Ben Affleck says he argues with young players in online shooters
Ben Affleck said on the New Heights podcast that he plays online shooters, Fortnite and football games, often with his son. He described being beaten and taunted by much younger players, which can lead to arguments. Affleck also said the kidnapper who wears a giant rabbit mask in his new Netflix film Animals was inspired by video game skins.
Affleck discussed his gaming habits on the New Heights podcast hosted by Jason and Travis Kelce. He said he plays Fortnite, EA Sports Madden NFL, and NFL 2K with his son, along with first-person shooters. In 2023, he and his son attended the Valorant Champions event in Los Angeles, where he commented on a Jett balance change.
His new Netflix political thriller Animals, released October 9, features a kidnapper in a large rabbit mask. Affleck said the costume drew from in-game skins, imagining the character acquired such items through games. He also criticized Fortnite skins that require real money.
This story may humanize celebrity gaming and normalize older adults mixing with younger players online. It could spark discussions about trash talk, age gaps, and in-game purchases, especially among parents and younger players. Affleck’s comments may also draw attention to how game cosmetics influence other media, like film costume design. However, impact likely limited to entertainment discourse rather than broader policy or industry change.