The inception of Fragpunk was sparked by an incident many can relate to: the moment when your phone screen shatters. This unfortunate event, however, became a perfect symbol for the kind of rebellious and dystopian energy that Fragpunk seeks to convey. Beyond its visual symbolism, it stands as a deeper metaphor. With our lives so intertwined with our devices, a cracked screen is almost like a fractured lens showing us multiple perspectives of our singular reality.
Set in the intriguing world of the Shardverse, Fragpunk unfolds in a universe disrupted by a mysterious material known as Glunite. This substance grants ordinary people from alternative realities extraordinary powers, while simultaneously binding them to it for their survival. These empowered individuals, now mercenaries called Lancers, engage in battles across different Shards, vying for as much Glunite as they can seize.
In between fierce rounds, Fragpunk players receive Shard Cards. These cards let Lancers manipulate the environment to gain an edge or hinder opponents. The effects range from the whimsically absurd, like activating big head mode for foes, to strategically impactful, such as opening a portal to an alternate version of the current map. This multiverse concept elevates gameplay, making it as dynamic as it is visually compelling.
According to Fu Wenhe, narrative director at Bad Guitar studio, “Every round in Fragpunk is unique because we’ve committed to breaking the norms and bending the rules. It’s reflected in the game’s art style, narrative, and gameplay.” The game is designed to appeal to a global audience, drawing inspiration from classic global media. For instance, the combination of 2D and 3D art is heavily influenced by the Spider-Verse movies.
Fragpunk doesn’t just borrow the Spider-Verse’s visual style. Although the characters hail from different universes, they still manage to mesh harmoniously within the world they inhabit. This creates a universe that feels both familiar and fresh—an intriguing challenge the development team tackles by focusing deeply on narrative, giving each character a meaningful place within the game’s lore.
Li Yiming, the art director, elaborates on this balanced approach: “We strive for consistency in character design. Every character follows the same guidelines for style, appearance, skills, and color, yet retains individual personality traits.” Fu also mentions how the narrative groundwork laid early on is continuously refined. The storytelling team crafts the lore and character concepts, while the art team brings them visually to life, allowing for collaborative development of their unique universe.
Maps and environments are just as crucial to Fragpunk as its characters. These spaces reflect the game’s lore, imagining the most distinctive facets of the Shardverse. Even as a competitive shooter, Fragpunk nods to classic map archetypes—ranging from claustrophobic transport hubs to mystic, crumbling temples—but weaves them into its richly narrative Shardverse context.
Fu explains the mapping process as collaborative: “[The narrative team provides a theme and setting, and the design team handles player routes and other gameplay elements. Once they complete their vision, the narrative team steps back in to add lore-consistent elements that enhance the player’s immersive experience],” says Huang Jingsi, a narrative designer for Fragpunk. This cooperation ensures players instantly grasp the geography and story behind each arena, through intuitive callouts and design.
While alternate realities are a natural narrative fit, they also afford practical benefits for a free-to-play hero shooter like Fragpunk. The genre’s need for fresh characters, maps, and themes is vast, and a multi-universe setup allows endless creative flexibility. The Shardverse, in stark contrast to the chaotic mix seen in some other games, offers a cohesive world ripe for exploring various cultural, historical, and fictional references naturally and seriously.
“We chose our aesthetic consciously because we’re a punk art hero shooter, and the punk style can incorporate varied design elements,” Fu elaborates on how the team uses this freedom to propel development, particularly when it comes to character skins. “Lower-tier skins may simple tweaks, while high-tier skins embody creative breakthroughs that could highlight significant moments in a character’s past or future.”
Bad Guitar doesn’t stop at cosmetic enhancements. Fragpunk’s lore intends to expand through diverse media, such as digital graphic novels and animations. Fu emphasizes their inclusive media strategy: “Our narrative stretches beyond game text and voice lines into comics and animated tales; we’re harnessing every medium to weave deeper stories.”
For more insights into Fragpunk’s gameplay and its unique approach, take a look at our in-depth preview and interview with Xin Chang, Bad Guitar’s creative director.
Fragpunk is set to launch on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store on March 6th. However, PlayStation and Xbox versions have been postponed and will release at a later date.
