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Cyberpunk 2077

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Secondary Research
Secondary Research
Introduction to Cyberpunk:

Origin- In science fiction circles, "cyberpunk" is a genre


that often features countercultural antiheroes trapped in
a dehumanizing high-tech future. Its roots extend back to
the technical fiction of the 1940s and '50s, but it was
years before it matured. The word cyberpunk was
coined by writer Bruce Bethke, who wrote a story with
that title in 1980. He created the term by combining
"cybernetics," the science of replacing human
functions with computerized ones, and "punk," the
raucous music and nihilistic sensibility that became a
youth culture in the 1970s and '80s. Not until the 1984
publication of William Gibson's novel, Neuromancer ,
however, did "cyberpunk" really take off as a term or a
genre.
Key Themes- Cyberpunk narratives often incorporate a
sense of hopelessness or nihilism, typically featuring a gritty
and violent backdrop, with crime, artificial intelligence, class
uprising, governmental and corporate corruption, anarchy,
gang warfare, and transhumanism all being central themes.
The range is broad but the combination of these themes in the
cyberpunk aesthetic is often used to convey deeper meanings
and commentate on modern society and sometimes
predictions of future society.
Elements- Cyberpunk is a genre known for its distinct aesthetic and
thematic elements. These elements contribute to the genre's portrayal
of a dystopian, high-tech, and often noir-inspired future. Here are
some key elements of cyberpunk:
1. High-Tech, Low-Life Setting:
-High-Tech: Cyberpunk worlds are characterized by advanced
technology, including cybernetic enhancements, artificial intelligence,
and virtual reality. The technology is often seamlessly integrated into
everyday life.
-Low-Life: Despite technological advancements, cyberpunk settings
depict a gritty and often dystopian urban environment. The
juxtaposition of high-tech gadgets with societal decay creates a
distinctive atmosphere.
2. Futuristic Cityscapes:
- Mega-cities with towering skyscrapers, neon lights, and bustling
streets are iconic in cyberpunk. These urban environments represent a
concentration of power, wealth, and technology, often controlled by
mega-corporations.

3. Cybernetic Enhancements:
- Humans in cyberpunk worlds frequently undergo extensive body
modifications, known as cyberware or cybernetic enhancements.
These can range from implants enhancing physical abilities to neural
upgrades that improve cognition.
4. Corporate Dominance:
- Mega-corporations exert significant control over society, politics,
and the economy. They are often portrayed as powerful, unregulated
entities with their own agendas, contributing to social inequality and
corruption.

5. Hackers and Cyber Warfare:


- Hacking and cyber warfare are common themes. Characters known
as hackers or net runners use their skills to manipulate information,
infiltrate systems, and challenge corporate dominance in virtual
spaces.
6. Dystopian Societal Themes:
- Cyberpunk often explores dystopian elements such as authoritarian
governments, social decay, and the erosion of civil liberties. The genre
delves into the consequences of unchecked technological
advancement and its impact on societal structures.

7. Street-Level Crime and Noir Tropes:


- The genre frequently incorporates noir elements, including hard-
boiled protagonists, morally ambiguous characters, and street-level
crime. Private detectives, mercenaries, and antiheroes navigate a
morally complex world.
8. Virtual Reality and Cyberspace:
- Virtual reality and cyberspace are integral to cyberpunk narratives.
Characters enter digital realms where they can manipulate data,
engage in hacking, and confront AI entities. These virtual spaces are
often visually distinct and symbolic.

9. Transhumanism:
- Themes of transhumanism explore the blurring of boundaries
between humans and machines. The genre questions the ethical
implications of body augmentation, mind uploading, and the pursuit of
immortality through technology.
10. Social Inequality:
- Cyberpunk often highlights the stark divisions between the
privileged elite and the impoverished masses. The gap between those
who can afford advanced technology and those left behind creates
tension and conflict.

11. Globalization and Cultural Fusion:


- Cyberpunk worlds reflect a globalized society with a fusion of
cultural influences. Elements of Asian aesthetics, particularly inspired
by Japanese culture, are common in cyberpunk visual design.
12. Resistance Movements:
- In response to oppressive systems and corporate control, cyberpunk
narratives often feature resistance movements. Hacktivists, rebels, and
anti-establishment groups fight against the status quo.
These elements collectively contribute to the immersive and
captivating nature of cyberpunk, allowing the genre to explore
complex themes related to technology, humanity, and the
consequences of unchecked power.
Visual Aesthetics:
Cyberpunk design is characterized by a distinctive set of visual
elements that contribute to its immersive and futuristic atmosphere.
"Cyberpunk 2077" embraces these elements to create a visually
striking and thematically consistent experience.
1. Neon Lights:
- Neon lights are a quintessential feature of cyberpunk aesthetics.
They often illuminate the dark, rainy streets of futuristic cities,
providing a vibrant and surreal atmosphere. In "Cyberpunk 2077," neon
lights are used extensively to convey the high-tech, low-life ambiance
of Night City. The game's streets are filled with colourful neon signs,
holographic advertisements, and glowing symbols, creating a visually
stunning and immersive environment.
2. Futuristic Cityscapes:
- Cyberpunk settings typically depict sprawling, densely populated
urban landscapes dominated by towering skyscrapers, advanced
technology, and a mix of architectural styles. "Cyberpunk 2077"
faithfully adheres to this trope with the depiction of Night City, a
sprawling metropolis filled with towering megastructures, elevated
highways, and densely packed urban environments. The cityscape
creates a sense of verticality and scale, emphasizing the contrast
between the gleaming skyscrapers and the gritty streets below.
3. High-Tech and Low-Life:
- The cyberpunk genre often explores the dichotomy between
advanced technology and societal decay. In "Cyberpunk 2077," this
duality is evident in the contrast between the high-tech elements
such as futuristic vehicles, advanced weaponry, and cybernetic
enhancements, and the gritty, often dilapidated urban environments.
This creates a sense of a society that has embraced cutting-edge
technology but struggles with the consequences of social inequality
and corruption.
4. Colour Schemes:
- Cyberpunk visuals frequently employ a bold and vibrant colour
palette, with a strong emphasis on neon hues. "Cyberpunk 2077" uses a
mix of bright, saturated colours such as blues, pinks, and purples,
often against a dark or rainy backdrop. This colour scheme contributes
to the game's stylized and visually intense presentation, enhancing the
futuristic and otherworldly feel of Night City.
5. Lighting:
- Lighting plays a crucial role in creating the mood and atmosphere of
cyberpunk settings. In "Cyberpunk 2077," dynamic lighting is used to
great effect. Neon signs, holographic displays, and artificial lighting
sources contribute to a vibrant and dynamic cityscape. The interplay
of light and shadow adds depth to the environments, creating visually
compelling scenes and enhancing the overall immersion
Technological Aspects:
Advanced technology is a central and defining aspect of cyberpunk
settings, including "Cyberpunk 2077." In the genre, technology often
plays a dual role, serving as both a tool for empowerment and a source
of societal issues and conflicts.
1. Body Modification and Cybernetics:
- One of the prominent features of cyberpunk is the widespread use
of cybernetic enhancements. In "Cyberpunk 2077," characters can
undergo extensive body modifications, enhancing their physical and
cognitive abilities. This technology, while offering individuals a means
to augment themselves, also raises ethical and social questions. The
divide between those who can afford high-end cybernetics and those
who cannot creates a visible class distinction, contributing to the
overarching theme of societal inequality.
2. Surveillance and Control:
- Advanced surveillance technologies are pervasive in cyberpunk
narratives. In "Cyberpunk 2077," the omnipresence of surveillance
cameras, corporate control, and the ability to hack into systems
reflects the theme of a dystopian society under constant observation.
The convergence of technology and authoritarian control is a recurring
motif, where individuals may have enhanced capabilities, but their
privacy is compromised.
3. AI and Automation:
- The presence of advanced artificial intelligence and automation is
another key element in cyberpunk settings. In "Cyberpunk 2077,"
corporations wield powerful AI to manage and control various aspects
of society. The impact of AI on employment, as well as its potential to
be used as a tool of manipulation and oppression, is explored. The
game delves into the consequences of a society heavily reliant on AI-
driven systems.
4. Virtual Reality and Cyberspace:
- Cyberpunk often involves a blurring of the lines between physical
and virtual realities. In "Cyberpunk 2077," characters can enter a virtual
realm known as the Net. This cyberspace represents a digital frontier
where hackers and corporations engage in battles for control. The
exploration of virtual reality adds a layer of complexity to the
narrative, questioning the nature of reality and the consequences of
an interconnected, digitized world.
5. Corporate Hegemony:
- Corporate dominance over technology is a recurring theme in
cyberpunk, and "Cyberpunk 2077" is no exception. Mega-corporations
control not only advanced technologies but also wield significant
influence over the political and social landscape. The consequences of
unchecked corporate power, including exploitation, environmental
degradation, and the erosion of individual freedoms, are integral to the
storyline.
6. Ethical Dilemmas:
- The use of advanced technology in cyberpunk settings often leads
to ethical dilemmas. In "Cyberpunk 2077," players are presented with
choices that raise questions about the consequences of their actions,
the impact on the lives of NPCs (non-player characters), and the moral
implications of the technology-driven society depicted in the game.
Fashion and Style:
- Cyberpunk fashion is a distinctive and integral aspect of
the genre, and "Cyberpunk 2077" showcases a diverse
array of styles that not only serve as aesthetic choices but
also convey important themes related to technology,
societal structures, and individual identity.
1. High-Tech Aesthetics:
- Cyberpunk fashion often features high-tech, futuristic
aesthetics. In "Cyberpunk 2077," characters wear clothing
that incorporates advanced materials, LED lighting, and
augmented reality displays. The clothing reflects the
integration of technology into everyday life, blurring the
lines between fashion and functionality. High-tech
fabrics, holographic patterns, and illuminated accessories
contribute to the visually striking and technologically
advanced atmosphere of Night City.
2. Body Modifications and Cyberware:
- Clothing in "Cyberpunk 2077" is designed to
accommodate the widespread use of cybernetic
enhancements and body modifications. Characters sport
a variety of cyberware, such as robotic limbs, neural
implants, and synthetic enhancements. Fashion serves as
a means of expressing one's augmented identity, with
outfits often designed to showcase and complement
cybernetic enhancements. The blending of fashion and
body modification reinforces the idea of a society where
the line between human and machine is increasingly
blurred.
3. Corporate Influence:
- The influence of mega-corporations is evident in the
fashion of Night City. Corporate logos, branding, and
styles associated with powerful corporations dominate
the fashion landscape. The clothing worn by characters
often reflects their social status and allegiances, with
high-ranking corporate figures sporting sleek, high-end
attire, while those on the fringes of society may adopt a
more rebellious or utilitarian style.
4. Street Fashion and Subcultures:
- Cyberpunk fashion is not solely defined by corporate
influences; it also includes vibrant street fashion and various
subcultures. In "Cyberpunk 2077," the streets of Night City
showcase a mix of styles influenced by punk, goth,
cybergoth, and other subcultures. Street fashion becomes a
form of resistance, a way for individuals to express their
identity in a world dominated by corporate interests. The
customization options in the game allow players to embrace
and experiment with these diverse styles.
5. Practicality and Functionality:
- The harsh and gritty environment of Night City
influences the practicality of cyberpunk fashion. Clothing
is designed not only for style but also for functionality
and survival. Characters wear Armor, utility belts, and
accessories that serve a practical purpose in the
dangerous and unpredictable urban landscape. This
utilitarian aspect of cyberpunk fashion reflects the need
for individuals to adapt to the challenges of their
environment.
6. Retro-Futurism:
- Cyberpunk often incorporates a sense of retro-
futurism, blending futuristic elements with a nostalgic
nod to past eras. In "Cyberpunk 2077," this is evident in
clothing styles that draw inspiration from the 1980s and
1990s. The juxtaposition of retro aesthetics with cutting-
edge technology creates a visually dynamic and culturally
rich environment.
Thank You!
Group Members- Aboli Dodal, Aditi Taday, Krishna Das, Rishiraj Roy, Divyanshu, Tanay

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