Videogamedunkey
A wildly influential critic who reshaped video game commentary with absurdist humor and unexpectedly sharp analytical insight.
Born 1991 (age 35)·American YouTuber·Birthday: January 30·Millennials
Biography
Jason Gastrow, operating under the persona videogamedunkey, began as a source of pure, chaotic gaming comedy on YouTube. His early videos were rapid-fire montages of gameplay fails and surreal jokes, delivered in a distinctive, high-pitched cadence. But beneath the screaming and the gags, a keen critical mind was at work. Over time, dunkey masterfully blended his signature humor with incisive video essays that dissected game design, industry trends, and artistic merit with a clarity that often eluded more traditional critics. His influence is immense; his pronouncements can sway purchasing decisions, and his comedic style has been widely imitated. He built a media company, Big Mode, further cementing his role not just as a commentator, but as a curator and champion of indie games. From goofy sketches to serious analysis, he commands the attention of millions, proving that depth and laughs are not mutually exclusive.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Videogamedunkey was born in 1991, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Videogamedunkey Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Videogamedunkey's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Grew a YouTube channel to over 7 million subscribers primarily through comedic game reviews and essays.
- Founded Big Mode, a publishing and video game showcase platform supporting independent developers.
- His video 'Dunkview: The Last of Us Part II' has garnered over 15 million views and sparked widespread discussion.
- Consistently tops view charts during major gaming events like E3 with his humorous recap videos.
Did You Know?
He originally studied film at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.
His wife, Leah, frequently provides voiceovers and appears in his videos.
He is an avid fan of the Super Smash Bros. Melee competitive scene.
His channel was temporarily terminated by YouTube in 2012 for alleged copyright infringement, but was reinstated after fan outcry.
“It's a masterpiece. And that's not a word I use lightly, unlike other reviewers who call every game that comes out a masterpiece.”
