Imagery derived from the Cyberpunk: Edgerunners animated series, adapted for use as a background on mobile telephones, represents a specific form of digital customization. These images often feature characters, scenes, or visual elements intrinsic to the Cyberpunk 2077 universe, reformatted to fit the vertical aspect ratio of a typical smartphone screen. An example is a close-up portrait of David Martinez with a glitch effect applied.
The utilization of such customized visuals allows individuals to personalize their devices, expressing affinity for the source material and its themes of technological dystopia, transhumanism, and corporate power. Historically, the practice of customizing device backgrounds reflects a broader trend of personalization in digital technology, from early screensavers to contemporary operating system theming. This personalization serves as a form of self-expression and an identification with specific subcultures or media properties.