Red Dead Redemption 2 was released by Rockstar Games in 2018, following outlaw Arthur Morgan in the American frontier in 1899. Midway through the story Arthur is diagnosed with tuberculosis, and his worsening cough becomes a recurring, dreaded sound in missions and free roam. Clips of the cough were later lifted to soundboards and short video edits, where players use it out of context for illness jokes and dramatic reactions, turning a serious story detail into a familiar gaming meme.