Cyberpunk is a subgenre of science fiction and post-cyberpunk literature, film, television, games, and other media that focuses on the impact of technology on society and culture. It often depicts dystopian futures where advanced technologies have created an urban underground economy based on illegal activities such as hacking, cybercrime, and biohacking. The term was coined by Bruce Bethke in his 1981 book, Cyberpunk: Outlaws & Hackers on the Computer Frontier (1981).
The term “cyberpunk” has been used to describe many different types of works, including but not limited to:
- Video Games
- Comics
- Films
- Literature
- Manga
- Music
- Other
The Definition of Cyberpunk
In its original usage, the term “cyberpunk”, when applied to literature or art, referred to a specific style of writing and visual presentation that combined elements from the genres of science fiction and cybernetics with strong social commentary about the effects of technological change on contemporary life. This definition was first proposed by Bruce Bethke in the introduction to his 1981 book Cyberpunk: Outlaws and Hackers on the Computer Frontiers. In this context, it had two main characteristics:
It was written in the form of a novel, which allowed for complex plot development and characterisation.
Its characters were typically antiheroes who operated outside the law and were frequently involved in criminal activity.
This definition was later expanded upon by authors like William Gibson, Pat Cadigan, John Shirley, Rudy Rucker, and others.
This definition of Cyberpunk literature can be summarized as follows:
A work of cyberpunk literature is one that takes place in a future where computers are commonplace; they are used for both mundane tasks and for more sophisticated applications. These computers are usually networked together so that they can interact with each other. Characters in these stories may use them for their own purposes, or they may be employed by corporations or governments to monitor people’s actions and/or control them through various means.
Cyberpunk Origins
Before the 1980s, there were no novels specifically labelled “cyberpunk”. However, some writers did include references to computers and computer networks in their works. For example, Isaac Asimov wrote several short stories featuring robots and artificial intelligence. Arthur C Clarke also wrote several stories involving computers and space travel. Other examples include Robert Heinlein’s Stranger in a Strange Land (1961), Jack Williamson’s Way Station (1964) and A World Of Difference (1965), and Philip K Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (1968). Many of these stories included themes related to cyberspace, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence.
There are also other media outside of literature that also explore Cyberpunk themes like movies, comics, video games, etc. Some notable examples are Blade Runner (1982), Neuromancer (1984), Ghost in the Shell (1995), Total Recall (1990), Johnny Mnemonic (1995), Matrix Reloaded (2003), and Deus Ex Machina (2005).
As the 80s progressed, the term “cyberspace” became increasingly popular among science fiction fans. The term itself was coined by author William Gibson in his 1984 essay “Burning Chrome.” He defined it as “the worldwide web of data communications now being built by hackers,” and described it as “a consensual hallucination experienced daily by billions of legitimate operators, in every nation.”
Gibson’s description of cyberspace as a “consensual hallucination” has been widely adopted as an accurate representation of what most people think the Internet actually looks like. It is important to note that Gibson himself never intended his writings to be taken literally, but rather as metaphors for the way in which technology changes society.
In the early 1990s, cyberpunk began to emerge as a genre of literature. Authors such as William Gibson, Neal Stephenson, Cory Doctorow, Greg Egan, Bruce Sterling, Charles Stross, and Kim Stanley Robinson all published books that featured themes similar to those found in cyberpunk. They were often set in near-future worlds where advanced technologies have altered human nature and culture.
The Essence of Cyberpunk
A cyberpunk novel typically involves characters who live in a world where advanced technology is common. This includes things like personal computers, mobile phones, and even implanted medical devices. Most of the time, this technology is used for mundane purposes, such as keeping track of appointments and making purchases. But sometimes, it is used for more sinister purposes.
Characters in cyberpunk novels tend to be aware of how powerful computers are becoming. In fact, many of them are afraid of what will happen when computers become much more capable than humans. People might start using them to spy on others, or to manipulate their thoughts and emotions. Or perhaps they’ll just decide to take over the world.
Some authors go further than simply describing the potential dangers of computers.
Style and substance
Cyberpunk novels usually feature complex plots with lots of twists and turns. These plots involve multiple storylines that intertwine throughout the story. Characters may change from one storyline to another, and each character can have different motivations for doing so.
Some cyberpunk novels are written in first person point of view. Others use third or second person perspective. Third person point of view allows the reader to experience events through the eyes of a single character. Second person viewpoint lets the reader experience events through the mind of a particular character. Both styles work well in cyberpunk novels.
Most cyberpunk novels are very violent. This violence tends to be dark and gritty. There are few happy endings in a typical cyberpunk book. Instead, the main focus is on exploring the consequences of technological advancement.
Most cyberpunk stories revolve around one central theme: What happens when technology becomes too powerful? Some authors explore this question through the lens of a dystopian future. Other writers look at the present day and ask what would happen if we allowed technology to develop unchecked. Still other authors examine the possibility of a utopian future.
All of these questions are explored within the context of a futuristic setting. Cyberpunk novels often include elements of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. They also frequently contain strong political messages about issues such as privacy rights, surveillance, and corporate control.
HighTech LowLife
In the real world, there are already plenty of examples of high tech companies spying on us. For example, Google tracks our web browsing history, Facebook keeps tabs on our social media posts, and Apple watches what apps we download on our iPhones. The NSA collects information about our phone calls, emails, text messages, and online searches. And law enforcement agencies routinely access data stored by Internet service providers.
But in cyberpunk novels, this kind of behavior is commonplace. Many people are constantly being watched and monitored by computer systems. Sometimes, they’re not even aware that it’s happening.
This idea is explored in the short story “Johnny Mnemonic” by William Gibson. Johnny is an ordinary guy who gets caught up in a plot involving illegal drugs and secret documents. He has no idea why he was targeted, but his life is turned upside down when he learns that someone wants him dead because he knows something important.
The novel Neuromancer by William Gibson explores similar themes. It tells the story of Case, a young hacker who discovers that he has been recruited into a group called the Sprawl. Their mission is to track down a mysterious man named Neuromancer. Case eventually finds out that he must hunt down Neuromancer before he can find out what the Sprawl really wants.
Neuromancer is set in the year 2044. At that time, most people live in megacities where they spend all their waking hours plugged into virtual reality. In order to get away from the city, people retreat to rural communities known as Arcologies. These arcologies are self-contained cities with their own governments, economies, and cultures.
A Gritty Future
Cyberpunk novels tend to take place in a grimy, dirty future. People wear heavy body armor and carry weapons. They use outdated computers and communicate via archaic telephones. The streets are filled with trash and graffiti. Crime rates are high. Life expectancy is low.
Some cyberpunk novels feature a future where the human race has become extinct. Others envision a near-future where humanity has survived but is struggling to adapt to its new environment. Still others imagine a far-off future where humans have evolved beyond the need for physical bodies and live entirely in cyberspace.
William Gibson’s novel Count Zero features a post-apocalyptic Earth. Humanity has been wiped out by a global pandemic. Only a handful of survivors remain alive. Most of them live in underground bunkers or in space colonies.
The term “cyberpunk” was first used in print in 1981. It refers to a subgenre of science fiction that emphasizes technology and society. Cyberpunk stories usually involve advanced artificial intelligence (AI), genetic engineering, nanotechnology, virtual reality, and other cutting edge technologies.
Cyberpunk literature includes works like Blade Runner, Snow Crash, Ghost in the Shell, and Neuromancer. But you don’t have to read only those books to understand how to build a cyberpunk game. You can learn more about cyberpunk games by watching some movies.
Evolving Themes
Over the years, cyberpunk has developed many different themes. Some authors focus on the dangers of AI. Other writers explore the effects of genetic manipulation. Still others write about the problems created by the rise of corporate power.
One common theme among cyberpunk novels is the struggle between individual freedom and government control. This theme appears in almost every book written in the genre. For example, in Blade Runner, the main character, Rick Deckard, hunts down replicants—androids designed to look exactly like humans. Replicants are outlawed, so Deckard doesn’t want anyone else to know that he’s hunting them down.
Another recurring theme is the tension between traditional values and modern technology. In Neuromancer, Case encounters a group called the Church who believes that the world should be run by a small elite of computer experts. The Church wants to create a digital utopia in which everyone lives in perfect harmony. However, Case realizes that this utopia would lead to an Orwellian nightmare.
In William Gibson’s novel Pattern Recognition, the protagonist discovers that she has special powers. She can see patterns in everything that happens around her. Her ability allows her to make important decisions without consulting any authority figures.
In the movie Hackers, the main characters try to break into a military computer system. Their goal: steal information about America’s nuclear missiles. The hackers’ actions cause chaos throughout the country.
What is Cyberpunk Culture?
As with most genres, there are certain things that define cyberpunk culture. Here are just a few examples:
• Cyberpunk is often set in a dystopian future.
• A lot of cyberpunk art involves neon lights, dirty streets, and graffiti.
• Many cyberpunk films include lots of violence and gore.
• Cyberpunk music tends to use synthesizers and heavy drum beats.
• Cyberpunk fashion is often characterized by leather jackets, motorcycle helmets, and dark glasses.
What is the Cyberpunk Aesthetic?
The aesthetics of cyberpunk are very specific.
They’re based on the following elements:
• Neon lights (a must-have)
• Dirty streets
• Graffiti
• Violence
• Gory scenes
• Heavy metal music
• Leather jackets
• Motorcycle helmets
• Dark sunglasses
Cyberpunk subgenres
There are several subgenres of cyberpunk literature. Each subgenre focuses on a specific aspect of cyberpunk writing. Here’s a brief overview of some of the most popular ones.
Hard Sci Fi Cyberpunk. The hard sci fi subgenre explores the possible consequences of advancing technology. It’s not necessarily concerned with the ethics of new technologies, but instead focuses on the technical aspects of these inventions. For example, an author might write about the development of artificial intelligence, or genetic engineering.
Neuromancer (1984) by William Gibson. This classic cyberpunk novel was the first to introduce the term “cyberspace” into the English language. It tells the story of Case, a hacker who works for a company called “Neuromancer”. He uses his skills to help people break into computer systems.
Check out this article for more science fiction subgenres.
Cyberpunk Offshoots
Although cyberpunk is primarily defined as a literary genre, it has spawned many other forms of media. Some of them are listed below:
Cyberpunk Films
Some of the best known cyberpunk movies include Blade Runner (1982), Total Recall (1990), Johnny Mnemonic (1995), Akira (1988), Dredd (2012), and Hackers (1995).
Cyberpunk Comics
Many comic books have been published under the cyberpunk label. These comics tend to focus on themes like identity theft, government surveillance, and corporate espionage. They also often feature graphic depictions of violence and sex.
Cyberpunk Games
Games such as Cyberpunk 2077, Deus Ex, and Half Life 2 all fall under the cyberpunk category.
Cyberpunk Music
Cyberpunk music is heavily influenced by industrial rock, techno, and punk rock. It usually features synthesizers, heavy drums, distorted guitars, and lyrics that explore themes like technology, politics, and social issues.
Cyberpunk Fashion
Cyberpunk fashion includes clothing items like leather jackets, motorcycle helmets and dark sunglasses.
Cyberpunk Literature
In addition to novels, short stories, and comics, cyberpunk has inspired numerous works of nonfiction. Some of the most notable examples include Neuromancer (1984), Snow Crash (1992), and Virtual Light (1994).
When is Cyberpunk?
Are we living in a Cyberpunk world now?
No. We’re still far from being a fully cybered society.
But there are signs that our future may be heading in this direction.
Here are three reasons why you should start thinking about cyberpunk right now.
1. Technology is changing the way we live
We’ve already seen how technology can change our lives.
For example, smartphones allow us to communicate with each other instantly.
Computers let us access information at any time. And online shopping means we no longer need to go to physical stores.
Technology is also helping us get around.
Self-driving cars will soon make driving safer and easier than ever before.
And drones could soon be delivering packages directly to your door.
2. Society is becoming increasingly divided
The internet allows us to connect with others across the globe.
It helps us share ideas and opinions.
And it gives us an outlet for our frustrations.
This makes it harder for governments to control what we say and do.
It’s also made it easier for criminals to commit crimes without getting caught.
3. Our privacy is at risk
With so much data collected about us, it’s easy for companies to track our movements.
They know where we go, what we buy, and even what we talk about.
If they want to sell us something, they just have to figure out a way to target ads based on our interests.
Even if we don’t use their services, they’ll collect information about us anyway.
This is called “data mining”.
And it’s happening more and more every day.
So when you think about it, it doesn’t seem too surprising that some people would call today’s world a cyberpunk one.
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