In a world obsessed with screens, some celebrities are stepping away from their devices and diving into tabletop games. You might think it’s just for the average person, but the stars are embracing this classic form of entertainment too. From fantasy role-playing to simple games like Bingo, these famous faces have found a new way to relax and connect. Let’s take a look at the tabletop games that have captured the hearts of Hollywood.
Why Celebrities Love Tabletop Games
For celebrities, tabletop games provide something they rarely get—a break from the spotlight. They’re a great way to escape the endless schedules and public attention. But it’s not just about downtime. Many stars love the social connection these games offer, letting them bond with friends and family in a fun, intimate setting. There’s also the challenge. Games like Catan or Dungeons & Dragons require strategy, creativity, and a sharp mind. For creative professionals, these games help stretch their imaginations.
Celebrities and Their Favorite Tabletop Games
Let’s get into the good stuff—what are the games that celebrities can’t get enough of?
- Vin Diesel – Dungeons & Dragons: Diesel is a huge fan of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). He’s been playing since he was young and credits the game for fueling his passion for storytelling. It’s more than just a hobby for him—it’s an influence on his career.
- Joe Manganiello – Dungeons & Dragons: Manganiello isn’t just a casual D&D player. He’s built a personal dungeon in his house and runs campaigns with other stars. His love for the game goes deep—so deep that he’s even worked with the official D&D creators.
- Wil Wheaton – Catan and Tabletop Games: If you know Wil Wheaton, you know he’s a hardcore tabletop gamer. His show TableTop introduced millions to board games like Catan and Pandemic. Wheaton’s enthusiasm has made him a major figure in the gaming community.
- Henry Cavill – Warhammer 40,000: Henry Cavill loves miniatures. He’s a huge fan of Warhammer 40,000 and isn’t shy about it. He spends hours painting his miniatures and diving into epic battles. It’s a hobby that brings him peace and focus.
- Stephen Colbert – Dungeons & Dragons: You may know Colbert for his sharp wit, but did you know he’s a D&D fan too? He’s spoken about how the game helped him develop his storytelling skills early in his career.
- Elijah Wood – Catan: Elijah Wood is another board game enthusiast. He’s a big fan of Catan, often mentioning his game nights with friends. For Wood, it’s all about chilling and enjoying a friendly competition.
- Felicia Day – RPGs and Tabletop Games: Felicia Day is a major name in the gaming world. Her show The Guild helped bring attention to online gaming, but she’s also a huge tabletop fan. RPGs are her go-to, and she’s often seen playing or creating game-related content.
- Celebrities Who Love Bingo: Surprisingly, bingo for real cash has made its way into celebrity game nights. Stars like Robbie Williams and Catherine Zeta-Jones enjoy this classic game, whether at charity events or casual get-togethers. It’s simple, social, and doesn’t require much setup—perfect for a relaxing night.
Celebrity Tabletop Gaming Groups
Some celebrities don’t just play at home—they’ve formed groups that have become legendary in the tabletop community.
- Critical Role and the D&D Phenomenon: Critical Role, led by stars like Matthew Mercer and Ashley Johnson, has exploded in popularity. This live-streamed D&D campaign shows how role-playing games have a massive following, blending storytelling and performance in a way that appeals to both players and fans.
- Joe Manganiello’s D&D Group: Manganiello hosts a star-studded D&D game, with guests like Vince Vaughn and Tom Morello. His group has become well-known, showing that even big Hollywood names love diving into fantasy worlds.
- Famous Poker, Card Game, and Bingo Enthusiasts: Celebrities don’t just stick to fantasy. Ben Affleck and Tobey Maguire are known for their high-stakes poker games, and stars like Catherine Zeta-Jones love a good round of Bingo. Whether it’s serious strategy or casual fun, there’s a game for every mood.
How Tabletop Games Have Influenced Celebrities’ Careers
For many stars, tabletop games aren’t just a hobby—they’ve impacted their professional lives too.
- Improving Acting and Storytelling Skills: Games like Dungeons & Dragons require creativity and improvisation, skills that actors use in their work. Stars like Vin Diesel and Stephen Colbert have spoken about how D&D helped them become better storytellers.
- Building Personal Brands Around Gaming: Some celebrities, like Wil Wheaton and Felicia Day, have built entire brands around their love for tabletop games. Wheaton’s TableTop show and Day’s The Guild both brought gaming into the mainstream, blending their personal passions with their careers.
- Crossing into Game Design: A few stars have taken their love for games to another level. Vin Diesel has even worked with D&D creators on official content, combining his fame with his gaming passion.
Celebrities Promoting Tabletop Gaming Culture
Many celebrities don’t just play—they promote gaming to their fans, showing just how fun and accessible it can be.
- Social Media Influence: Stars like Joe Manganiello and Henry Cavill often share their gaming adventures on social media. Their posts give fans a peek into their game nights, inspiring others to join the fun.
- Live Streaming and Podcasts: Platforms like Twitch and YouTube have become central to the gaming world. Shows like Critical Role and Wil Wheaton’s TableTop draw huge audiences, showcasing how enjoyable tabletop gaming can be for all.
- Tabletop Conventions and Appearances: Many celebrities attend gaming conventions like Gen Con or Comic-Con, supporting the tabletop gaming community and connecting with fans who share their passion.
Tabletop Gaming as a Stress Reliever for Celebrities
With their busy and stressful lives, celebrities often turn to games to unwind and recharge.
- Relaxation and Escapism: Whether it’s an intense strategy game like Catan or a simple round of Bingo, tabletop games offer stars a chance to step away from their demanding careers. These games provide mental relaxation and a chance to escape.
- Bonding with Friends and Family: Many celebrities have shared how game nights bring them closer to their loved ones. Bingo is often the go-to for casual, fun gatherings, while D&D and board games provide more immersive bonding experiences.
- Mindfulness and Focus: Games that require concentration, like Warhammer or Catan, allow stars to sharpen their focus while providing a meditative, calming experience.
Conclusion
Tabletop games aren’t just a passing trend for celebrities—they’re a beloved pastime. Whether they’re playing Dungeons & Dragons, painting Warhammer miniatures, or enjoying a light game of Bingo, these stars are helping make tabletop gaming cool again. The games offer them an escape, a creative outlet, and a way to connect with the people they care about. If these games are good enough for Hollywood’s elite, maybe it’s time to roll the dice and try one yourself!