As for the "overabundance" of references, that was set up with the visit to the studio. Yes, it was over-the-top in this update, but it's an established part of the world, and maybe there's a reason it was given so much emphasis this time around.
The only actual cameo I know was Jenny from Office Perks (speedster maid), and she was the type of cameo you normally see -- one that doesn't intrude on the story and is just an easter egg for those that recognize the character.
The fact that there was one like this, and all the overt references that we KNOW are from other games because of the set-up in the studio office, does make me wonder if there's a larger point to be made, or if Jdor is just amusing himself.
The thing is though, visit to the studio was like two chapters or so ago?
Even that part and meeting Anna & Arwen scene, I don't really remember there being such references being used.
This update was the first which basically had me thinking "Jesus, there's A LOT of references."
And when that sort of reaction is made by the players, it's a clear sign that subtlety is thrown out the window; for what reason, noone knows.
It could be as you've said, Jdor is amusing himself.
Or it could be that he's in some kind of cross promotion with devs of all these other games (they promote Jdor's Origin story somehow in their games, and Jdor promotes theirs etc etc), Or Jdor could simply be huge fans of these games and wanted to pay respect to them.
Or some other unknown reason.
Yet at the end of the update, few words I can use to describe the references with this update;
"distraction"
"bombardment"
Now, don't get me wrong.
I still really enjoyed this update (as said in my initial post), and I maintain my stance that Jdor is a great writer, with his writing for his story & characterization being always consistent since this game's beginning.
Yet, this overabundance of references felt jarring in my eyes and was a slight drawback regarding my enjoyment of it despite how good the update was (even though it had less of my favorite parts; i.e. Lady Steel and Sisterhood. They took more of a backseat).
For instance, with this game's original premise with Superheroes being celebrities, it's clear that there's reference and inspiration from The Boys (well, the Seven from The Boys, to be exact) Amazon TV series.
Yet the way Jdor went about it was very subtle and not blatant.
Nor did the reference go overboard.
Now, I don't know what Jdor's intent was regarding all those references in this update, but I dunno, I feel that subtle approach feels lost at least in that regards.
Not everyone played Chasing Sunset and knows Jaye the main LI.
And not everyone played Come Home and knows what that game is even about. So when game starts to mention these other games and their characters, it's no surprise people will either get confused or scratch their heads if not annoyed.
That Speedster Maid being a character design from another game actually does feel like a more subtle approach.
