101 things you didn't know about games

Sept 06, 2007

The first ever bar-coded item to be scanned at a retailers was a pack of Wrigley's Juicy Fruit chewing gum. 'Typewriter' is the longest word that can be spelt using only the top row of letters on a keyboard. Donald Duck's middle name is 'Fauntleroy'. What's not to love about trivia? Those little nuggets of seemingly useless info harboured in your noggin, called upon to fill the void when the conversation goes uncomfortably quiet or when an innocuous keyword prompts its surprise appearance to the delight of anyone in earshot.

Of course, like any walk of life, gaming has plenty of these little known facts that have long since been lost down the back of the metaphorical sofa, only to be discovered by those who rummage deep enough or, indeed, have enough time on their hands to be rummaging in the first place.

So, as if gaming couldn’t make you any more popular, here’s a pick-of-the-bunch, premium clutch of videogame trivia that’s bound to go down a storm in any situation. From party icebreakers to bar mitzvahs to speed dating nights at the local bingo hall, dropping any of these humdingers will make you appear to be a charming and urbane alpha gamer, and not just Bill Gates (who, incidentally, bought a collection of writings by Leonardo da Vinci called the Codex for $30.8 million in 1994, making it the most expensive book ever) minus the money.

Hit the links below and let the carnival of triviacommence...