Celebs Who Gave Up Fame to Pursue a Career in Gaming

Many prominent figures from the worlds of film and television and professional sports have chosen to shift their professional focus toward the rapidly growing gaming industry. This transition often involves moving away from traditional media roles to become streamers and esports owners or voice actors within the digital space. These individuals use their existing platforms to build new communities and professional identities centered around their passion for interactive entertainment. The move represents a significant shift in how modern fame can be leveraged across different entertainment sectors.

Rick Fox

Rick Fox transitioned from a successful career in professional basketball and acting to become a prominent figure in the esports industry. He founded an organization called Echo Fox to provide a professional environment for competitive gamers across various titles. His dedication to the growth of the industry helped bridge the gap between traditional sports and digital competition. He became an advocate for player rights and the professionalization of gaming organizations worldwide.

Freddie Prinze Jr.

Freddie Prinze Jr. was once a major leading man in Hollywood movies like ‘She is All That’ and ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’. He shifted his professional focus toward voice acting and creative consulting in the video game industry. He provided the voice for the character James Vega in ‘Mass Effect 3’ and Iron Bull in ‘Dragon Age Inquisition’. His passion for tabletop and digital gaming has led him to host shows and produce content centered around these hobbies.

Logic

Logic announced his retirement from the music industry to sign an exclusive streaming deal with a major platform. He spent much of his time building a community through live broadcasts of various games and chatting with his followers. While he eventually returned to music his focus on the gaming world remains a significant part of his professional identity. He often discusses how gaming provides a creative outlet and a way to connect with his audience on a personal level.

Wil Wheaton

Wil Wheaton gained early fame for his roles in ‘Stand by Me’ and ‘Star Trek The Next Generation’. He eventually pivoted his career to become a leading voice in the tabletop and board gaming communities. He created and hosted the popular web series ‘TableTop’ which introduced various games to a mainstream audience. His work has been instrumental in the resurgence of board gaming and hobby culture over the last decade.

Felicia Day

Felicia Day is known for her roles in shows like ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and her groundbreaking web series ‘The Guild’. She transitioned into a multifaceted career that prioritizes gaming and geek culture through the creation of the media company Geek and Sundry. Her work includes writing and starring in projects that celebrate the lifestyle of digital gamers. She remains a prominent figure at gaming conventions and within online communities.

Erika Ishii

Erika Ishii began her career in traditional acting but soon found a primary niche in the world of gaming and digital media. She has provided voice performances for high profile titles such as ‘Apex Legends’ where she plays the character Valkyrie. Her presence in the industry extends to hosting events and participating in popular tabletop gaming series. She is now recognized more for her contributions to the gaming community than her early screen roles.

Brennan Williams

Brennan Williams started his professional journey as an NFL player and later became a professional wrestler in the WWE. He eventually moved into the digital space to pursue a career as a streamer and VTuber under various personas. He frequently broadcasts his gaming sessions and engages with the anime community on his social channels. His transition highlights the growing overlap between professional athletics and the world of online entertainment.

Jerry Trainor

Jerry Trainor became a household name for his comedic roles in television shows like ‘iCarly’ and ‘Drake and Josh’. In recent years he has focused his creative energy on a gaming channel called Toasty Ghost where he plays various titles with friends. This shift allows him to explore a different side of entertainment that is more casual and community focused. He frequently shares his gaming experiences and interacts with fans who grew up watching his television performances.

Demetrious Johnson

Demetrious Johnson is a legendary mixed martial artist who has successfully transitioned into a full time gaming creator. He maintains a consistent streaming schedule where he demonstrates high level skill in various competitive games. His expertise in professional fighting translates into a focused and strategic approach to gaming. He has stated that gaming is a long term career path that provides a sustainable future beyond physical competition.

Mike Shinoda

Mike Shinoda is a founding member of the band Linkin Park and has always been a fan of technology and gaming. He shifted much of his creative output to streaming platforms where he interacts with fans through gaming and music production. He has been involved in the development and promotion of various gaming projects throughout his career. His digital presence has become a central hub for his artistic community in the modern era.

Soulja Boy

Soulja Boy is a rapper who famously expanded his brand into the gaming hardware and streaming markets. He has launched his own line of gaming consoles and frequently broadcasts his gameplay to a large online audience. His ventures into the gaming industry have been a major part of his public persona in recent years. He continues to explore new opportunities within the digital space as an entrepreneur and entertainer.

Post Malone

Post Malone is a world famous musician who has become deeply integrated into the gaming and hobbyist worlds. He frequently streams titles like ‘Apex Legends’ and has participated in high stakes gaming tournaments. His passion for gaming also extends to tabletop card games where he has become a prominent figure in the community. He often uses his platform to highlight his love for the culture and connect with fellow gamers.

Chandler Riggs

Chandler Riggs rose to fame as Carl Grimes on the television series ‘The Walking Dead’. After leaving the show he began focusing more of his time on streaming and content creation within the gaming sphere. He often broadcasts on his own channel and participates in events with other popular creators. His career shift shows a move from traditional television toward the interactive world of digital entertainment.

Grace Van Dien

Grace Van Dien is an actress who gained widespread recognition for her role in the fourth season of ‘Stranger Things’. She recently made headlines by announcing her decision to focus on gaming and streaming over traditional acting roles. She stated that the streaming environment offers her more control over her work and personal well being. She now maintains a regular broadcast schedule and has built a large following in the gaming community.

Jordan Fisher

Jordan Fisher is a versatile entertainer known for his work on Broadway and in television movies. He has carved out a significant space for himself in the gaming world through high level play and hosting major esports events. He was one of the first mainstream celebrities to be signed to a major gaming talent agency. His involvement in the industry includes participating in high profile tournaments and advocating for the growth of gaming culture.

T-Pain

T-Pain is a Grammy winning artist who has become one of the most popular and respected figures in the streaming community. He regularly broadcasts his gaming sessions and uses his platform to showcase his genuine love for the hobby. He has also been involved in creating music for video games and participating in industry events. His transition into the gaming world has been highly successful and well received by fans who enjoy his interactive personality.

Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg is a global icon who has expanded his influence into the world of esports and streaming. He has joined major gaming organizations as a member and frequently broadcasts his gaming sessions to millions of followers. His presence in the industry includes hosting gaming tournaments and lending his voice to video game titles. He has become a bridge between mainstream hip hop culture and the digital gaming world.

Terry Crews

Terry Crews is an actor and former athlete who became a prominent figure in the gaming world after building his own gaming computer. He frequently shares his passion for PC gaming and has become a regular fixture at major industry events. His enthusiasm for the hobby has inspired many of his fans to explore gaming themselves. He has used his platform to advocate for the positive impact of gaming on mental health and social connection.

Jack Black

Jack Black is a well known actor and musician who launched a highly successful gaming channel called Jablinski Games. The channel focuses on gaming culture and his personal experiences with various titles and arcades. His authentic love for gaming has made the channel a favorite among fans of all ages. He has also provided voice and motion capture work for numerous video game projects throughout his career.

Brie Larson

Brie Larson is an Academy Award winning actress who has become an outspoken fan and advocate for the gaming community. She launched a digital channel where she shares her experiences playing games like ‘Animal Crossing New Horizons’ and ‘Fortnite’. Her involvement has helped bring more mainstream attention to the gaming world and its diverse audience. She frequently collaborates with gaming brands to promote new titles and hardware.

Asa Butterfield

Asa Butterfield is a British actor known for his roles in ‘Hugo’ and ‘Sex Education’. He recently joined a professional esports organization called Team Liquid as a brand ambassador and competitive player. He has been a lifelong gamer and frequently participates in events within the gaming community. His career path demonstrates how young actors are increasingly finding professional fulfillment in the gaming sector.

Janina Gavankar

Janina Gavankar is an actress who has successfully integrated her career into the video game industry. She provided the performance and voice for the lead character Iden Versio in ‘Star Wars Battlefront II’. Beyond acting she is deeply involved in gaming development and has a strong presence at industry conferences. She is considered a pioneer for actors who want to take a more active and creative role in the production of games.

Rahul Kohli

Rahul Kohli is an actor who has become a major figure in the gaming and tabletop communities. He has lent his voice to various video game characters and frequently participates in high profile gaming broadcasts. His social media presence is heavily focused on his love for gaming hardware and competitive play. He is now widely recognized for his contributions to gaming culture as much as his work on television.

Cameron Monaghan

Cameron Monaghan is known for his roles in ‘Shameless’ and ‘Gotham’ but has shifted focus to the gaming world. He provided the motion capture and voice for the protagonist Cal Kestis in the ‘Star Wars Jedi’ series. His performance has been praised for its depth and has established him as a leading figure in interactive storytelling. He frequently discusses the unique challenges and rewards of acting for digital media.

Nolan North

Nolan North began his career in soap operas but eventually became one of the most famous voice actors in history. He is best known for portraying Nathan Drake in the ‘Uncharted’ series and has appeared in hundreds of other titles. His work has defined the modern era of cinematic gaming performances. He also hosts a popular gaming channel where he plays through the games he has starred in for his fans.

Troy Baker

Troy Baker is an actor and musician who transitioned into becoming one of the most prolific voice performers in the gaming industry. He has played iconic roles such as Joel in ‘The Last of Us’ and Booker DeWitt in ‘BioShock Infinite’. His talent for bringing complex characters to life has made him a staple of major video game productions. He is a regular speaker at gaming events and remains a vocal advocate for the artistic merit of the medium.

Matthew Mercer

Matthew Mercer started in traditional acting and voice work but found massive success in the gaming community. He is the lead dungeon master for ‘Critical Role’ which has turned tabletop gaming into a global entertainment phenomenon. He has also provided voices for numerous characters in titles like ‘Overwatch’ and ‘Fire Emblem’. His work has significantly impacted the popularity of role playing games in modern culture.

Ashley Johnson

Ashley Johnson is an actress who grew up in the spotlight but found a new career path through voice acting and gaming. She provided the award winning performance for Ellie in ‘The Last of Us’ series. She is also a key member of the ‘Critical Role’ team and has helped bring tabletop gaming to a wider audience. Her career highlights the growing crossover between traditional acting and high stakes digital performances.

Sam Riegel

Sam Riegel is an actor and director who has focused his career on the world of voice acting and digital gaming content. He is a primary cast member of ‘Critical Role’ and has won awards for his work in animation and games. His creative contributions have helped build a massive community around tabletop gaming. He continues to play a vital role in the production of gaming related media and storytelling.

Liam O’Brien

Liam O’Brien transitioned from traditional stage and screen work to become a prominent voice actor in the gaming industry. He is known for his roles in titles like ‘World of Warcraft’ and ‘League of Legends’. As a member of ‘Critical Role’ he has been instrumental in the mainstream success of tabletop gaming. His career represents the shift toward specialized voice talent in the digital entertainment space.

Marisha Ray

Marisha Ray is an actress and producer who has dedicated her career to gaming and digital media. She serves as the creative director for ‘Critical Role’ and oversees the expansion of their gaming content. Her work includes performing in various video games and participating in live gaming events. She is a leading figure in the production of high quality interactive entertainment for a global audience.

Taliesin Jaffe

Taliesin Jaffe began his career as a child actor before pivoting to voice acting and game production. He is a central figure in the ‘Critical Role’ community and has worked on numerous video game projects behind the scenes. His deep knowledge of gaming culture has made him a respected voice in the industry. He continues to focus on projects that push the boundaries of storytelling in games.

Travis Willingham

Travis Willingham is an actor who has become a major name in the voice acting and gaming worlds. He serves as the chief executive officer of the ‘Critical Role’ media company while continuing to perform in major game titles. His roles include characters in the ‘Marvel’s Avengers’ game and many other high profile releases. He has successfully combined his acting talent with a leadership role in the gaming industry.

Laura Bailey

Laura Bailey is one of the most recognizable voices in the gaming world today with a career spanning hundreds of titles. She provided the performance for characters like Abby in ‘The Last of Us Part II’ and Jaina Proudmoore in ‘World of Warcraft’. Her work in the industry has earned her numerous awards and critical acclaim. She is a key member of the ‘Critical Role’ cast and continues to be a driving force in gaming performance.

Kristian Nairn

Kristian Nairn gained global fame as Hodor in ‘Game of Thrones’ but has always been a dedicated gamer. He has transitioned into a career that involves hosting gaming events and sharing his passion for titles like ‘World of Warcraft’. He frequently speaks at gaming conventions and participates in community events. His public persona is now deeply linked to his love for the gaming world and its community.

Mark Hoppus

Mark Hoppus is a founding member of the band Blink-182 who has turned to streaming as a major part of his professional life. He regularly broadcasts his gaming sessions on digital platforms where he interacts with fans in a casual setting. His presence in the streaming community has allowed him to connect with a younger audience of gamers. He often discusses his gaming hobbies as a central part of his daily routine.

Matthew Lillard

Matthew Lillard is an actor famous for his roles in ‘Scream’ and ‘Scooby-Doo’ who has moved into the business side of gaming. He cofounded a company that produces premium accessories and experiences for tabletop gaming. His passion for games like ‘Dungeons and Dragons’ has become a primary focus of his professional life. He frequently appears at gaming conventions to promote the hobby and engage with the community.

Seth Green

Seth Green is a well known actor and creator who has long been involved in the gaming and digital media space. He has provided voices for major game characters and has been an advocate for the integration of gaming and traditional entertainment. His production company often explores themes related to geek and gaming culture. He remains a prominent figure in the industry as both a performer and a producer.

Brandon Mychal Smith

Brandon Mychal Smith is an actor who has leaned into the world of gaming and competitive play. He frequently participates in celebrity gaming tournaments and shares his passion for video games on social media. His involvement helps to bridge the gap between young Hollywood and the gaming community. He continues to explore opportunities that combine his acting background with his love for interactive entertainment.

David Harbour

David Harbour is an actor who has become a vocal member of the gaming community through his public support of various titles. He has shared his experiences playing games like ‘World of Warcraft’ and has expressed interest in working more within the industry. His genuine enthusiasm for gaming has made him a favorite among fans of digital entertainment. He often uses his platform to highlight the importance of gaming as a social and creative outlet.

Chloë Grace Moretz

Chloe Grace Moretz is a successful actress who has increasingly focused her brand on her love for gaming. She has worked with major gaming companies as an ambassador and frequently shares her gaming setups and experiences online. Her passion for competitive titles has established her as a legitimate member of the gaming community. She continues to advocate for the growth and inclusivity of the gaming world.

Maisie Williams

Maisie Williams rose to fame on ‘Game of Thrones’ but has since explored various ventures in the tech and gaming sectors. She has been involved in the development of digital platforms and has shared her interest in the future of interactive media. Her presence at gaming events and her collaborations with digital creators show a clear shift in her career focus. She remains an influential figure for young people interested in the intersection of fame and gaming.

Share which celebrity transition to the gaming world surprised you the most in the comments.