A Longing for Humanity. Dehumanisation in the Music of the Video Game Cyberpunk 2077 Cover Image

Tęsknota za człowieczeństwem. Dehumanizacja w muzyce gry Cyberpunk 2077
A Longing for Humanity. Dehumanisation in the Music of the Video Game Cyberpunk 2077

Author(s): Tomasz Bonikowski
Subject(s): Media studies, Sociology of Culture, Theory of Literature, Sociology of Literature
Published by: Uniwersytet Adama Mickiewicza
Keywords: video games; cyberpunk; music; dehumanisation; interpretation;

Summary/Abstract: Video games are often analysed as textual objects. This default literary point of view, while providing valuable conclusions, fails to observe some essential points that are realised in different modes of narration. Here I will analyse the Cyberpunk 2077 video game from a musical perspective. I will be “listening to” the game rather than “reading” it. This kind of hermeneutical approach will highlight certain ideas of CP2077. I will focus on the issue of dehumanisation, and show that musically the game places special emphasis on this. I will point out the musical characteristics that can affect players and interpret the rationale behind it.

  • Issue Year: 2023
  • Issue No: 39
  • Page Range: 121-139
  • Page Count: 19
  • Language: Polish