Gaten Matarazzo says his childhood gaming was shaped by a strict household rule: violent media was off limits. Nintendo games were allowed, but shooters such as Call of Duty were not part of the approved lineup.
During the latest episode of Shelf Quest, Matarazzo explained that he still managed to play Call of Duty away from his family’s attention. The actor did not provide further details about where or how he played, but described the experience as something he had to keep quiet.
Nintendo was the permitted choice
For Matarazzo, Nintendo formed the main part of his early gaming experience because his parents did not allow violent entertainment. That restriction did not eliminate his interest in other games; it simply meant that playing them required a little discretion.
His story reflects a familiar divide in gaming households, where parents may accept colourful platformers while objecting to combat-focused titles. Today, families can also compare different arcade machine options in a buying guide before deciding which games best suit their home.
A familiar arcade-era tension
The appeal of sneaking in an unauthorised game is easy to understand, even when the hardware changes. Some players gravitate towards bright, family-friendly games, while others are drawn to action, competition and more intense challenges.
That range is still visible across modern arcade machines, from classic-style cabinets to dedicated systems built around specific genres. Smaller homes may also suit compact bartop arcades, offering another way to bring games into a shared family space.
Matarazzo’s account is ultimately less about a particular console than the lengths a young player might go to when a favourite game falls outside the household rules. Nintendo may have been the official choice, but Call of Duty still found its way into his gaming life.
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