Following the release of Edgerunners Season 2, which concludes its narrative set in 2078 just one year after the main game, fans have scrutinized the show for connections to Cyberpunk 2077's protagonist. At the Lucca Comics and Games festival, IGN spoke with writer, producer, and showrunner Bartosz Sztybor regarding these observations, specifically a scene in a data archive featuring a wall of images that some viewers believe depicts V.
Sztybor confirmed that the inclusion of such imagery is intentionally left to interpretation rather than being a definitive confirmation. He explained that while the dialogue in those scenes holds importance, the team avoids labeling these elements as "Easter eggs" designed purely for fan service. Instead, the goal is to create standalone stories that are self-sufficient while populating the world with details that make it feel alive. References to characters like Sal Bigelow from previous comics are included only when they serve a narrative purpose, allowing audiences to connect dots without needing prior knowledge of other media.
Regarding the broader lore, Sztybor addressed whether CD Projekt Red has established a single canon ending for Cyberpunk 2077 to serve as the jumping-off point for spinoffs. He stated that while there are extensive conversations with the lore team to ensure consistency across all endings, the franchise does not intend to set one specific conclusion as canonical. The only confirmed post-game canon detail is that the Arasaka corporation has been weakened. This vague state allows the narrative to explore the city in new ways without invalidating any player choices made during the game.
Sztybor emphasized a philosophy of creating franchises where graphic novels, comics, and shows can be enjoyed independently. He noted that while some fans enjoy finding deep connections between different pieces of media, such as spotting a fixer from Edgerunners Season 1 in a comic book titled You Have My Word, the creators prefer to provide questions rather than definitive answers. This approach encourages fans to engage with the story and construct their own understanding of the world.
On the topic of a potential third season, Sztybor revealed that while he has ideas for future stories, production depends on finding the right creative team. After Season 1, Studio Trigger initially declined to continue due to exhaustion, but they later agreed to collaborate on Season 2 after being impressed by a pitch that avoided a traditional sequel format. For Season 3 to happen, Sztybor insists there must be a perfect story and a director with a strong vision similar to Ikarashi's work on the previous seasons. He expressed a commitment to avoiding mediocre content, noting that while ideas exist, the current two-season package already feels complete as a standalone narrative.
Sources: IGN.