Have you ever wondered why we don't see male V featured prominently in the marketing for Cyberpunk 2077 after its relaunch? The answer, as explained by the creative director of Cyberpunk 2, is refreshingly straightforward.
When Cyberpunk 2077 underwent its significant relaunch with the 2.0 update and the new Phantom Liberty expansion, it was female V who emerged as the central figure in the promotional materials. Even more than two years after its initial release, with the RPG continuing to perform well and draw in new players, this trend remains unchanged.
This shift has led fans to question the fate of male V, who once dominated the game's pre-launch marketing campaign. If you've purchased a physical copy of the game that was released back in 2020, you might recall that his image graced the cover. As the game transformed from a troubled launch into one of the most acclaimed titles in recent gaming history, male V has seemingly faded into the background, becoming somewhat of a nostalgic figure. Now, he is conspicuously absent from the official promotional materials, sparking curiosity and even conspiracy theories across social media platforms. However, the truth behind this decision is much simpler than many might think; it’s not merely a matter of market research indicating a preference for female V or some nefarious agenda.
Igor Sarzynski, the creative director for Cyberpunk 2, provided a clear explanation when asked about this subject on BlueSky. He stated, "Male V had the entire base game marketing focused on him." The development team decided to promote the Phantom Liberty expansion with a balanced approach, opting for an equal representation of both characters. "One game for each V," Sarzynski noted, succinctly summarizing their strategy.
It's likely that such a significant shift in promotional focus involved more extensive discussions within the team, beyond what Sarzynski conveyed. While we lack concrete data on how players choose between male and female V, it's widely believed among dedicated fans that both character versions offer enjoyable experiences that resonate equally well with players. This situation differs from the well-known case of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, where many players concluded that Kassandra stood out as the superior protagonist compared to Alexios.
Choosing between male and female V extends beyond mere aesthetic preferences or voice acting choices; it also affects the romantic relationships available to the player. Many seasoned players agree that experiencing the game through both characters is advisable to fully appreciate its rich narrative branches and diverse romantic partners, which can significantly enhance the storyline.
Some argue that female V presents a more compelling option due to the Judy romance, which contributes uniquely to the overarching plot, unlike other relationships. That said, players are treated to outstanding opportunities and voice performances regardless of the character they select.
We find ourselves curious about the actual statistics regarding player choices for Cyberpunk 2077's protagonists, as well as the various life paths players can take. Yet, if we take Sarzynski's comments at face value, it seems that CD Projekt Red's decision to shift the spotlight was made without extensive contemplation.
What do you think about this marketing strategy? Do you have a preference for male or female V? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
