Either they're actualy talking about a parallel timeline from Cyberpunk 2020.
Either they're talking about how Cyberpunk timeline is parallel from our.
Actually, if it's a parallel timeline from 2020/Red, I'd be ok with it, would make more sense on some parts.
"You don't get rewarded for [using] drugs as far as I know in the game."
So, no wandering in corpo plaza under some shaddy combat drugs influences, increasing your stats, kicking some cop's ass while Johnny Silverhand cheers you up?