How a Story About Cyberpunk 2077 Resurrected an Evangelion Meme

An expose into the crunch culture regarding the development of Cyberpunk 2077 by Jason Schreier has resurrected the iconic Evangelion meme. While breaking down the details in a Twitter thread, one key point has reminded some of a moment from the series (thus; resurrected the meme).

“Inside Cyberpunk 2077‘s Disastrous Rollout” by Jason Schreier for Bloomberg is a look into the troubled development of the most highly anticipated game of 2020. It looks into the crunch culture and how developers were pressured into working overtime. Key points of the article were also broken down in a Twitter thread. One of these points has reminded everyone of a a classic Evangelion meme.

Some have pointed out how CD Projekt Red management having pressured developers to work overtime is very similar to how Gendo Ikari pressured Shinji in the first episode of Neon Genesis Evangelion. Thus, having resurrected the iconic “Get in the F***ing Robot” meme.

An expose into the crunch culture regarding the development of Cyberpunk 2077  by Jason Schreier has resurrected the iconic Evangelion meme. 8Bit/Digi

“Get in the F***ing Robot” Meme

First up, it should be noted that the meme goes by many names. It’s known as “Rei will Have to do it Again”, “Pilot the Eva”, or “Get in the F***ing Robot”. They’re all a reference to the first meeting between Shinji and his father. Gendo wants him to pilot Eva 001 but Shinji refuses at first. This changes when learning that an injured Rei Ayanami will have to take his place.

It first emerged on anime message boards in 2008 before growing to become an iconic meme. The meme has inspired numerous images and videos along with the name of a popular anime themed YouTube channel. Despite it’s prominence among fans, the quote “Get in the F***ing Robot” and “Pilot the Eva, Shinji. Or Rei will have to do it again!” was never used in any version of the series.

Work the Overtime Shinji

Schreier breakdown of the crunch culture regarding the development of Cyberpunk 2077 has resurrected the iconic Evangelion meme. Those who saw the connection either responded with the misquote or an image from the moment. Here are some of the references to the meme:

A Cruel Developers Thesis

Neon Genesis Evangelion follows the story of Shinji who has to pilot an Evangelion to combat against creatures dubbed “Angels”. The series has been highly praised for deconstructing the mecha genre while also exploring complex themes of individuality and personal choice.

Cyberpunk 2077 is a video game adaptation of the hit table-top RPG series by Mike Pondsmith. Players take on the role role of V and work with Johnny Silverhand to fight the powers of Night City.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides an insight into the video game community and industry of the San Francisco Bay Area.

8 Comments »

  1. Jason Schreier just likes to beat the same dead horse about crunch in video games. Nobody cares, if they could quit and get a new job if they don’t like crunch. Being a game dev is not hard and its not even a real job. They should try working in a factory or in a bank.

  2. I would have read the article Schreier wrote but it behind a paywall. He is awesome for sharing it on Twitter so we could respond with some dope ass memes.

  3. You fake urnalists are just mad because CDPR made you guys useless. Who needs a bunch of entitled SJW’s when I could get my reviews from a real gamer on YouTube. Your days are over time to get a real job like at McDonalds.

  4. So everyone at CDPR were emotionally pressured into sacrificing their mental health and everyone’s first reaction is to compare it to some old cartoon? Grow up you dirty weebs!

  5. There has to be more to this than some Evangelion meme? Jason Schreier is a great journalist who knows how to hold the industry accountable for their scummy behavior, especially CDPR and their edgy boi attitude!

    • Welp I never bought Cyberpunk and now I won’t and I will never trust CDPR ever again! Also where can I watch Evangelion?

  6. How is a few people posting a meme news or a special report? Gotta do better! The reviews here are great but these articles suck!

  7. I get that Cyberpunk 2077 is awesome and so is Neon Genesis Evangelion but this feels like an excuse just to remind everyone of some old meme

Leave a Reply