China’s  traditional fans are unique pieces of cultural heritage. Originally used as tools help people cool off, fans have gradually developed and gained new attributes as time has gone on. Because they are well-suited for inscriptions, paintings, or writing, they have become closely associated with traditional arts such as poetry, calligraphy, and carving and have developed into a unique art form.

A fan from the late Qing Dynasty, currently housed in the China Fan Museum in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province

       New martial arts novels have helped shape impressions of traditional fan culture, highlighting fans functioning as weapons. Characters such as Chu Liuxiang—a master who brandishes a fan in the novels of Gu Long—have solidified the image of a skilled, fan-wielding martial artist. This image has become iconic in the martial arts world, since it often combines literary and military prowess, grace and charm, and the ability to easily overcome enemies.

　　The action battle royale game Naraka: Bladepoint from NetEase recently introduced a new weapon: the folding fan. With its elegant appearance and graceful design, it has captured the hearts of countless players upon release. The game developers not only unearthed traditions when designing the game’s appearance, but also embodied the spirit of China.

Naraka: Bladepoint: The Folding Fan

 

Strength and Refinement in Design

       As a major producer of fans, China has a wide variety of them, such as feather fans, folding fans, and circular fans. To suit its martial arts setting, Naraka: Bladepoint highlighted the fan as a weapon “combining softness and strength”, using the folding fan as a jumping-off point to design more game elements integrating the material and cultural properties of the folding fan.

　　The default appearance of the fan weapon is called "Baihan" and is designed around the most commonly used material for folding fans: bamboo. However, the development team did not follow the traditional approach of using bamboo as the fan ribs. Instead, they used bamboo as the fan leaves with iron material serving as fan ribs. The combination of cold and sharp iron fan ribs and sharp-edged bamboo pieces created a perfect burst of combat power.

Naraka: Bladepoint: the Folding Fan "Baihan" 

Naraka: Bladepoint: the Folding Fan "Tieyu" 

　　Fans appeared as early as the Yin Dynasty. At that time, they were usually made of iridescent wild chicken feathers. For a long time, feather fans were the mainstream. The image of an ancient strategist with a feather fan is iconic for many. Using the folding fan form, Naraka: Bladepoint’s "Tieyu" skin incorporates elements of feather fans, adapting the structure yet still retaining the ceremonial beauty of the traditional Chinese feather fan and embodying Chinese culture.

 

Worldbuilding With Special Effects and Action

       In Naraka: Bladepoint, the fan’s attack special effects are enhanced with a blade-like aura, with a lingering airflow used to convey the elegance of the fan itself. The fan also includes bamboo-leaf elements, not only matching the bamboo material of the weapon but also echoing the bamboo groves in the martial arts setting. Moreover, the bamboo imagery showcases a graceful, sophisticated demeanor.

　　In terms of skill actions, the game developers have worked to demonstrate how the fan can summon wind, drawing inspiration from media works to incorporate many classic postures and movements.

Naraka: Bladepoint: Fan Skill Action

       In Naraka: Bladepoint, players can experience the elegance and agility of the martial world with each fan weapon move, reminiscent of the iconic knight-errant from classic tales.

 

Spirit and Culture in Folding Fans

　　Folding fans embody the free-spirited nature of the ancient Chinese literati. They can be used or concealed as the situation demands, indicative of a carefree and unrestrained lifestyle. Naraka: Bladepoint does not simply display traditional cultural symbols, but rather explores and conveys the cultural connotations and spirit of Chinese martial arts through its design. The fan weapon skin "Ni Hui Shuo", exhibits both movement and elegance. With its dual day-and-night appearance and unique Golden Souljade special effects, it embodies the philosophic interplay between “Yin” and “Yang” and the harmony between humanity and nature.

Naraka: Bladepoint: "Ni Hui Shuo" Special Effects

　　The fan weapon design encapsulates the essence of Eastern martial arts, showcasing freedom in every move and promoting Chinese culture. From the teaser to the launch, the fan weapon has garnered attention and affection from both Chinese and international players, further adding to the martial charm of Naraka: Bladepoint.

Naraka: Bladepoint: Comments from international players

Naraka: Bladepoint remains committed to integrating traditional Chinese culture with modern styles, exploring cultural connotations from various Chinese cultural treasures to create a profound and contemporary symbol of Chinese culture,  aligning with the goal of NetEase Games.

　　This text is adapted from NetEase ThunderFire Art Center.