FragPunk Creative Director Talks Competing in the Hero Shooter Genre as a New IP
Insights into Navigating the Competitive Landscape and Carving a Niche for a Fresh Shooter Experience
FragPunk Creative Director Discusses Competing in the Hero Shooter Genre with a New IP
Innovative Shard Cards and Fast-Paced Action Set to Distinguish FragPunk from Other Titles in the Genre
Bad Guitar’s upcoming title, FragPunk, generated significant attention last year with its promise to revitalize the hero shooter genre, which is currently crowded with established titles. Despite the tough competition, the team behind FragPunk is optimistic about the game’s potential to carve out its own space in the market.
With 2024 being a pivotal year for hero shooters, the landscape is already bustling with contenders for the crown, most notably Overwatch 2. While some games like Marvel Rivals have seen early success, others, such as Concord, have struggled to gain traction. Fortunately, FragPunk offers a fast-paced experience combined with an innovative random element through its Shard Card system, which could provide a unique edge. Game Rant had the opportunity to sit down with FragPunk’s Creative Director and Producer, Xin Chang, to discuss how the game aims to stand out and compete in this highly competitive space.
What Sets FragPunk Apart?
Q: The hero shooter genre is highly competitive right now. Was this a concern during the development of FragPunk?
A: Absolutely. The competition is fierce, but our team has been passionate about this genre from the start. We recognized early on that to make FragPunk stand out, we needed something unique. That’s why we introduced the Shard Card system, which allows players to alter the rules of the game. Plus, we designed a “duel” feature for tied matches that highlights individual player skill. There’s a lot more to come, and we’re confident that these innovations will set us apart from our competitors.
Q: If you had to pick one feature that sets FragPunk apart from the rest, what would it be?
A: The Shard Cards are definitely the defining feature. They make gameplay unpredictable and chaotic. Unlike traditional hero shooters where you follow a fixed sequence of steps, FragPunk allows you to throw bombs, carry sites, or even transform the map itself, all thanks to the Shard Cards. No two rounds are ever the same.
Q: Where did the idea for the Shard Card system come from? Was it part of the plan from the beginning?
A: Surprisingly, the Shard Card concept was inspired by traditional sports. Over time, I noticed how rule changes in sports like soccer, basketball, and even F1 kept the game exciting and unpredictable. This kind of suspense draws in the audience, and we wanted to bring that same unpredictability to FragPunk. After playing countless hours of FPS games, we found that, while skill and tactics were important, many matches had become too predictable. We introduced randomness and surprise to break up the monotony, and that’s where the idea for Shard Cards came to life.
The Evolution of FragPunk
Q: How has FragPunk evolved since its public playtests?
A: Based on community feedback, we’ve made several important changes. We’ve added new Shard Cards, many of which were inspired by player suggestions, and we’ve refined the shooting mechanics by reducing recoil to improve gun handling. We’ve also worked hard to make the overall experience more enjoyable and engaging, and we plan to roll out even more new content leading up to launch.
Q: Some players are concerned about the RNG aspect of the Shard Card system. Is this something the team is addressing?
A: We understand those concerns. The randomness of the Shard Cards is meant to create a rogue-like experience, but we noticed that some cards appeared too frequently, so we’re working on systems to address that and ensure a balanced experience.
Q: How does the team balance the diverse Shard Cards with Lancer abilities?
A: During the design process, our game designers assess each new card to ensure it won’t disrupt combat balance, level design, or Lancer abilities. We test every card thoroughly to maintain the game’s balance, and we’ll continue to monitor the game after launch, making adjustments as needed.
Looking Ahead for FragPunk
Q: How often will new cards be added to FragPunk?
A: New cards will be introduced with our seasonal updates. We’re planning to release a roadmap closer to launch that will give players a glimpse of the future.
Q: What challenges did the team face when developing such a fast-paced iteration on the hero shooter genre?
A: Starting with a small team and no established IP, we faced several challenges. Promoting FragPunk without the backing of a big-name studio was tough, but we’ve been fortunate to work with great partners who’ve helped us along the way. Seeing the positive response from players during the Alpha and Beta tests has been incredibly motivating, and their feedback has been invaluable in improving the game.
Q: Will there be a deeper story for FragPunk and more character development for the Lancers?
A: Yes! We’re currently developing a more detailed narrative for FragPunk and its universe. The personalities of the Lancers will be revealed gradually through future updates, adding depth to the world of FragPunk.
Q: How far ahead are you planning for the post-launch future of FragPunk?
A: We have a seasonal plan in place and are already working on content for the second half of 2025. We’ll share more details as we approach launch, but rest assured, FragPunk will continue to evolve with regular updates and new content.
As FragPunk gears up for its official launch, the team’s commitment to innovation and player feedback ensures that the game will stand out in a crowded hero shooter landscape. Fans can expect a fast-paced, dynamic experience, with unpredictable gameplay powered by the unique Shard Card system.