The internet can be a lonely place. It’s absolutely true that it has played a huge role in bringing together unique friends and communities that wouldn’t exist without it otherwise, but it also doesn’t prevent anyone from coming out of the woodwork and disturbing the peace. For some, it may be rare to celebrate their fandom (even for video games) in person. That experience is something innocent and true, and it’s absolutely why TennoCon 2025 works so well forWarframe,Soulframe, and Digital Extremes fans.
As many fans know, TennoCon is a convention that celebrates the work of Digital Extremes on games likeWarframeandSoulframe. It officially turned 10 years old this year after debuting in 2016 (because it is not a baby—if you know, you know). It revealed new details aboutnewWarframecontentcoming over the next few months, gave a look atSoulframe’s various improvements throughout development, featured all sorts of cool panels, and even featured a concert hosted by several Digital Extremes developers. It was an absolute celebration of all it means to be Tenno, and for the duration of the convention, that’s all that really mattered.
TennoCon Sets a Bar That Others Are Not Trying to Raise
Indeed, the sense of community was palpable at TennoCon. Everyone told the same jokes, reacted in natural and organic ways (exceedingly rare on the internet, in my humble opinion), basked in the incredible art and cosplay that surrounded them, and made everyone feel welcome. It’s true that theWarframecommunity might be one of the most whole and welcoming in all of fandom, and that was the feeling that came to life at TennoCon. People came from the world over to celebrate all thenew content forWarframeandSoulframe, but there’s more to it—the community showed up for the community. Whether it’s the cheers at the TennoConcert, folks going wild for the actors ofWarframe, or standing in lines longer than the eye can see for merch, TennoCon absolutely set a bar for gaming conventions.
But I can’t help but wonder why there’s no real competition. Competition is often a good thing in the video game industry, as it pushes others to produce better and better, but in a world of competition, TennoCon has continuously raised its own bar—not for competition, but for the community. I mean, there wasa concertput on by devs this year. TennoCon is something I am surprised not to see replicated by more developers worldwide because, very clearly, it works.
There’s a Clear Need for Physical Conventions in the Gaming Industry
To be perfectly clear, a lot of conventions feature video games, but few conventions are about a specific game and community. Gaming appears at nearly every major anime/comic/nerd convention, and I would argue the opposite should be true. Beyond that, some gaming conventions feel built more for business, while others are just a general gathering place where video games are everywhere. Events like The Game Awards rely on spectacle and announcements, but what so many of thebiggest and best gaming conventions in the worldforget is the beating heart of video games: community.
Yes, it’s true that events like BlizzCon, EVE FanFest, QuakeCon, and FanFest for FF14 exist, but we’re talking a handful of gaming communities out of the hundreds, if not thousands, of beloved IPs and studios out in the world.
It doesn’t even have to be a live-service game; imagine, if you would, your favorite video game series or development studio. Imagine being in that room with them as they present news to the world, imagine meeting them on the showfloor for signatures and chats, and imagine seeing them be people while you be people and everyone is just people (a fact that the internet likes to forget). RockstarCon would be a great way to gather actors, developers, and fans ofRed Dead, GTA 6, and past works to celebrate that fandom and not just expect major news and announcements, although that’s always welcomed. UbiCon, EACon, EpicCon, 2KCon, BorderCon, BioCon, PSCon, XCon—I mean, the names and content to host such events are all there. I am sure it is expensive, butDigital Extremesmakes it work and likely so could so many other developers. Emphasizing community and inviting them to celebrate draws fans from the world over for TennoCon; this is the power of video games and community.
When the world shut down because of the pandemic, many companies moved to hosting digital events dedicated to their games for news and announcements. It’s been so successful for so many that it’s hard to imagine why more physical conventions have not followed them.
TennoCon Opened Its Doors to Its Community, and Its Community Responded
There’s a saying to “go where the people are” about markets, customer hibbity hoobla, targets this and that, and other business things that the average gamer probably doesn’t know or care about too much, but TennoCon reversed that: they invited folks to where they are. Its success over the past ten years is remarkable, and as a gaming convention dedicated to its community, it has stood out and largely alone for a decade. Things like TGA and the Tokyo Game Show are absolutely necessary, as all-important connections can be made, butTennoConshowed the most important connection is between a studio and its community.
It was an absolute celebration of all it means to be Tenno.
TennoCon 2025 has special memories for me, and I can only imagine what it’s like for those who have attended every one of them or at least several of them. TennoCon 2025 is a testament to the bonding power of video games and community, its own world where being Tenno is all that mattered. And I am sure that TennoCon will only get better and better because when the strength of such a thing is in people who love it, it’s hard to imagine it ever suffering—suffering from success, though, maybe.
Warframe
WHERE TO PLAY
Confront warring factions throughout a sprawling interplanetary system as you follow the guidance of the mysterious Lotus and level up your Warframe, build an Arsenal of destructive firepower, and realize your true potential across massive open worlds in this thrilling, genre-defining third-person combat experience.BECOME A POWERFUL WARRIOR: Enter your Warframe: a bio-metal suit of untold power. Unleash its Abilities and wield a vast array of devastating weaponry to effortlessly annihilate hordes of enemies on sight. And when the slaughter is over, you’re able to earn or instantly unlock 40+ different Warframes - each with a unique suite of powers - to re-experience the mayhem any way you want.BATTLE ALONGSIDE FRIENDS: Form a Squad with your friends and earn valuable bonus Rewards when you complete Missions together via highly collaborative, co-op gameplay. Utilize your Warframe’s Abilities to heal allies, redirect enemy fire, and achieve your objectives. Stuck on a particular challenge? In-game matchmaking makes it easy to connect with friendly Tenno whenever you need an extra hand.DISCOVER AN EPIC STORY: Marvel at the sweeping history of the Origin System as you experience Warframe’s massive cinematic narrative spanning 5 separate expansions and 30+ story-based Quests. Discover the power within and experience your first taste of invincibility with one of three original Warframes before you begin your journey, develop your skills and seek out the truth behind your awakening.
Game Rant was provided travel and lodging for TennoCon 2025.
