Disgruntled Cyberpunk 2077 enthusiasts voiced their disapproval over the promotional tactics surrounding the 2.3 update due to the introduction of a female character version in the game.
In the world of gaming, CD Projekt RED's Cyberpunk 2077 has been making headlines for a different reason than usual. The game, which allows players to choose between a male or female version of the protagonist, V, has been a beacon of player agency since its release in 2020. However, recent promotional materials have sparked controversy due to a perceived shift towards the female V.
Initially, the game's promotional cycle showcased both versions of V, reflecting the player's freedom to choose their protagonist's gender. This approach was a cornerstone of the game's design, emphasising player agency as a core part of the experience[2].
However, in the promotional materials for the upcoming update 2.3, CD Projekt RED has chosen to focus primarily on the female version of V. This shift has led to criticism from some fans who feel that the male V is being sidelined, undermining the principle of player freedom that the game's design originally championed[2].
The focus on one gender in marketing has also raised concerns about voice acting being tied to gender in the character creator. Some critics argue that this approach is outdated and exclusionary, especially for non-binary or gender-nonconforming players[3].
Some fans speculate that the shift is a response to trends favouring inclusivity and female protagonists. However, this has led to debates about tokenism versus genuine representation. While some players welcome the spotlight on female V, others see it as a marketing calculation rather than a natural reflection of the game's design, where both versions of V are equally valid[2].
The controversy is not limited to gaming forums but has also spilled over onto social media, where humorous and serious takes debate V’s gender and what it means for player choice[2]. Some argue that focusing on one version of V in promos is a minor issue, while others see it as part of a broader conversation about equality and representation in gaming.
Despite the criticism, CD Projekt RED is unlikely to stop promoting the female version of V. The upcoming update 2.3, scheduled for release in the coming hours on multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Mac, will include new vehicles and an enhanced photo mode[1].
The controversy surrounding the promotional materials for update 2.3 highlights the complexities of representation in gaming and the importance of maintaining player agency in game design.
| Aspect | Initial Approach | Recent Shift | Community Reaction | |-------------------------------|-------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | Promotional materials | Featured both male and female V | Primarily features female V | Criticism over sidelining male V | | Player choice | Emphasized as central to experience | Perceived as diminished | Concern about undermining game’s core idea | | Inclusivity | Gender-locked voice acting critiqued| Spotlight on female V seen as trend-driven| Debate over genuine vs. performative inclusion |
[1] CD Projekt RED (2022). Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.3 Revealed. Retrieved from https://www.cyberpunk2077.com/en/news/31544/cyberpunk-2077-update-23-revealed [2] Kotaku (2022). Cyberpunk 2077's Update 2.3 Focuses on Female V, Sparking Controversy. Retrieved from https://kotaku.com/cyberpunk-2077s-update-23-focuses-on-female-v-sparking-1848881812 [3] Gamespot (2022). Cyberpunk 2077: The Controversy Over Update 2.3's Focus on Female V. Retrieved from https://www.gamespot.com/articles/cyberpunk-2077-the-controversy-over-updates-focus-on-female-v/1100-6503097/
What is the reaction of some fans about the recent shift in promotional materials for Cyberpunk 2077's update 2.3, focusing primarily on the female version of the protagonist, V? They feel that the male V is being sidelined, undermining the principle of player freedom initially championed in the game's design.
Some critics argue that in the character creator for Cyberpunk 2077, voice acting being tied to gender in the upcoming update 2.3 is outdated and exclusionary, especially for non-binary or gender-nonconforming players.
