If you ever feel embarrassed that you’ve spent the equivalent of two and a half weeks on a video game, just remember that some of the most accomplished and busy entertainers in the world have done the same. During a sit-down chat with Scott Lussier, creative director of western-themed extraction shooter Hunt: Showdown 1896, the rapper-turned-country-singer explains how his attachment to playing digital cowboy goes so deep that he’s dedicated a considerable amount of his 2024 to playing the game.
“Whenever I’m on the road and I can’t play, I’m missing it,” Malone says. “I got about 400 hours on it.”
When you hear the prideful zeal in Malone’s voice as he’s discussing the game, you can tell that number is likely accurate. He admits to never reaching six-star status. Still, his skills have allowed him to reach the five-star rank. He’s an admitted “big wallbanger” who loves long-ammo guns like the Krag. He also can rattle off the loadout and preferred traits he takes into battle.
“I’ll take a Krag and an Uppercut if I’m sweating. I’ll take spear, flare gun, concertina bomb, health kit, regen shot, stamina shot, concertina traps, ammo box.”
Malone’s video game love shouldn’t come as that much of a surprise. In 2020, he became part owner of esports gaming collective Envy Gaming, which owns Dallas Empire of the Call of Duty League as well as Overwatch League team Dallas Fuel. He also partnered with Apex Legends last year for a two-week event that featured the debut of new skins designed in collaboration with Malone, as well as new features.
The next time you fire up your favorite game for the 10th all-nighter in two weeks, feel comforted that Post Malone probably did the same, and then went on to have the #1 record in the country. So…anything is possible.