We have all heard of the great conflict between Steampunk and Magic, and have seen multiple iterations of it in movies, games, books, etcetera. But what would the love child between these genres look like? How would this new genre apply to a story?
Arcanepunk, while not as widely acknowledged as the aforementioned genres above, still performs the same functions as well, if not better, than its parent parts. Arcanepunk can be defined as the widespread utilization of magic as something that can be used day to day by civilians via special catalysts and technology, such as Magitek, or at the least, used in conjunction of one another.
Unlike Steampunk, which is a sub-genre typically limited to worlds that carry a Victorian-esque demeanor, Arcanepunk can be seen in many different worlds. While centralize Arcanepunk as a crucial element to a story (due to its inherent commonality in the world it's set in), it is what breathes life into an otherwise mundane setting.
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The word "Arcanepunk" started to appear in the internet in 2007, around the same time the sub-genres Cyberpunk and Steampunk became popular. The first rendition of Arcanepunk, however, as far as I could find, could be read in Too Many Magicians by Randall Garrett, first published in 1966. An Alternate History story inspired by the tales of Sherlock Holmes, it is a detective thriller that incorporates both magic and technology in a harmonious manner. Other popular works that incorporate Arcanepunk elements also include Warcraft, Shadowrun, and The Elder Scrolls- seems like the sub-genre is quite popular in video games, particularly those with High Fantasy worlds.
Magic and Technology, so advanced that the everyday commoner could use it. Sounds like where the Human race now should be, right? Well, one could wish for the day.
I've only recently been introduced to Arcanepunk, when I first started playing Guild Wars 2, where technology is so prevalent but, in lore, every single individual carries with them innate magic that they can practice if they so choose. The idea fascinated me so that it drove me to write lengthy forums on the matter: If we had magic of our own, if it were so commonplace, would we treat it now that we may with our cell phones today?
