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Transmedia and Cyberpunk 2077

Transmedia storytelling has become increasingly popular in contemporary artistic works and video games. This concept involves extending a narrative across multiple media platforms rather than confining it to a single medium like film, TV, or literature.1 Jasmina Kallay's book of "Gaming Film How Games are Reshaping Contemporary Cinema”, in the chapter “Transmedia: The Film–Game Symbiosis" displays insight into this phenomenon, and I agree with the idea. "Symbiosis," as described in the title, refers to the interaction between two distinct entities that coexist and mutually benefit from each other. This term appropriately captures the essence of transmedia, where multiple genres converge to provide a comprehensive and authentic experience to the audience.

An example of transmedia is in the video game Cyberpunk 2077 (2020). It is an action role-playing video game set in the anti-utopia metropolis of Night City in the future protagonist V has a series of fights with the upper class and ends in different choices. This game not only exists as a standalone experience but also expands its universe through additional media, such as an animation series called Cyberpunk: Edgerunners (2022), which was posted on Netflix following the game's launch two years later. Following the release of the animation, Cyberpunk 2077 quickly attracted numerous new players eager to explore its immersive game world. By various media forms, Cyberpunk 2077 effectively immerses its audience in the dystopian metropolis of Night City, fostering engagement and a deeper sense of immersion. Within Cyberpunk 2077, developers integrated elements of an Alternate Reality Game (ARG). They embedded cryptic puzzles within the game world, creating a connection between the virtual realm and real-world challenges. The puzzles are begin with hex number “FF06B5”. This integration not only active participation from fans in discovering the game universe to decrypting these puzzles but also develops philosophical concepts such as ontology, enriching the narrative experience. The result of puzzles breaks the fourth wall, where a non-playable character (NPC) discovers the player's role as an observer of the game world, blurring the lines between the virtual and actual realities. Kallay's idea of "Everyone’s a filmmaker" is particularly relevant here. Cyberpunk 2077 is a branching narrative, driven by player choices leading to multiple endings, which empowers players to craft their own cinematic experiences. Through machinimas, films created using in-game footage, players can shape narratives aligned with their preferences and decisions, further enhancing the game's replayability and creative potential.2

Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

Puzzle-FF:06:B5

Transmedia, as exemplified by works like Cyberpunk 2077, demonstrates the power of blending diverse media to create immersive narratives. Through multiple platforms such as games, animations, and interactive experiences, audiences are immersed in rich story worlds that extend beyond traditional boundaries. The integration of Alternate Reality Game (ARG) and player-driven narratives adds layers of engagement and depth, bringing active participation and exploration of complex themes. Furthermore, increasing the number of platforms does not necessarily lead to a linear increase in engagement. Creators should prioritize the quality of each medium to ensure a more impactful and immersive experience for the audience. In conclusion, transmedia provides a comprehensive storytelling experience, making it a compelling strategy for contemporary storytelling and media production.

Jasmina Kallay, Transmedia: The Film-Game Symbiosis (Palgrave Macmillan UK, 2013), 92.

Ibid., 87.