When the long-rumored Cyberpunk 2077 collaboration with Fortnite finally dropped earlier in 2025, it was a dream come true for fans of both worlds. The collection brought the iconic rockerboy Johnny Silverhand and the street-smart Female V into the battle royale, complete with their signature style and accessories. However, amidst the excitement, a particular question began to trend among the Cyberpunk community: Where in the world was the default Male V? It seemed like a glaring omission, sparking theories and a bit of controversy. As it turns out, the answer isn't about corporate mandates or technical glitches; it boils down to a simple, personal preference from within the halls of CD Projekt Red itself.

The Developer's Direct Call

According to Patrick K. Mills, a key lore and franchise developer at CD Projekt Red, the decision to feature Female V over Male V was his call to make. In responses shared across social media, Mills clarified the situation. He stated that, frankly, he prefers that version of V and felt that Johnny Silverhand already provided solid masc representation for the collab. "It was down to preference and a limit to how many skins could be included," he explained. The team had a finite number of slots for this partnership, and they weren't going to "do both in this collab." So, a choice had to be made, and Mills went with his personal favorite. He later added that both versions of the protagonist are, of course, fantastic, but for this specific event, Female V got the nod.

Fan Reactions and the Bigger Picture

The gaming community's reaction was a mixed bag, to say the least. On one hand, many understood the logistical constraints. Hey, you can't have it all, right? Collaborations often have tight budgets and asset limits. On the other hand, a segment of fans felt a pang of disappointment, seeing this as another instance where Male V was being sidelined. This sentiment wasn't entirely new; it had been bubbling since the release of the Phantom Liberty expansion, which also prominently featured Female V in its marketing and key art. Some players began to worry that their preferred version of the character was slowly fading into the background of the franchise's legacy.

Let's break down the core reasons behind the decision, as per the developer's insight:

• Limited Skin Slots: Fortnite collaborations are curated experiences. Epic Games and its partners select a handful of iconic items to represent a brand. In this case, the package was built around two central characters.

• Developer Preference: Patrick K. Mills personally championed Female V for this crossover.

• Representation Balance: With Johnny Silverhand (a male character) as one half of the duo, the team likely aimed for a gender-balanced showcase, making Female V the logical second pick.

A Look at Cyberpunk's Evolving Legacy

Fast forward to 2026, and the Cyberpunk universe has expanded far beyond Night City. The franchise's presence in other media and games is stronger than ever. This Fortnite collab was just one piece of a much larger puzzle. While the absence of Male V was notable, it's crucial to remember that both versions of V remain equally canonical and beloved within the core game. The choice for a crossover like this is often about capturing a specific, iconic vibe for a broader audience.

Here’s a quick comparison of how the two V's have been featured in major external crossovers as of 2026:

As the table shows, it's not a total blackout for Male V, but the high-profile collaborations have certainly favored his female counterpart recently.

The Bottom Line: No Malice, Just Choice

In the end, the explanation from CD Projekt Red is refreshingly straightforward. There was no secret drama, no last-minute removal, and no statement on one V being "better" than the other. It was a creative decision made within the constraints of a partnership deal. For players who connected deeply with Male V, the feeling of being left out is totally valid—it's a bummer, for sure. However, the developer's transparency helps put the situation into perspective. The world of Cyberpunk is vast, and this particular battle bus ride through the Fortnite island featured just one of its many legendary faces. Who knows? Maybe in a future update or another crossover, Male V will get his moment to shine on a new stage. After all, in the ever-changing landscapes of gaming collaborations, never say never. 😉

So, next time you see Female V rocking the Island with Johnny, remember: it's not a dismissal of the other path, but simply one developer's preferred version of a legend stepping into the spotlight for a limited-time gig. Both V's have saved Night City, and both remain cornerstones of an iconic RPG experience. That's something no skin collaboration can ever change.