Since Cyberpunk 2077, the Cyberpunk Setting Has Become Its Own Genre

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For many, CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077 was an experience that didn't reach the heights of its lofty promotional material, yet the steps it has made since to redeem itself after a disappointing launch have been significant and welcomed. CD Projekt Red has done well to align the finished product with what was initially promised, and though the game has a long way to go, it offers engaging, innovative gameplay and solid story elements. However, while its improvements are evident, the pre-release footage and mass anticipation have also been influential for the industry as a whole.

Cyberpunk 2077's presence was felt among fans years before it hit shelves in the fall of 2020, with trailers, in-depth gameplay presentations, and striking merchandise all contributing to the sky-high excitement for the game. In the years leading up to its release, the Cyberpunk setting was used by a number of creatives on several projects. It's likely that many used it as a subtle attempt to capitalize on Cyberpunk 2077's hype, as the rocketing trend of neon-infused, rain-soaked locations was hard for players and developers to look past. Since CD Projekt Red set its recent release in a corporate dystopia, it's become a recurring theme in games, for better or worse.

Cyberpunk 2077 DLC Should Correct Its Morgan Blackhand Mistake

Cyberpunk 2077 is not the first game to take advantage of a dystopian setting, nor is it the first to present an immersive, virtual take on the fictional subgenre. It's the most prevalent in recent memory, but the likes of Hideo Kojima's Snatcher, and Deus Ex found success in the genre far before CD Projekt Red had even found its footing in the industry. The Poland-based company was the one to adapt the genre's beginnings,