” This means futuristic and lore-accurate designs are always welcome.
The love for each design is palpable both within the fanbase and among the dev team. When asked about their favorite designs, both Everett and Liger Inuzuka were excitedly launched into celebrating their favorites:
“The 1999 Operator TennoGen accessories really tickled my fancy recently. […] We just released a new set of TennoGen cosmetics in The Vallis Undermind update,” and it brought some stellar pieces that all feel so cool and unique on their own merits. I am hoping and wishing that someday Dante will get a thematic TennoGen skin and I will cry with happiness.” — Megan Everett
“I love more diegetic designs, such as the Disconnect Syndana, suggesting the wearer has freed themselves from some sort of sci-fi restraints. However, I am a great fan of the Techno-series like Technocyte Nidus. If that author is reading, please make a Techno-Sevagoth or Styanax… I think they would be so cool.” — Liger Inuzuka
The second factor for choosing collaborators is that the devs should “genuinely love working with” the people behind the collab, says Everett. That’s actually how the collaboration with indie card game Balatro came about. “We love the team at Playstack!” says Everett.
Warframe Gives All Players A Chance For A Cut Of The Microtransactions
The Team Works Closely With Creators
Tenno can add their creations for others to use for free through any modding marketplace. But to take in a share of microtransactions through the in-game TennoGen, a skin needs to be accepted by the devs.
So how does Digital Extremes choose which designs to feature? “We don’t seek artists out specifically, as anyone can submit their creation, and the TennoGen team will review,” says Everett. That said, if a submitted design meets the standards or only requires a few tweaks, the team tries to “move forward with it as quickly as possible.“
Inuzuka actually started out as a TennoGen creator before being hired to officially work with the team. “My advice for aspiring creators,” says Inuzuka, “would be to practice technical skills and taste in design. …and most of all, restrictions and rules don’t hinder real creatives!”
“Restrictions and rules don’t hinder real creatives!” — Liger Inuzuka
Even when designs aren’t accepted, Everett says “the TennoGen team tries extremely hard to provide feedback.” Collaborations between creators are also possible, since they get to share credit for the design.
The entire process creates a welcoming environment that helps fans create unique designs within the Warframe universe. These designs can then be purchased by the rest of the community, with revenue benefiting both the individual creators and the company supporting them.
What’s In Store For The Future Of Warframe Skin Designs?
The Game Is Working On Some Exciting 2026 Content
As a new year approaches, Warframe prepares to introduce plenty of new content. Though there isn’t a quota for how many new skins will be added, Everett and Inuzuka assure fans that exciting things are coming.
In addition to releasing as many new TennoGen skins as possible, many more official designs are on the way. Everett encourages fans to tune into the monthly Devstreams to get all the latest news on upcoming skins. “We have some great surprises in store for 2026!“
Inuzuka also notes that “I am working on some beautiful designs as I respond to this, and while I wish to share, all I can say is there are at least four Liger-made designs waiting behind the curtain… and many, many more from the rest of the incredible art team.“
“TennoGen is a very special endeavor to us, and we hope to continue it forever.” — Megan Everett
The creativity and passion of the community and team behind Warframe can be seen through every new design that’s brought into the game. As other live-service games continue to bring popular culture, brands, and celebrities as limited skins, Warframe continues to look inward at its own community. As Everett puts it, “TennoGen is a very special endeavor to us, and we hope to continue it forever.“
- Released
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March 25, 2013
- ESRB
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M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Violence
- Developer(s)
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Digital Extremes
- Publisher(s)
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Digital Extremes
- Engine
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Evolution Engine
- Multiplayer
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Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
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PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S
