Celebs Who Invest in Indie Board Games for Fun
The world of tabletop gaming has exploded in popularity, transforming from a niche hobby into a mainstream cultural phenomenon embraced by Hollywood’s elite. Many celebrities have moved beyond casual play to become serious collectors and financial supporters of the indie board game industry. These stars invest their time and money into curating expansive collections, backing crowdfunding campaigns, and even founding their own gaming companies. From painting intricate miniatures to constructing dedicated gaming rooms, these famous faces prove that analog gaming is a serious passion.
Henry Cavill
Henry Cavill is perhaps the most vocal champion of the miniature wargaming hobby in Hollywood today. He spends a significant amount of his free time building and painting armies for ‘Warhammer 40,000’, specifically the Adeptus Custodes. Cavill often shares his progress on social media, showcasing the meticulous detail he puts into every single figure. His genuine enthusiasm has drawn massive attention to the franchise and helped legitimize the hobby for a wider audience.
Joe Manganiello
This actor is so invested in tabletop gaming that he converted the basement of his home into a luxury gaming dungeon. Joe Manganiello actively collaborates with publishers and has even started his own streetwear line inspired by fantasy role-playing games. He possesses a massive collection of miniatures and terrain that he uses to run high-profile campaigns for other celebrities. His dedication goes beyond playing, as he serves as a consultant and writer for official ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ releases.
Matthew Lillard
Best known for his role as Shaggy, Matthew Lillard has turned his lifelong passion for gaming into a successful business venture. He co-founded Beadle & Grimm’s, a company that produces high-end, premium boxed editions for tabletop games. His company invests heavily in creating immersive props, maps, and physical artifacts that enhance the storytelling experience. Lillard is a regular fixture at gaming conventions, constantly promoting the value of the indie gaming community.
Vin Diesel
Vin Diesel has been an avid roller of polyhedral dice for decades, long before it was considered cool in the mainstream. He has written forewords for gaming books and often pushes for his characters to be included in official lore. Diesel famously based his character in ‘The Last Witch Hunter’ on an old character he played in a tabletop campaign. His deep investment in the hobby is evident in the custom tattoos and artwork he commissions to commemorate his gaming history.
Wil Wheaton
Wil Wheaton has done more to boost the sales of indie board games than almost any other single individual in the entertainment industry. Through his hit web series, he showcased dozens of titles, causing them to sell out globally almost overnight. Wheaton invests his platform and resources into highlighting smaller, independent designers who might otherwise go unnoticed. His collection is legendary, featuring thousands of titles ranging from simple card games to complex strategy epics.
Felicia Day
As the creator of a media empire centered around geek culture, Felicia Day has been a driving force in the tabletop renaissance. She invests in producing high-quality web content that features playthroughs of indie board games and RPGs. Day is known to back numerous Kickstarter campaigns, directly funding the creation of new projects by independent creators. Her influence has helped launch the careers of many game designers by putting their work in front of millions of viewers.
Deborah Ann Woll
Deborah Ann Woll is a highly skilled Game Master who invests significant energy into crafting prop-heavy storytelling experiences. She created and hosted a show where she guided other actors through a dark fantasy world using a modified ruleset. Woll is known for purchasing unique, hand-crafted props and terrain to make her games feel tangible and realistic. Her advocacy for the hobby focuses on the emotional and theatrical potential of collaborative storytelling.
Jack Black
Jack Black has long been a supporter of the gaming world, frequently discussing his gaming sessions in interviews and on his YouTube channel. He plays a variety of tabletop games with his children and friends, investing in the latest releases to keep family game night fresh. Black has appeared in actual-play shows where he brings his signature high-energy performance to the table. He often highlights the importance of creativity and humor in gaming, encouraging fans to pick up dice and play.
Stephen Colbert
Stephen Colbert is a lifelong fan of fantasy literature and gaming, often referencing his old campaigns on his late-night talk show. He has kept his original character sheets from his youth, treating them as prized artifacts of his personal history. Colbert’s investment in the hobby is intellectual as well as financial, as he possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of fantasy lore. He has participated in high-profile charity streams that have raised vast sums of money through the power of tabletop gaming.
Terry Crews
Terry Crews came to the world of PC and tabletop gaming later in life but has embraced it with infectious enthusiasm. He has spoken about how gaming helped him bond with his son and find a new creative outlet. Crews invests in high-end gaming setups and has been a guest on major role-playing streams. His participation sends a strong message that the hobby is for everyone, breaking down stereotypes about who a “gamer” can be.
Post Malone
Post Malone made headlines when he purchased a one-of-a-kind ‘Magic: The Gathering’ card for a staggering two million dollars. He is a dedicated player who carries his decks with him on tour and plays at local game stores in cities he visits. His financial investment in the game is unmatched, as he regularly buys vintage packs and rare singles. Malone’s involvement has brought a massive influx of new interest and money into the collectible card game market.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Joseph Gordon-Levitt is a long-time fan of ‘Magic: The Gathering’ and has participated in pre-release tournaments and promotional events. He appreciates the strategic depth and artistic value of the cards, often discussing the game’s design mechanics. Gordon-Levitt invests time in understanding the evolving meta of the game and enjoys the social interaction it provides. He has used his platform to discuss how gaming fosters creativity and collaborative problem-solving skills.
Seth Rogen
Seth Rogen has shared stories about his teenage years spent designing his own cards and playing tabletop games with friends. He still enjoys the hobby as a way to unwind and disconnect from the pressures of Hollywood. Rogen invests in board games that emphasize humor and improvisation, aligning with his comedic background. He has occasionally referenced his love for gaming in his writing and stand-up comedy.
Patton Oswalt
Comedian Patton Oswalt is a vocal nerd who has integrated his love for gaming into his stand-up routines and television roles. He collects a wide variety of indie board games and often plays them with his family and fellow comedians. Oswalt invests in the culture of gaming, frequently appearing in documentaries and panels that celebrate the history of the hobby. His knowledge of obscure games and geek trivia makes him a respected figure in the community.
Nathan Fillion
Nathan Fillion is a regular at celebrity game nights, where he plays everything from social deduction games to complex dungeon crawlers. He has lent his voice and likeness to various gaming projects and supports friends who launch their own gaming ventures. Fillion invests in games that allow for rich character interaction and storytelling. His charm and quick wit make him a coveted player at any gaming table.
Alan Tudyk
Alan Tudyk often joins his former castmates for tabletop sessions, bringing his incredible range of character voices to the game. He enjoys games that are lighthearted and allow for performative gameplay, often favoring indie party games. Tudyk has supported crowdfunding campaigns for projects created by his peers in the industry. His enthusiasm helps shine a light on the fun and social aspects of analog gaming.
Dylan Sprouse
Dylan Sprouse is a serious wargamer who invests heavily in the ‘Warhammer’ universe and other miniature skirmish games. He serves as a writer and designer for tabletop projects, contributing to the creative development of new indie games. Sprouse often streams his painting sessions, showing off the high-quality tools and paints he uses. His investment extends to creating lore and narrative content for the games he loves.
Cole Sprouse
Like his brother, Cole Sprouse is deeply entrenched in the world of tabletop RPGs and board games. He utilizes gaming as a tool for character study and narrative exploration, often drawing parallels between acting and role-playing. Cole invests in rare and out-of-print game books to build a comprehensive reference library. He has been a guest on several popular actual-play podcasts, helping to bridge the gap between teen drama fans and gamers.
Thomas Middleditch
Thomas Middleditch is a skilled improviser who uses tabletop games as a playground for his comedic talents. He is a regular player on various streaming channels, where he invests hours into creating memorable and chaotic characters. Middleditch collects a vast array of board games, focusing on titles that offer high player interaction. His participation in the hobby highlights the strong connection between improv comedy and role-playing.
Kumail Nanjiani
Kumail Nanjiani is a regular player in the Hollywood tabletop scene, often participating in televised gaming sessions. He enjoys games that involve strategy and negotiation, reflecting his sharp wit and intellect. Nanjiani invests in the latest indie board games to play with his wife and friends during game nights. He has credited gaming with helping him make friends and navigate the social landscape of the entertainment industry.
Dan Harmon
As the creator of ‘Rick and Morty’, Dan Harmon has incorporated his love for gaming directly into his work and produced his own role-playing show. He invests in creating content that deconstructs and celebrates the tropes of classic tabletop games. Harmon’s shows have introduced the concept of tabletop RPGs to a massive mainstream audience. He views gaming as a vital form of collaborative storytelling and therapeutic expression.
David Harbour
David Harbour rediscovered his love for ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ thanks to his role in ‘Stranger Things’ and has since become a vocal proponent. He invests time in playing with cast members and participating in charity gaming events. Harbour appreciates the nostalgia and camaraderie that the hobby provides. He often discusses how the game has evolved from a basement pastime to a celebrated cultural activity.
Jason Mewes
Jason Mewes has found a calming and creative outlet in the hobby of painting miniatures for wargames. He invests in high-quality brushes, paints, and models, often spending hours perfecting the details on a single figure. Mewes shares his completed works on social media, encouraging others to take up the artistic side of the hobby. His passion for the craft of modeling shows a different, more focused side of his personality.
Rahul Kohli
Rahul Kohli is a dedicated hobbyist who frequently posts about his latest miniature painting projects and gaming purchases. He invests in ‘Warhammer 40,000’ and other sci-fi tabletop games, often engaging with the community about lore and tactics. Kohli advocates for inclusivity and positivity within the gaming space, using his platform to welcome new players. His collection of painted models is impressive and demonstrates a high level of skill.
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran surprised many fans by revealing his childhood love for ‘Warhammer’ and his return to the hobby as an adult. He invests in building armies and has been spotted shopping at local game stores for supplies. Sheeran finds the tactile nature of building and painting to be a relaxing break from the music industry. His public embrace of the hobby has helped normalize it for his massive global fanbase.
Ansel Elgort
Ansel Elgort is another young actor who has taken up miniature painting as a serious hobby. He invests in numerous model kits and shares his painting achievements with his millions of followers. Elgort enjoys the artistic challenge of the hobby and the focus it requires. His interest demonstrates how the younger generation of Hollywood stars is embracing analog gaming.
Trey Parker
One of the creative minds behind ‘South Park’, Trey Parker has a deep love for complex board games and wargames. He invests in massive, sprawling games that take hours or even days to complete. Parker has included references to his favorite tabletop games in his television shows. He appreciates the intricate mechanics and social dynamics that these heavy strategy games provide.
Mike Myers
Mike Myers was one of the early celebrity adopters of ‘Dungeons & Dragons’, playing heavily during his formative years. He has spoken about how the game influenced his comedic timing and character creation skills. Myers invests in the nostalgia of the hobby, participating in events that celebrate its history. He remains a prime example of how creative professionals use gaming to sharpen their craft.
Jon Favreau
Jon Favreau credits his background in tabletop gaming with helping him understand story structure and world-building. He invests in the hobby by supporting friends who are launching gaming-related content and businesses. Favreau approaches gaming with a director’s eye, appreciating the narrative flow and pacing of a good session. His work often reflects the hero’s journey archetypes found in classic role-playing games.
Vince Vaughn
Vince Vaughn has been known to host game nights that feature role-playing games alongside traditional poker games. He invests in the social experience, using games as a way to connect with friends and colleagues. Vaughn enjoys the improvisational nature of RPGs, which aligns with his background in comedy. He represents the casual but enthusiastic celebrity gamer who plays for the sheer fun of it.
Tom Morello
Legendary guitarist Tom Morello is a serious gamer who plays in a regular, high-profile ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ group. He invests in creating a dedicated space for his weekly games, treating them as a sacred ritual. Morello brings his political and social awareness to his gameplay, often creating complex characters. He is a strong advocate for the community-building power of tabletop gaming.
Paul Wight
Professional wrestler Paul Wight, also known as The Big Show, is a massive fan of tabletop RPGs and often plays playing characters that contrast with his physical size. He invests in custom miniatures and accessories to enhance his gaming experience. Wight has appeared on major gaming streams, showing a surprisingly gentle and tactical side. He loves the escapism and creativity that the hobby offers outside of the wrestling ring.
Elijah Wood
Elijah Wood is a genuine fan of indie board games and has been spotted playtesting unreleased titles at conventions. He invests his time in exploring the indie scene, often highlighting hidden gems and lesser-known designers. Wood enjoys games that offer unique artistic styles and innovative mechanics. His support is highly valued by indie creators who appreciate his authentic interest in their work.
Brandon Routh
Brandon Routh is a committed ‘Magic: The Gathering’ player who has competed in tournaments and owns a significant collection of cards. He invests in staying current with the game’s expansions and strategies. Routh often engages with the community online, discussing deck builds and game theory. He is a great ambassador for the game, balancing competitive play with a friendly, welcoming attitude.
Seth Green
Seth Green has built a career around geek culture and is a lifelong player of action figure games and tabletop RPGs. He invests in a vast collection of toys and games that often serve as inspiration for his show ‘Robot Chicken’. Green plays a variety of board games with his wife and friends, favoring those with strong pop culture themes. His passion for toys and games is central to his creative identity.
Kristen Bell
Kristen Bell and her husband are famously obsessed with ‘Settlers of Catan’, often playing it competitively. She invests in various expansions and themed versions of the game to keep their matches interesting. Bell has discussed her love for the game on talk shows, bringing mainstream attention to Euro-style board games. She treats game night as a serious event, complete with intense rivalries and strategy.
Dax Shepard
Dax Shepard shares his wife’s competitive streak when it comes to board games, particularly resource management games. He invests time in mastering the mechanics of the games they play to gain an edge. Shepard often shares hilarious anecdotes about their gaming disputes on his podcast. His enthusiasm shows that board games can be a central part of a couple’s social life.
Woody Harrelson
Woody Harrelson is another high-profile celebrity who has publicly declared his love for ‘Settlers of Catan’. He invests in playing the game while on set, using it as a way to bond with cast and crew. Harrelson is known for his laid-back but strategic playstyle. His endorsement has helped cement the game’s status as a modern classic.
Elizabeth Banks
Elizabeth Banks is a fan of strategy board games and often hosts game nights with fellow actors. She invests in games that are easy to learn but hard to master, allowing for spirited competition. Banks appreciates the face-to-face interaction that board games provide in a digital world. She is part of a growing circle of actresses who are vocal about their love for the hobby.
Mila Kunis
Mila Kunis is a well-documented gamer who enjoys complex board games that require deep thinking and planning. She invests in titles that offer high replay value and strategic depth. Kunis often plays with her husband and friends, enjoying the mental challenge. Her interest in gaming extends beyond video games into the tactile world of board games.
Ashton Kutcher
Ashton Kutcher is a tech investor who also sees the value in the analog gaming market. He plays regularly with his family and invests in the latest popular board games to stay current with trends. Kutcher enjoys the social dynamics and negotiation aspects of games like ‘Catan’. He views gaming as a healthy way to stimulate the mind and connect with people.
Logic
The rapper Logic is a massive fan of trading card games and has spent a fortune on rare ‘Pokémon’ cards. He invests millions of dollars into his collection, treating the cards as serious art and financial assets. Logic often opens vintage packs on stream, sharing the excitement with his fans. His high-profile purchases have influenced the market and drawn new eyes to card collecting.
Moby
Musician Moby has been playing ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ since the 1980s and remains a fan of the game today. He invests in the nostalgia of the hobby, appreciating how it has evolved over the decades. Moby has spoken about how the game influenced his imagination and creativity as a young artist. He represents the generation of creatives who grew up with the game during its initial boom.
Gerard Way
My Chemical Romance frontman Gerard Way is an avid gamer whose love for RPGs influences his comic book writing. He invests in indie RPGs and story-driven games that offer unique narrative possibilities. Way has participated in actual-play podcasts, bringing his distinct gothic aesthetic to his characters. His work often explores themes found in the tabletop games he loves.
Kevin Smith
Kevin Smith acts as a cultural hub for geek hobbies, frequently promoting board games and RPGs through his podcast network. He invests in the hobby by selling games at his comic book store, the Secret Stash. Smith plays games with his friends and family, often using them as fodder for his storytelling. He is a lifelong supporter of the indie creator community in all mediums.
Jason Mantzoukas
Jason Mantzoukas is a passionate player who invests deeply in the storytelling aspect of role-playing games. He appears on numerous podcasts where he plays eccentric and hilarious characters. Mantzoukas buys indie RPG books to explore different systems and settings. His energy and improvisation skills make him a favorite among actual-play audiences.
Rosario Dawson
Rosario Dawson has been a guest on several tabletop gaming shows and has expressed her love for the collaborative nature of the hobby. She invests in games that allow for diverse storytelling and character representation. Dawson enjoys the creativity involved in building a character and navigating a fictional world. Her presence in the community highlights the growing diversity of the tabletop player base.
Share your favorite celebrity gamer story or tell us which indie board game you think they should play next in the comments.