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."

The Tribute in Phantom Liberty

Character and Shop in Dogtown

In Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, the character 千寺狐 is located in Dogtown, working in a shop named after the account that Renfei once used and that his mother later inherited. However, instead of crafting Gundam models, this character specializes in creating cybernetic prosthesis, the Cyberpunk 2077 equivalent.

Connection to ‘RELIC’ Models

Renfei’s real-life shop also dealt with replica "RELIC" models, which have a thematic link to the game as they serve to preserve memories in digital form.

A Mother’s Response

After the in-game appearance of her late son’s likeness, Renfei’s mother released a statement confirming her awareness of the tribute. She mentioned that she was even informed beforehand by CD Projekt Red. Her statement poignantly reads, "Son, tonight a lot of little friends told me they saw you, said you are a prosthetic doctor. I don't know if you are doing well over there, I miss you very much."

Conclusion

Although CD Projekt Red has not officially confirmed whether the NPC is indeed a tribute to Renfei, the numerous coincidences make it hard to conclude otherwise. This touching tribute has not only memorialized a fan but has also significantly impacted a grieving family, lending them some amount of solace and a unique way to remember their loved one.

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