Fortnite Community Upset Over Absence of Male V Character in Cyberpunk 2077 Collaboration

Fortnite and Cyberpunk 2077 Collaboration: Fans Disappointed Over Missing Male V Skin

The highly anticipated collaboration between Fortnite and Cyberpunk 2077 has stirred excitement among fans, yet many players are expressing their dissatisfaction regarding the absence of a Male V skin. As players of CD Projekt Red’s cybernetic RPG wait for new skins and cosmetics, the spotlight falls on the gender options available in this crossover.

The Dual Protagonist of Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077, released in late 2020, features two versions of the main character, V: one male and one female. The game is renowned for its rich customization features, which allow players to meticulously craft their ideal character. This capacity for personalization is often cited as one of the game’s greatest strengths.

Teaser Release and Community Reaction

On December 22, Epic Games teased the new Fortnite-branded Cyberpunk cosmetics, showcasing prominent characters like Keanu Reeves’ Johnny Silverhand and the Female version of V, alongside various additional cosmetic items. Despite the exciting reveal, the collaboration did not include a Male V skin, which was first hinted at by dataminers.

We’re expecting some guests from Night City 🌆 pic.twitter.com/kNkV0AdZkX

— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) December 22, 2024

Fan Theories and Insights

The void of Male V in this crossover has led to mixed reactions online. One user on X voiced their frustration, stating, “No Male V? That’s crazy erasure.” This remark sparked a discussion with others suggesting that Female V might be considered the canonical option, explaining why she was prioritized in the collaboration.

Furthermore, some fans speculated that Male V’s association with the game’s controversial launch might have influenced the decision to exclude him. One comment suggested, “My theory is that people relate Male V with the broken launch version of the game, so that’s why they replaced it with the Female V, to distance from the original disaster.” This perspective highlights how the game’s troubled history continues to impact its representation in cross-promotions.

CD Projekt Red’s Controversies

The launch of Cyberpunk 2077 was marred by significant scrutiny due to numerous bugs and performance issues, which led Sony to temporarily remove it from the PlayStation Store. Following the backlash, CD Projekt Red issued a public apology and began offering refunds, attempting to rectify the situation.

In response to the ongoing discourse about Male V’s exclusion, another fan remarked, “These look great but man they really are erasing Male V, aren’t they?” This sentiment reflects the ongoing disappointment felt by parts of the community.

Future Possibilities

While the absence of Male V in this collaboration is notable, it does not imply that he will be permanently sidelined from Fortnite. There remains a possibility that Epic Games could introduce Male V in a separate bundle in the future, along with other popular characters such as Adam Smasher and Panam Palmer.

As excitement builds around this new Fortnite collaboration, the conversation about representation and character choices in crossovers continues to evolve, highlighting the diverse needs and expectations of the gaming community.

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