Discussions regarding the perceived disappearance of the male version of V from Cyberpunk 2077’s promotional materials tend to resurface with almost every new CD Projekt RED campaign. This debate regained significant traction following the release of the studio’s fifth-anniversary tribute video.
During the game’s initial launch phase, male V served as the primary face of the project. However, subsequent trailers and key art shifted the spotlight toward the female iteration of the character. This transition sparked heated arguments among the fanbase, with some accusing the studio of intentional favoritism.
Igor Sarzyński, a lead at CD Projekt RED, addressed the situation by confirming that the change in marketing focus was a deliberate strategic move. According to Sarzyński, the studio aimed to balance visibility between both versions of the protagonist to ensure they were perceived as “one cohesive game.” While male V anchored the early stages of promotion, the female version became the representative for later campaigns.
This methodology was intended to grant both character variations a lasting presence in pop culture while emphasizing the freedom of choice that defines the Cyberpunk 2077 experience. The studio maintains that rotating the protagonists allowed each version of V to have its own dedicated moment in the public eye.
Source: iXBT.games