Elizabeth II, Chandler, Pickford and more: celebrities who love video games

No time to read?
Get a summary

Elizabeth II’s golden years

The public gossip around Elizabeth II is sure to amuse—though she is no longer with us, reports once claimed the Queen enjoyed video games. In particular, stories circulated about a Nintendo Wii pastime that supposedly captured her attention during her later years.

Back in 2008, several English tabloids ran pieces about the Queen’s supposed fondness for Wii Sports on the Nintendo Wii. The articles claimed she began engaging with the game after spotting a young family member enjoying the new entertainment. Observers at Sandringham Palace noted her remarkable reflexes and coordination for someone in her eighties, sparking curiosity about how gaming could fit into royal life.

One amusing tale tied to this hobby involved a game publisher presenting Elizabeth II with a copy of a Wii Sports–style title and a gold-plated console. The intention was to drum up publicity with the royal endorsement. Security swiftly redirected the gift to a museum collection, and a unique copy of the game later fetched a sizable auction price, underscoring the enduring fascination with royal memorabilia.

Friends’ Chandler’s childhood trauma

Matthew Perry, famous for his role as Chandler Bing on a beloved sitcom, has long been associated with high earnings per episode. In his younger years, Perry has spoken about the time he spent immersed in video games, which at times led to physical strain. During an interview, he described enjoying long sessions on a popular console and recalled a period when gaming contributed to a wrist issue that required care.

In his candid remarks, Perry mentioned playing a lot of games and naming a favorite console. He described a time when excessive play caused him to experience nerve-related wrist discomfort and the treatment he pursued. The anecdote aligns with his on-screen character, who often found himself chasing high scores or pushing a game’s boundaries.

Remarkably, this personal history mirrors an arc from the show where Chandler also injures a hand while attempting to top an arcade high score. On the same program, Perry joked about relationships and acting careers, and how gifts could enter the storyline. The strong bond with the gaming world continued when Bethesda approached him to voice a minor character in a Fallout expansion after the actor publicly expressed enthusiasm for the game.

Goalkeeper “going out” game to England

England’s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford earns a substantial salary and has been linked to premium computer setups used to play the online shooter Fortnite. The topic drew attention during a World Cup appearance in Qatar.

During interviews, Pickford described bringing a compact gaming setup to a pre-match routine, showcasing how modern athletes blend sport with high-end tech. He explained that the portable setup helps him stay sharp, and he considered Fortnite a key pastime that helped him manage the pressures of competition.

Sasha Gray virtual love

Porn actors sometimes blend gaming with their public personas to reach broader audiences. Sasha Gray stands out as a prominent example, pursuing various ventures after appearing in adult films, including streaming activities. Through Twitch and other platforms, she has built a reputation as an able gamer with a soft spot for retro titles such as classic Tetris and a legendary fighting game revered by long-time fans.

Gray has also shown appreciation for contemporary games. In late 2020 she shared a post featuring a finished playthrough of a sprawling fantasy title, expressing admiration for its storytelling and visuals. She has since explored a range of popular online and offline experiences, engaging with a diverse gaming community.

Superman also plays

Henry Cavill is widely recognized for his love of the Witcher series, a passion he openly shared during the lead-up to a major screen role. Beyond Witcher, he has spoken about enjoying titles across a spectrum of genres, from action adventures to immersive sims and strategy games.

Fans often watch Cavill celebrate new hardware and game discoveries on social channels, where he shares in-depth enthusiasm for the craft. His devotion to the hobby extends into the physical world, where he collects and paints miniatures for a popular tabletop universe, a hobby that complements his virtual adventures.

Cavill’s gaming roots trace back to childhood, when he and his siblings turned a kitchen into a makeshift gaming hub with multiple machines. The memory is recounted in his memoirs, noting that his mother was less than thrilled to see the room overrun with screens and cables while a family tradition grew into a full-blown pastime.

For Vin Diesel, nothing is more important than family and… World of Warcraft

Vin Diesel, renowned for action franchises, is also a long-time World of Warcraft devotee. He has played the Blizzard title since its early days and remains a regular presence in its community, often described as a dedicated player who enjoys exploring Azeroth.

Diesel has even drawn colleagues into the game, recalling evenings spent with friends from the film world in immersive dungeon runs. He has shared that his preferred in-game form is the druid and that his journey into video games predates his Warcraft passion, including early ventures into game publishing linked to his film projects.

In 2002 he founded a game studio to publish titles tied to his film work, a move that reflects his enduring interest in interactive entertainment and its potential to expand a cinematic universe beyond the screen.

No time to read?
Get a summary
Previous Article

RFU Faces Choice: AFC Move Amid International Exclusion

Next Article

Ovechkin’s Race to Gordie Howe: A Hall-of-Fame Chase