Cyberpunk 2077’s Brilliant Indie Crossover Started With A Playful Meme

It’s been a big week for Balatro. Not only did the solo-developed poker-based roguelike win , Polygon, and the Golden Joysticks. The game was also recently nominated for five BAFTAs including Best Debut Game, Design and Music, and five awards at Geoff Keighley’s The Game Awards including the coveted Game of the Year.

Balatro isn’t the only crossover CD Projekt Red considered for its futuristic RPG. Earlier this week, some of gaming’s most prolific modders found evidence of plans for The Witcher 3’s Geralt to visit the hedonistic sprawl of Night City for a fun cameo. The developer even planned to reference the cameo in a Cyberpunk 2077 quest. They ultimately decided to cut the crossover from the final version of The Witcher 3. Maybe go fish is more Geralt’s speed.