Fragpunk’s inception interestingly stems from a common misfortune many of us have faced: a cracked phone screen. The colorful distortion of neon lights across the shattered glass perfectly encapsulates the rebellious and dystopian essence that Fragpunk strives to embody. This metaphor, however, runs even deeper. Our dependency on these devices signifies a fragmented world, splitting reality into parallel yet distinct perceptions.
In Fragpunk’s universe, known as the Shardverse, a mysterious element called Glunite has shattered reality, bestowing incredible powers on ordinary people from different dimensions. However, these powers come with a heavy reliance on Glunite for survival. Dubbed Lancers, these individuals now roam various Shards, functioning as mercenaries in pursuit of Glunite.
Every game round in Fragpunk brings a fresh twist with Shard Cards. These cards allow Lancers to manipulate their surroundings—sometimes humorously, like giving enemy characters oversized heads, or significantly, like opening portals to parallel maps that effectively double the battleground. This doesn’t just add a visual flair to the multiverse concept but enhances the gameplay dynamic.
As Fu Wenhe, narrative director at Bad Guitar studio, puts it, the beauty of Fragpunk lies in its unpredictability. “Each round feels unique,” he shares, emphasizing a dedication to bending conventional rules through distinct art and narrative designs. The global appeal is evident, drawing inspiration from media-wide influences, notably the visually stunning Spider-Verse films.
Spider-Verse’s influence extends beyond aesthetics in Fragpunk. Despite their diverse origins, much like Spider-Verse characters, these Lancers fit harmoniously in their fractured yet cohesive world. This narrative-driven approach aims to balance familiarity and innovation, crafting a universe that feels both new and recognizable.
Art Director Li Yiming emphasizes cohesion across characters rather than focusing on one hero. Characters maintain consistent logic in design—from style and animations to color choices—while allowing distinct personalities to shine through. The narrative shapes the foundations of each character while the art team breathes life into these concepts, continuously refining and evolving the lore.
The Shardverse is ingeniously woven into the game’s environment, influencing map designs that become as much a part of the story as the characters. Maps depict the shattered reality with unique settings, blending classic shooter elements with Fragpunk’s distinct flavor. A collaborative process drives these creations, balancing narrative themes with gameplay needs and visual distinction.
Narrative designer Huang Jingsi highlights the importance of clear callouts for players while maintaining lore consistency. This careful labeling ensures practical gameplay without losing narrative depth—a crucial consideration in sustaining long-term player engagement and expansion.
Fragpunk’s embrace of a multiverse isn’t just for storytelling. This framework is essential for accommodating frequent updates—a necessity in the competitive FPS arena where player expectations drive continual content evolution. The Shardverse naturally allows the incorporation of varied styles, lore moments, and fresh visual experiences without compromising the game’s core identity.
Designing skins within this universe takes on new significance. There’s room for both simple cosmetic changes and skins representing pivotal character moments, whether from past or future. Li articulates a vision where aesthetics serve the story, moving beyond mere appearance to enrich player experience.
Beyond cosmetics, Bad Guitar aspires to expand Fragpunk’s narrative across multiple media forms. Graphic novels, animations, and in-game storytelling collectively enrich the lore, giving players insight into the world beyond gameplay. Fu envisions an inclusive narrative strategy, using diverse media to tell compelling stories that remain true to the game’s essence.
As Fragpunk prepares for its PC release on Steam and the Epic Games Store on March 6th, console users will need a bit more patience, with PlayStation and Xbox versions set to follow later. For those eager to dive into Fragpunk’s unique multiverse, stay tuned for deeper insights and exciting interviews with the creatives behind this ambitious title.
