Video games have become an essential part of modern entertainment, captivating players of all ages with immersive stories, competitive gameplay, and stunning graphics. But behind the scenes of your favorite games lie some truly surprising facts that even hardcore gamers may not know. Whether you're a casual player or a joystick veteran, these ten pieces of trivia are sure to impress — and maybe even win you a round at your next quiz night.

Craving more mind-blowing trivia? Dive into Everything Trivia — your ultimate portal to quizzes, games, and facts so fun, even your joystick will be jealous. Not just for gamers — it's trivia for everyone, everywhere.

1. Mario Wasn’t Always a Plumber

Believe it or not, Mario’s first job wasn’t plumbing. When he debuted in Donkey Kong (1981), he was actually a carpenter named “Jumpman.” It wasn’t until Mario Bros. in 1983 that Nintendo gave him a plumbing profession, likely due to the game’s underground setting. Talk about a career change!

2. Lara Croft Was Almost Laura Cruz

The iconic heroine from Tomb Raider originally had a very different name and background. Early development called her “Laura Cruz,” envisioned as a South American adventurer. The name was changed to Lara Croft to give her broader appeal and match British marketing preferences.

3. The Longest Video Game Cutscene is Over 8 Hours Long

You thought that Metal Gear Solid had long cutscenes? Star Ocean: The Last Hope for the PlayStation 3 holds the record for the longest cutscene — clocking in at a jaw-dropping 8 hours and 43 minutes. That’s longer than most feature films!

4. Pokémon Was Inspired by Bug Collecting

Satoshi Tajiri, the creator of Pokémon, was an avid insect collector as a child. His passion for catching and studying bugs inspired the "Gotta Catch 'Em All" gameplay loop, giving birth to one of the most successful gaming franchises in history.

5. There’s a Hidden Game Inside Google Search

Search “Atari Breakout” in Google Images and you’ll be treated to a fun surprise: the image results transform into a playable version of the classic brick-breaking game. It's a fun Easter egg and a clever nod to gaming history.

6. A Gamer Bought Virtual Land for $335,000

In 2010, a player spent $335,000 on a virtual space station in the online game Entropia Universe. That virtual investment paid off, as the buyer was able to charge other players fees to visit or use services on the station — turning a profit in real-world money.

7. Sonic the Hedgehog Could Have Been a Rabbit

Sega’s original concept for their mascot was a rabbit that could grab objects with its ears. That idea evolved into a much faster character, leading to the creation of Sonic the Hedgehog. The rest is blue-and-spiky history.

8. Tetris Was Developed in the Soviet Union

One of the most beloved puzzle games of all time, Tetris was created by Alexey Pajitnov in 1984 while he was working at the Soviet Academy of Sciences. Because of strict government control, he didn’t initially earn any royalties from his invention.

9. The Voice of Mario Also Voiced Parthenax in Skyrim

Charles Martinet, the voice behind Nintendo’s cheerful plumber Mario, also voiced the ancient dragon Paarthurnax in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Quite the vocal range — from “It’s-a me!” to ancient dragon wisdom.

10. The First Video Game Easter Egg Dates Back to 1980

The term “Easter egg” in gaming originated with the Atari game Adventure. The game’s lone developer, Warren Robinett, hid his name in a secret room because developers weren’t credited by Atari at the time. Players had to find a specific pixel to unlock it — a true hidden gem.

Final Level: Ready for More Trivia?

From hidden messages to record-breaking feats, the world of video games is full of surprising stories and quirky facts. Whether you’re diving into nostalgia or discovering something new, trivia can offer a whole new way to appreciate your favorite games.

Hungry for even more fun facts and challenging quizzes? Level up your trivia game with EVERYTHING TRIVIA  the ultimate destination for curious minds and trivia lovers alike.