In Cyberpunk 2077, Braindance is a complex technological system that records someone’s surroundings, body movement, words, and even emotions. It is then possible to playback these experiences for yourself, for a brief time living for yourself the memories of another person. When Braindancing, you can edit a scene as you see fit, looking at closer details that the person who originally experienced it would have missed.
The recording technology allows you to pick up all kinds of details that the person will not have noticed, and Braindancers can then go through it with a fine-tooth comb, picking up all the additional details that were previously missed.
What is Braindance used for?
In the world of the game, Braindance is used to record movies and TV shows, personal blogging, recording mature content, and just about every other form of entertainment. Instead of just watching a movie, you can experience it for yourself. Braindance is also used to treat people suffering from Cyberpsychosis, the loss of their human connection from the aggressive use of augmentations. People also use Braindance to experience illicit sensations, like someone else being murdered.
What will we do with it in the game?
According to CD Projekt Red, Braindance will be used as another tool that allows you to explore the world and learn more about the inhabitants. You will be able to experience parts of NPCs’ lives, finding out more about the people that you share the city with. They were a little cagey about details, but they did mention there would be multiple ways to use it in the game, so it appears it will be part lore and background story delivery service, part mechanic to help us solve in-game problems.
Is Braindancing like Netrunning?
Both systems in the world of Cyberpunk 2077 use very similar technologies, but the difference between the two is that Netrunning happens on the open Net, while Braindancing is a closed system that you experience alone.
I want to know more about Braindance lore
In the lore of Cyberpunk, Braindance was invented by Yuriko Sujimoto at the University of Santa Cruz. She combined Netrunning technology with emotion recording chips and a cybermodem to produce the first ARPR or Alternative Reality Process Recorder. She was then able to experience her own memories as recordings.
While working in the penal system, Yuriko discovered the potential benefits of technology in the field of psychology. Things took a dark turn, as one of the technology’s earliest uses was to effectively torture criminals into not reoffending.
After that, the technology proliferated into other fields, such as military use, entertainment, and criminal activities. Eventually, Braindance would become a readily available form of entertainment and sensory experimentation available to anyone who could afford it.
