I’m not entirely sure what you’re asking, but the game Psychonauts from 2002 has a reference to this kind of thing.

In one of the minds you go into, there are a group of dog characters that represent that person’s subconscious psyche. After you finish the level, you can go back and find the character who’s mind you’re in playing poker with his subconscious dogs. The level is even called Black Velvetopia, and the character is looking for certain playing cards.