Why is Your Character in Cyberpunk 2077 Called 'V'? Unraveling the Localization Mystery

In the world of Cyberpunk 2077, the choice of the protagonist's name, V, has sparked curiosity among players. This article delves into the reasoning behind this choice, exploring the challenges of localization and highlighting interesting character details.

The Localization Dilemma in Cyberpunk 2077

One of the key decisions that led to the choice of V as the protagonist's name was rooted in the game's localization efforts. The developers faced a significant challenge when it came to the game's localization into various languages, particularly languages with complex grammatical systems like Polish.

Polish Language Challenges: In Polish, the language used for localization, the use of grammatical gender is crucial. Different endings are added to words depending on the gender of the speaker and the referent. For instance, the word for 'car' - samochód - would change depending on the sex of the protagonist:

If a male character: Samochód Shepard rarr; 'Shepard's car' If a female character: Samochód Volodymyr rarr; 'Volodymyr's car'

This complexity required the recording of NPC lines multiple times, once for each gender, which could have significantly impacted the development timeline and resources. By choosing a gender-neutral name like V, the developers were able to streamline this process, making the game more efficient and accessible to translators and voice actors.

Understanding V's Character Identity

Although the character's name V is gender-neutral, it's important to note that it can be either male or female depending on the player's choice. However, the game includes several interesting moments where V's background is discussed, revealing more about the character's identity.

Act 2: The Clouds Club Mission

In one of the most memorable dialogue sequences, V interacts with a Joy toy, a female companion in the game, during the mission in the Clouds club. The Joy toy, whose name is Valerie, directly references a different part of V's past:

Valerie's Dialogue: 'V, call me Valerie. Those closest to me use my true name.'

This scene not only highlights the complexity of the character but also introduces the concept of a 'true name' and a 'nickname'. Further exploration of this excerpt:

Exploring the True Name and Nickname Concept

The use of a 'true name' versus a 'nickname' in the game can be seen as a reflection of V's secret identity. Valerie (and by extension, V) presents a dual aspect to the player, showcasing how the protagonist is known to different people in the game world.

True Name and Nickname:

V: The default, gender-neutral name used in-game across genders and situations Valerie/Val: A more personal, perhaps stronger or more intimate name, signifying a deeper connection to V

This duality suggests that V's character is complex, with different identities and facets. The rejoice in using V's true name could be a form of affection or trust, adding layers to the character's development throughout the game.

Conclusion

Choosing V as the protagonist's name for Cyberpunk 2077 was a strategic decision, rooted in the challenges of localization and the intricate aspects of grammatical gender in languages like Polish. This choice not only streamlined the production process but also added depth to the gameplay and character identity. Whether you play as a male or female V, the game offers a rich exploration of the protagonist's background and the importance of identity in a futuristic narrative.