Cyberpunk 2077 (Video Game)

Cyberpunk 2077 is a video game developed and published by CD Projekt RED, belonging to the open-world, action-adventure, and role-playing genres. The game was announced in 2012 and released on December 10, 2020. Cyberpunk 2077 is based on Mike Pondsmith’s tabletop role-playing game Cyberpunk 2020. Its expansion pack, Phantom Liberty, was released on September 26, 2023; the Ultimate Edition, which includes both the base game and the expansion, was released on December 5, 2023, alongside a 2.1 patch featuring new features and improvements.

Visual from Night City (Cyberpunk)

Origin and History of the Universe

1989–2012: The Dawn of a Dark Future

The Cyberpunk universe is set on an alternate timeline rooted in the late 1980s. During this period, the United States is taken over by a secret coup led by a group known as the “Quartet,” composed of leaders from the CIA, FBI, NSA, and DEA. This group initiates a governance model that prioritizes profit over public welfare, leading to the collapse of the state.

The United States, under the guise of a “War on Drugs and Communism” conducted in South America, seeks to seize control of the region’s natural resources. Tensions with European cartels culminate in 1993 with a nuclear bomb detonated in Manhattan by a Colombian cartel. By 1994, it is revealed that the United States has manipulated global markets using revenue from illegal arms sales, triggering a worldwide economic collapse.

By the end of the 1990s, wars, natural disasters (such as a 10.5-magnitude earthquake in Los Angeles), and pandemics cause massive destruction. Several states secede as independent “Free States.” During this time, the European Union (known in the game as the United Europe), China, Japan, and Korea become more stable. The eurodollar (€$ or colloquially “eddie”) emerges as the global currency. Major corporations such as Arasaka, PetroChem, SovOil, BioTechnica, and MiliTech attain power comparable to that of nation-states.

2013: Soulkiller and Johnny Silverhand

In 2013, legendary rock star and former soldier Johnny Silverhand’s lover, Alt Cunningham, is kidnapped by Arasaka. Alt is the developer of Soulkiller, a software capable of transferring human consciousness into digital space and imprisoning it there. While attempting to rescue Alt, she transfers her consciousness into the digital realm and escapes, but is unable to return to her physical body, becoming trapped within the system.

2021–2023: The Fourth Corporate War and the Fall of Night City

In 2021, competition between Arasaka and MiliTech escalates into the Fourth Corporate War. By 2023, the war reaches its peak in Night City. A nuclear explosion at Arasaka’s headquarters kills thousands. During this explosion, Johnny Silverhand is presumed dead while participating in an assault on Arasaka. However, his consciousness is transferred to a neurochip and survives. In 2077, this chip is acquired by the game’s protagonist, V.

2024–2070: Reconstruction and a New Order

The period following the nuclear war, during which the sky retains a reddish hue, is known as the “Red Era.” While nation-states regain strength, megacorporations continue their operations more covertly. The global communication network, the Net (internet), is destroyed by a virus released by the hacker Rache Bartmoss. A new network infrastructure is built, while the old Net becomes a dangerous realm filled with sentient viruses and artificial intelligences. To separate the new network from the corrupted old Net, Netwatch constructs a digital barrier known as the Blackwall.

2070: Reunification and the Status of Night City

In 2069, the New United States of America (NUSA) declares war on the independent Free States. Night City, located at the border between South California’s annexation by NUSA and North California’s rejection of the merger, becomes caught in the conflict. A peace agreement is reached in 2070, granting Night City the status of an international free city. This status allows major corporations such as Arasaka to reestablish their bases within the city.

Main character V and Night City (Cyberpunk)

Cyberpunk 2077: Narrative and Gameplay

Cyberpunk 2077 transports players to the year 2077 in Night City. The protagonist, V, is a mercenary enhanced with various cybernetic implants. The game allows players to choose from different life paths—Nomad, Street Kid, or Corpo—each offering distinct dialogue options, mission approaches, and endings. V acquires a neurochip stolen from Arasaka, which contains the digital consciousness of Johnny Silverhand. Through this chip, V becomes embroiled in a struggle for survival and control over their own mind.

Night City

Night City is an independent city-state located on the west coast of North America, at the convergence point of California. Founded in 1994 by entrepreneur Richard Night, the city was renamed “Night City” after his death in 1998. By 2077, Night City has attained the status of a free city, falling under the influence of major corporations and organized crime.

Cyberpunk 2077: The Protagonist

V (Vincent / Valerie)

The player-controlled main character. Gender, background, and abilities are determined by the player. V struggles to survive as a mercenary in Night City while grappling with the influence of the neurochip containing Johnny Silverhand’s consciousness.

Cyberpunk 2077: Notable Supporting Characters

• Jackie Welles: A former member of the Valentino street gang and one of V’s first allies.
• Judy Alvarez: A technician and Braindance operator affiliated with the The Moxes gang. She forms close personal bonds with V, with the depth of the relationship depending on player choices.
• Meredith Stout: Senior operations manager at the weapons manufacturer MiliTech. A rigid and arrogant character.
• Dexter "Dex" DeShawn: A “Fixer,” or criminal contact, who hires V for a major job but proves untrustworthy.
• T-Bug: A skilled netrunner and cyberpunk pirate with expertise in manipulating digital systems and disabling cybernetic implants.
• Johnny Silverhand: A charismatic musician and anti-corporate figure from the 2020s. His real name is Robert John Linder. His struggle against Arasaka functions both as a guide and a conflicting consciousness within the game.

Phantom Liberty and the Final Expansion Pack

Expansion Pack Phantom Liberty (Cyberpunk)

The Phantom Liberty expansion pack takes players to a new district called Dogtown. V collaborates with federal agent Solomon Reed to counter the destructive effects of the neurochip. The expansion introduces new characters, weapons, mission options, and additional narrative endings.