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It all began with a universally familiar mishap: a phone screen met its unfortunate end. As frustrating as it is to see a web of cracks distorting your screen, it’s this very image that inspired the creation of Fragpunk—a chaotic blend of rebellion and dystopia. Yet, this inspiration delves deeper. In a world where our lives are increasingly tethered to these devices, a fractured screen symbolizes a divided reality, offering layered perspectives of the same existence.
Fragpunk unfolds within the Shardverse, a universe fragmented by a mysterious element called Glunite. This substance bestowed ordinary individuals from alternate realities with incredible powers, but it also made them dependent on Glunite for survival. Taking on the role of mercenaries known as Lancers, these individuals engage in battles across various Shards, vying for Glunite’s precious reserves.
The game introduces an intriguing mechanic between rounds: Shard Cards. Lancers use these to manipulate the battlefield either to gain an edge or to hinder opponents. These cards can result in zany effects like enlarging the heads of your enemies or creating game-altering events such as summoning portals to parallel versions of the map, effectively doubling the arena’s size in real-time.
So, as you dive into Fragpunk, it’s evident that the multiverse concept influences more than just the visuals—it actively shapes gameplay too.
According to Fu Wenhe, Fragpunk’s narrative director at Bad Guitar Studio, the game’s uniqueness stems from each round feeling fresh and different. “We’ve stayed true to the essence of bending rules and shattering conventions,” he explains. This philosophy is evident in the game’s art, narrative, and mechanics. “Our aim from day one was to craft a game that resonates globally,” adds Fu, noting how much inspiration they’ve drawn from mainstream media worldwide. “Our art style—a fusion of 2D and 3D elements—takes a leaf from the Spider-Verse movies.”
But Fragpunk’s use of the Spider-Verse inspiration goes beyond mere aesthetics. The characters may hail from varied alternate universes, yet they coalesce into a harmonious world and cast, akin to the Spider-Verse style. Fragpunk seeks to echo this by crafting an instantly recognizable, yet simultaneously unique universe. The challenge lies in achieving familiarity without losing that distinct touch, something the developers aim to tackle by giving each character a strong narrative foundation within the game.
Art Director Li Yiming elaborates, “We steer clear of spotlighting a single character. Instead, each character follows consistent design principles—spanning style, appearance, animations, and more—so they exhibit their unique flair while maintaining a coherent art style.” Fu adds, “Our narrative team laid out the lore; as development continues, we’ll refine our world setting.” This collaborative dynamic between the narrative and art teams ensures each character not only fits but enriches the game’s universe.
Equally integral to Fragpunk’s experience are its maps and environments, which reflect the Shardverse’s multiple realities. While the heart of Fragpunk is competitive shooting, Bad Guitar artfully integrates traditional map archetypes—like transport depots teeming with tactical positions or ancient temples with strategic cover points—infused with their narrative essence. Fu explains, “Our narrative team sets themes, granting the map design team creative license for player pathways and objectives. Once maps are ready, we enhance them with narrative details, making locations memorable and lore-consistent.”
Narrative Designer Huang Jingsi notes their approach: “We balance lore consistency with a user-friendly nomenclature for in-game callouts, seen in common terms like ‘mid’, or ‘A-side’ and ‘B-side’.” Such details help players communicate effectively during high-stakes matches.
The extensive lore of parallel universes isn’t just a narrative delight. In a genre brimming with hero shooters and live-service models, it serves a practical role. The Shardverse creates a fertile ground for introducing new characters, maps, and themed content over the coming years, keeping things fresh yet coherent—a vital weapon in the crowded arena of FPS games.
Fu reflects on this strategic choice: “Creating the Shardverse wasn’t just artistic; it suits our punk-inspired, hero shooter identity. The punk style embraces diverse design elements, allowing us creative leeway for future growth.” Li outlines their plans, “Our skins range from simple color tweaks to high-tier transformations reflecting significant character moments, be it their past or potential future.”
Yet, Bad Guitar’s vision transcends traditional in-game cosmetics. They aim to expand Fragpunk’s lore through various media, including digital comics and animations. “We embrace multimedia storytelling to enrich our game’s narrative,” says Fu. “From in-game text and character dialogues to upcoming comics and animated storytelling, we’re utilizing every medium at our disposal.”
For those eager to learn more about Fragpunk’s gameplay, its dynamic blend of shooter elements and universes, be sure to check out our full preview and interview with Bad Guitar’s creative director, Xin Chang.
Mark your calendars: Fragpunk lands on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store on March 6th. Console enthusiasts, hang tight—it’s coming to PlayStation and Xbox a little later.
