Are the Cyberpunk Books Canon?
When it comes to the Cyberpunk universe, fans and enthusiasts alike are often wondering about the canon status of the books. Are the novels and short stories within the franchise considered part of the official narrative, or are they mere spin-offs? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Cyberpunk, exploring the relationship between the books and the franchise.
What Makes a Story Canon?
Before we dive into the specifics of Cyberpunk, let’s discuss what makes a story "canon." In fiction, canon refers to the official and accepted narrative that is recognized by the franchise’s creators and owners. This includes novels, games, comics, and films that are considered part of the official storyline.
In the case of Cyberpunk, the franchise’s owner, CD Projekt Red, has confirmed that the official narrative includes the video game Cyberpunk 2077, as well as selected novels and short stories that are specifically designated as canon.
Firestorm Series: The Gray Area
One of the most notable debates surrounding the canon status of the Cyberpunk books is the Firestorm series. Consisting of several novels, the series is set within the same universe as the video game and explores events that occur before the main storyline. While the games’ director, Adam Badowski, has confirmed that the Firestorm series is "canon with a few exceptions," fans continue to debate the extent of its inclusion in the main narrative.
Key differences between Firestorm and mainstream Cyberpunk
| Factor | Firestorm | Mainstream Cyberpunk |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Years before the main storyline | During the main storyline |
| Events | Separate storylines and characters | Major events and characters |
| Connection to the game | Some references and nods, but no direct connections | Direct connections and references throughout |
The Firestorm series is set in a more distant past, with unique characters and storylines. While it shares some references and nods to the game, it is not a direct continuation of the narrative. The series’ deviation from the main storyline can be seen as a deviation from canon, making its inclusion somewhat ambiguous.
Cyberpunk 2077 Novels: Authentic Storylines
In stark contrast, the Cyberpunk 2077 novels are considered a more authentic and integral part of the narrative. These novels, like Cyberpunk 2077: No Coincidence, are penned by reputable authors and contain direct connections to the game’s story and characters.
How the Novels Fit into the Canon
| Novel | Connection to the game | Canon status |
|---|---|---|
| No Coincidence | Explores events before the main storyline | Canon |
| Another novel | More ambiguous, but still contributes to the universe | Somewhat canon |
| Yet Another novel | Not directly related to the game | Less canon |
The Cyberpunk 2077 novels take place before, during, or after the main story, weaving together the world’s rich tapestry and characters. These novels enrich the franchise’s lore while maintaining direct connections to the game’s narrative, firmly establishing their canon status.
Conclusion
In the world of Cyberpunk, the distinction between canon and non-canonical content lies in its connection to the main storyline and the franchises’ creator’s intent. While the Firestorm series is set in a gray area, the Cyberpunk 2077 novels take center stage as authentic narratives within the franchise.
With this clarification, fans of the Cyberpunk universe can better navigate the complex narrative landscape and appreciate the dedicated efforts of authors and game developers in crafting a captivating and immersive world.
The answer to the question Are the Cyberpunk books canon? is a resounding Yes, with exceptions.