Aside from the fact that a global pandemic is happening in real time, there are more implications to the cyberpunk genre than us chanting “Cyberpunk Is Now” at the top of our lungs. We may (or may not) be doing that anyways. . .
Unfortunately, we can’t afford to wear one of hiroto ikeuchi’s designer cyberpunk masks, as seen in the featured image above, so instead, let’s take a look at what the COVID-19 shutdown orders mean for the much-awaited Cyberpunk 2077 from Polish game studio CD Projekt Red. What’s happening with the Matrix 4?
Leave it to CyberPunks.com to fill you in.
Juan Gimenez dies from COVID-19 complications
One sad result was the death of Juan Gimenez, an acclaimed comic book artist who happened to draw one of my favorite, and maybe the most iconic, illustration of Case and Molly Millions from the Cyberpunk classic Neuromancer. Juan, you will be sorely missed. May you rest in peace.
The Matrix 4 is delayed
Another unfortunate result of COVID-19 is the delays of major Hollywood productions, which affects the production of The Matrix 4. Variety has reported that production of may have to be delayed until at least mid-May. This may affect the release date of May 21st, 2021, but since it’s far out enough, it may be possible that it won’t be pushed back too much. John Wick 4 will also probably be delayed, so we’ll see if Keanu Reeves day will still be a thing, but as I mentioned before, I doubt both will end up releasing on the same day. No word on Bill & Ted.
CD Projekt Red gives back
CD Projekt Red, which is of course the major Video Game Production company behind the upcoming Cyberpunk 2077, agreed to donate $950,000 to help fight the disease. “In these hard times, every help counts…We would also like to thank the entire medical service and everyone involved in the fight against the virus. Risking your own health, you fight for ours every day – your hard work is our inspiration.”
Tesla promises ventilators
Tesla is doing its part by doing its best to start cranking out desperately-needed ventilators. Elon Musk recently announced that Tesla’s New York Gigafactory would be re-opening to start producing these ventilators as soon as possible.
Final Thoughts
It looks like for the next couple months, COVID-19 is here to stay. How will the world look post-coronavirus? Will it spur the entire world to becoming more virtual, more online, and using more drones? Is this a jump forward towards a Cyberpunk future?
I certainly think so, or at least, it will move things along more quickly. Finally, what do you think about coronavirus and COVID-19? Are there any more connections between Cyberpunk and the Coronavirus that I didn’t mention?
Make sure to let us know in the comments below.
Portions of the article above previously appeared on the website, Cyberpunk Matrix. They appear here with permission of their original author.
