The story of Fragpunk begins in an unexpectedly relatable way: with the mishap of a broken phone screen. This scenario, where colorful neon lights fracture across damaged glass, mirrors the rebellious yet dystopian vibe Fragpunk captures. But the metaphor goes deeper than that. In our technology-driven lives, a cracked screen symbolizes a fragmented existence, portraying parallel perceptions of our reality.
Set in the Shardverse, Fragpunk unfolds within a world torn apart by an enigmatic element known as Glunite. This substance grants astonishing powers to ordinary people from alternate realities but also makes them dependent on it for survival. As mercenaries called Lancers, they venture through different Shards to scavenge Glunite.
During each round in Fragpunk, players receive Shard Cards, allowing Lancers to manipulate the world for strategic gains or to thwart adversaries. These cards range from whimsically amusing, such as activating big head mode on opponents, to tactically transformative, like creating portals to parallel map versions, effectively doubling the playable space.
The game’s multiverse concept isn’t just a visual spectacle; it intricately weaves into the gameplay. Fragpunk narrative director Fu Wenhe from Bad Guitar Studio explains, “What sets our game apart is the unique experience that no two matches are identical. We’ve made it a point to push boundaries and defy conventions through our art, storytelling, and gameplay designs.”
Designed with global audiences in mind, Fragpunk draws inspiration from mainstream media worldwide. Fu mentions the Spider-Verse films as a significant influence on their blend of 2D and 3D artistic style. But Fragpunk’s nod to Spider-Verse extends beyond visuals to crafting a cohesive world where diverse characters find harmony amidst their differences.
The challenge lies in creating a world that’s both familiar and refreshingly novel. Taking a narrative-first approach, the team integrates each character seamlessly into the game’s universe. Fragpunk art director Li Yiming elaborates, “Our focus isn’t on one character alone. We aim for a consistent logic and design across all characters, covering style, appearance, animations, and more.”
Characters may hail from different multiverses, but ensuring they align organically with the world takes precedence. Fu adds, “Despite having a solid lore foundation from the start, our narrative develops alongside game progress. The narrative team crafts the character’s backstory, while the art team brings the design to life, leading to collaborative discussions.”
Equally vital to Fragpunk’s essence are the maps and environments, which vividly manifest the Shardverse’s multi-dimensional nature. Embracing a classic shooter heart, Bad Guitar infuses map archetypes with distinct narrative context, making every location integral to the Shardverse.
When designing maps, narrative and map design teams work in parallel, Fu explains. “We provide themes and settings, giving the design team freedom for creativity. Once maps take shape, narrative refinements ensure recognizable locations for players.”
Parallel universes serve a practical function too, meeting demands for new content in the evolving hero shooter and free-to-play genre. Fragmented spaces offer an engaging setting while allowing exploration of fashion, references, and character lore in a coherent, non-gimmicky way.
Fu shares, “Designing the Shardverse was intentional to facilitate diverse designs and development due to its inclusive punk art style. Skins will vary, from basic color changes to high-tier ones showcasing pivotal character moments.”
Beyond enhancing aesthetics with purchasable skins, Bad Guitar is committed to enriching Fragpunk’s lore through multiple media. From in-game storytelling to digital comics and animations, the ambition is to expand Fragpunk’s narrative universe.
Fu emphasizes, “We embrace all media forms to explore our game’s lore. In-game texts and voice lines provide story insights. Comics, animated content, and other media also play a role in storytelling.”
For more insights into Fragpunk’s gameplay, check out our previews and interviews with Bad Guitar’s creative director, Xin Chang. Fragpunk launches on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store on March 6th, with console versions for PlayStation and Xbox arriving later.
