The passion of fans often pushes boundaries beyond what many would expect. Tattoos of beloved characters, children named after game icons, and other bold tributes are just the visible edge. But what else do gamers do to prove their devotion to virtual worlds? Here are some remarkable examples.
Own figurines and dioramas
Start with collectible editions of games. Collectible figurines of main characters or entire scenes presented as dioramas are common. Talented crafters and cosplayers frequently tackle intricate projects, sometimes creating their own versions of a so‑called collectible figure.
In recent years, fans have shared impressive dioramas inspired by titles like Elden Ring, including a battle scene with a fearsome boss, and even a massive scale model of a wandering mausoleum weighing several kilograms with thousands of components. The community has long celebrated players who turn this passion into tangible art, and many more examples can be found in showcases across the web.
Examples include a Murloc village from Warcraft, a scene from Diablo 3, and a desert encounter inspired by Star Wars and Minecraft, all created by dedicated fans in various formats and galleries.
Replicas of devices, weapons and equipment from games
Another enthusiast category focuses on replicas of in‑world devices and weapons, faithfully recreated by skilled makers. There are entire channels dedicated to the craft of producing such pieces.
For instance, a renowned maker built a functioning hidden blade from Assassin’s Creed, plus a built‑in ax and an umbrella inspired by Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. The umbrella replica, used in a stunt, demonstrated its effectiveness in an extreme demonstration.
There are also channels that “make” weapons from games using real steel, taking props from screen to reality. While large conventions like Comic‑Con restrict such items for safety, creators still push the envelope with oversized prop swords inspired by classic titles from popular franchises.
Customization of anything and everything
Figurines and weapon replicas are impressive, but some fans go further, turning their homes into living tributes to their favorite universes. One American Truck Simulator fan, known online as ricotrucker1, rebuilt a real‑world truck cabin to mirror the game’s interior, with a driver’s seat, steering wheel, a front‑panel replica, gear lever, pedals, and four monitors serving as virtual windows.
A YouTuber known as BANKII took things to an even grand scale, crafting an entire room styled like the interior of a Star Citizen spaceship. The project required a custom frame and a significant budget, approaching substantial sums for finishing. Automatic sliding doors added the final touch to this immersive habitat.
Another creator, Tyler Kirkham, a well‑known comic artist and fan, turned his home into a Tamrielic expanse. Stone walls, period furniture, hung swords and armor, and even an alchemical laboratory and hidden room created a striking homage. The project carried a price tag in the tens of thousands, reflecting the scale of ambition.
Musicals, songs and fan shorts
Music dedicated to game characters and worlds is not rare. Projects by musicians and bands frequently celebrate beloved universes. A long‑running project features original songs based on game lore, while a Petersburg‑based band has released crossover themed music. Their latest work is available for listening and viewing in dedicated showcases.
Beyond individual songs, theaters have embraced game worlds. A contemporary troupe staged musical performances inspired by well‑known franchises, inviting audiences to remember and relive epic adventures through song and performance. For many fans, these productions are a highlight of the gaming culture landscape.
Additionally, fan‑made short films set in game worlds have gained wide attention, with productions inspired by classic titles and indie hits alike. The community continues to explore new formats and narratives, keeping the fan‑made cinema vibrant and diverse.
Remake of an entire game in 8 years
There are stories of patient devotion that border on legendary. A fan project reimagining the first Half-Life, titled Black Mesa, spent eight years in development. The result pushed graphical fidelity, reworked enemy AI, a fresh soundtrack, enhanced voice acting, and revised level design. The work gained substantial recognition within the community and even found a new home as a standalone game on a major platform. It stands as a rare example of a community‑driven release built on someone else’s intellectual property.
Name for the child
Sometimes the love goes beyond the game itself. Tales of players naming their children after game characters have surfaced. Notably, a high‑profile esports veteran and his partner chose to honor their gaming passions in this way. Other fans have followed suit, naming children after beloved in‑game figures from titles with enduring legacies in the community.
There are also stories of players whose personal journeys intersect with the gaming world in unforeseen ways, prompting creative responses from fans and the broader ecosystem. The cultural footprint of games continues to grow as communities celebrate milestones, competitions, and character lore in diverse, often surprising forms.
Virtual real estate for real money
Long before the current NFT moment, virtual worlds hosted real money trade. Early virtual worlds offered personal worlds and user‑generated content, and some economies evolved to allow monetary exchange for virtual assets. In a few cases, players could convert virtual currencies into real currency, opening pathways to profit from in‑world ventures.
For example, a creator managed to sell a copy of actual Amsterdam within a virtual environment, a landmark sale illustrating how virtual property can command impressive sums. In other spaces, players invested significant amounts into ambitious virtual projects, with plans for tax systems and in‑world revenue streams tied to in‑game activity. Some ventures reached extraordinary valuations, underscoring the potential profitability of player‑driven economies.
While these stories vary in tone and outcome, they collectively highlight how virtual assets can become real‑world property with meaningful financial implications. The scale of investment in this realm has contained astonishing figures, reminding readers that virtual real estate can attract serious attention and capital.
How much money have you invested in one game?
Name for a day: Civilization Day
On occasion, unusual honors surface. In 2010, a state governor publicly recognized Civilization 5 with a ceremonial day in honor of Sid Meier, acknowledging the game’s enduring influence and the creator’s contributions to the industry. The gesture reflects the blend of culture, technology, and community that games have fostered over decades.
So long as the public attention lasts, the conversation around game history and the people who shaped it continues to evolve, inviting fans to reflect on how gaming has become a shared cultural footprint.
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Behind the most visible stories are countless quieter, more personal acts of devotion—moments of play turned into art, community, and shared storytelling. If new material arrives, it will be shared with the same spirit of curiosity and celebration that marks this fascinating corner of gaming culture.
What do people typically spend money on in games?
Source: VG Times