Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty has included an in-game tribute to a fan who passed away before the game's launch. In a growing trend among game developers, such tributes serve as a way to memorialize fans who, due to tragic circumstances, could not experience the game they eagerly awaited. This article delves into the details of this special tribute, how it was discovered, and what it means to the family of the late fan known as Renfei.
Discovery of the Tribute
Finding NPC 千寺狐 (Qian Si Hu)
The tribute was first spotted by a player who noticed an NPC (Non-Playable Character) named 千寺狐, or Qian Si Hu in English. This discovery soon gained traction on various Chinese websites and social media platforms.
From Social Media to Reddit
A Reddit user with the handle Spare-Role-1817 provided additional context, effectively serving as a bridge between the Chinese community and the broader global gaming community. The user elucidated the poignant backstory that seemed to corroborate the tribute.
The Backstory
Renfei and His Gundam Model Shop
According to the Reddit user, Renfei, a Chinese fan of Cyberpunk 2077, owned and operated a Gundam model shop until his untimely death due to cardiac issues in 2022. After his passing, the shop initially ceased its operations. However, it subsequently reopened, albeit with a notable difference in product quality.
A Mother’s Commitment
It was later revealed that Renfei's mother, in her 50s, had taken upon the mammoth task of learning the necessary skills to keep the shop running. She reportedly said, "Once I meet him again (in heaven), we'll have more topics to share now."