While Elon Musk is best known as the force behind Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink, there’s another lesser-known passion that continues to influence his technological pursuits: video games. For Musk, gaming wasn’t just a childhood pastime—it was a gateway into the world of innovation, coding, and the limitless possibilities of digital creation.
From Player to Programmer: Musk’s Early Days with Games
Growing up in South Africa, a young Elon Musk spent countless hours immersed in classic games like Deus Ex, Civilization, and Doom. But unlike many casual gamers, Musk didn’t stop at just playing—he wanted to build. At the age of 12, he coded and sold a space-themed game called Blastar for $500. It was a simple, text-based game, but it hinted at the mind of someone who saw games not just as entertainment, but as a platform for exploration.
This early exposure to coding and digital design laid the groundwork for the mindset that would later drive his revolutionary ideas in transportation, space exploration, and artificial intelligence.
Gaming’s Influence on Musk’s Vision
Musk has openly acknowledged the impact games had on his thinking. He’s said that titles like The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and Deus Ex not only inspired his imagination but also shaped his philosophical approach to technology and the future of humanity. These games introduced complex themes—AI ethics, space colonization, and transhumanism—that Musk would later pursue in real life through companies like OpenAI and Neuralink.
In interviews, Musk has also credited gaming with teaching him systems thinking—the ability to understand how components interact within a larger whole. This skill has been essential in building everything from rockets to hyperloops to autonomous vehicles.
Still a Gamer at Heart
Despite his demanding schedule, Musk hasn’t left gaming behind. He frequently references games in interviews and on X (formerly Twitter), engaging with the gaming community and even joking about streaming his gameplay sessions. He’s spoken about enjoying Elden Ring, Overwatch, and Cyberpunk 2077, and even shared game ideas with fans.
In 2020, Musk surprised many when he installed playable games inside Tesla cars’ infotainment systems, such as Cuphead and The Witcher 3. It was a playful move, but it reinforced a deeper truth: Musk sees gaming not just as recreation, but as a core element of the digital experience.
A Glimpse Into the Future: Musk’s Game Dev Ambitions
What if Musk’s next startup isn’t a car or rocket company, but a gaming studio? While nothing is confirmed, he has hinted at a desire to build a video game that uses virtual reality (VR) and real-world problem-solving mechanics—a kind of next-gen simulation where users can collaborate on building sustainable societies or solving global challenges.
It would be in line with Musk’s pattern: identifying an industry with room for radical transformation, and injecting it with ambition, storytelling, and frontier tech. Given the rise of the metaverse, AI-generated game worlds, and mixed reality, Musk’s entry into gaming could shake up the industry in ways we can barely predict.
Gaming as a Tool for Change
If Musk does dive into game development, it’s likely he won’t stop at entertainment. His mission-driven philosophy could lead to games that promote education, social collaboration, or even simulated terraforming projects for Mars.
Think SimCity, but with real-world data. Or Minecraft, but powered by Neuralink. Musk might build a game that teaches climate strategy, urban planning, or interplanetary survival—games that not only entertain but educate and inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.
Conclusion: Game On, Elon
Elon Musk’s story is often told through the lens of rockets and electric vehicles. But to fully understand the mind behind the mission, you have to go back to where it all started: a computer screen, a spark of imagination, and a young boy playing games late into the night.
Whether or not Musk ever creates a game studio, his love for gaming continues to shape his worldview. And if he does decide to blend gaming with his technological empire, one thing is certain—it won’t just be a game. It’ll be a revolution in pixels.
