Carlo Acutis Video Games, Hobbies, and Holiness: How He Balanced Both

One reason Carlo Acutis captivates young Catholics is that he was genuinely normal. He played video games, enjoyed soccer, loved his dogs, and taught himself computer programming. Yet he is a canonized saint. Understanding how Carlo ordered his hobbies reveals a practical model for holiness in the twenty-first century.

What Games Did Carlo Play?

Carlo enjoyed popular titles including Halo, Pokémon, and classic platform games. He played on consoles and computers like any teenager of his generation. Friends remember him as competitive but fair, never cruel. His mother has confirmed that gaming was part of his leisure—not forbidden, but regulated.

The One-Hour Rule

Carlo limited recreational gaming to roughly one hour per week. This self-imposed discipline prevented entertainment from consuming time needed for prayer, family, service, and his Eucharistic Miracles project. The lesson is not that gaming is evil, but that unchecked consumption displaces God. Carlo chose limits before they were imposed—a mark of spiritual maturity.

Coding as a Hobby and Vocation

Unlike passive entertainment, programming became Carlo's tool for evangelization. He built websites for parishes, organized the miracles exhibition digitally, and saw code as creative service. Read our digital evangelization guide for how he transformed technical skill into ministry.

Soccer, Nature, and Friendship

Carlo played soccer with friends and enjoyed outdoor walks—especially in Assisi. He defended classmates from bullying and used his social influence for good. Holiness, for Carlo, included bodily health, friendship, and joy—not grim isolation from culture.

Lessons for Gamers Today

• Set time limits before turning on the console
• Never skip Mass or prayer for gaming sessions
• Choose games that do not desensitize you to violence or sin
• Use online platforms to encourage, not mock, others
• Ask whether your hobbies help you become an "original," not a "photocopy"