Sunderfolk’s Title Reveals a Surprising Depth You Never Noticed Before

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The game titled “Sunderfolk” immerses players in an experience reminiscent of a tabletop game with friends, as they band together to safeguard the town of Arden, tucked away amidst the potentially perilous Sunderlands. The interpretation of the game’s title, “Sunderfolk,” remains somewhat enigmatic. Could it be referring to the residents of Arden, the player characters and their companions, the adversaries they encounter, or a combination thereof? According to Dreamhaven and Secret Door, the meaning behind “Sunderfolk” is richly layered, encapsulating various aspects of the game.

In a conversation with Game Rant, Erin Marek, director of Sunderfolk, discussed the significance behind the game’s title. The term ‘Sunderfolk’ holds two meanings: firstly, it represents the splitting or tearing apart (the “sundering”) that has taken place within the game’s universe; secondly, it symbolizes the disruption and upheaval experienced by the inhabitants of Arden, whose lives have been turned upside down due to the catastrophic events that have ravaged their world. The player characters, comprising diverse roles such as the spell-casting Arcanist, the Berserker reminiscent of a barbarian, and others, aim to mend this “sundering” by protecting the town, confronting numerous adversaries, and working tirelessly to restore their damaged world.

The Sunderlands Are A World Cleaved Apart

In my gaming world, ‘Sunder’ means to shatter or split apart. That’s what’s happening in the game ‘Sunderfolk’, where the story unfolds in a realm fractured into factions that are at odds with each other. The main town, Arden, is now cut off from the rest, securely enclosed by the radiant crystal but not free from danger. A sinister substance called ‘shadowstone’ looms over us, threatening to corrupt our town and destroy its protective barrier. It’s up to us, the players, to confront a host of foes and bosses inspired by tabletop role-playing games, ensuring Arden and its people remain safe from the perils lurking in the Sunderlands.

It Is A Sundered World, But Also Filled With Warmth

As a devoted admirer, I must say, despite the Sunderlands being shattered and hazardous, there’s an undeniable warmth permeating its world too. Reminiscent of a charming game, this realm is brimming with endearing animal characters and heartwarming scenes where our party and the NPCs we connect with unite to safeguard their home. This is why “folk” was incorporated into the title – to invoke feelings of warmth, coziness, and comfort that are reminiscent of a folk tale. Marek elaborated further on the decision behind using “folk”, explaining its significance in evoking these delightful emotions.

As a fellow enthusiast, I can’t help but reflect on the dichotomy of our world – a place where division prevails, yet also teeming with creatures who strive for survival amidst harsh conditions. The game, for me, is an enchanting journey that evokes a sense of camaraderie and unity, much like the warmth of folk music that resonates within us. It’s a shared tale, woven together with loved ones, echoing the spirit of folk in a profoundly symbolic manner – we’re not just playing a game; we’re part of a timeless tradition.

The Title Sunderfolk Works On Multiple Levels

Sunder,” meaning the tearing apart of the world, and “folk,” signifying the friendly aspects of the game as well as friendships forged in a cooperative storyline to safeguard the town. Sunderfolk is therefore a multilayered name, symbolizing both the characters within our game and the narrative about a fragmented world that eventually heals. Marek explained that

Ultimately, the game’s title is symbolic in more than one way. Marek clarified that “Sunderfolk” refers to an enchanting subterranean world filled with towering mushrooms, illuminating crystals, and fearsome creatures hidden in the darkness. The title incorporates a hint of its underground environment, as ‘under’ is subtly included, making it an apt representation of this cooperative tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) inspired video game that blends themes of a world in ruins, a sense of home, and the literal underworld setting.

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2025-04-22 19:14