Arin Joseph Hanson, widely known by his online alias Egoraptor, was born on January 6, 1987, in Margate, Florida. He also spent part of his early life in New Hampshire before returning to Florida. From a young age, Hanson displayed a deep interest in art and animation, experimenting with stop-motion techniques before turning to digital platforms. He attended high school in Florida but eventually dropped out after relocating during his junior year, later obtaining a GED. This decision allowed him to pursue creative projects full-time, laying the foundation for his internet career.
Hanson’s career took shape on Newgrounds, where he joined under the name Egoraptor in 2001. His breakthrough came in 2006 with the parody animation “Metal Gear Awesome”, which became a viral hit and established him as a rising star in online animation. The success of the Awesome Series was followed by Sequelitis, a series of animated video essays comparing games and their sequels with a mix of comedy and critique. These works cemented Hanson’s reputation as both a skilled animator and a sharp, comedic voice in gaming commentary.
His visibility brought professional opportunities, including commissions from MTV’s online show The G-Hole. At the same time, he began developing his career as a voice actor, contributing to both independent and mainstream projects.
Major Web Series and Voice Acting Roles
Arin Hanson’s voice acting career is as diverse as his animation portfolio. He recorded the role of Bruce Banner in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance—later featured in the game’s 2016 re-release. He also lent his voice to John Gore in Minigore (2009) and reprised the role in the Death Rally remake (2011). Additional credits include Detective Grimoire, Dragon Age: Inquisition, Hex Heroes, and guest roles in Red vs. Blue, Rick and Morty, and Cyanide & Happiness.
Between 2016 and 2018, Hanson voiced several characters, including Gateaux, in Mighty Magiswords on Cartoon Network. He also contributed to Disney’s The Owl House and appeared in web projects like Eddsworld, where he voiced Super Guy, further solidifying his influence in web animation and online series.
Collaborations and Creative Partnerships
A major turning point in Hanson’s career came in July 2012, when he co-founded the Game Grumps YouTube channel with Jon Jafari (JonTron). After Jafari’s departure in 2013, Hanson partnered with Dan Avidan, creating one of YouTube’s most enduring comedy duos. The channel expanded into spin-offs like Steam Train, Table Flip, and GrumpCade, featuring collaborators such as Ross O’Donovan and Barry Kramer. Over time, Game Grumps became not just a Let’s Play channel but a brand that included live tours, merchandise, and collaborative projects.
Hanson also joined forces with Dan Avidan and Brian Wecht to create the musical comedy group Starbomb in 2013. Their debut album reached the top of Billboard’s Comedy Charts, followed by Player Select (2014), The TryForce (2019), and Starbomb Boom: Rise of Lyrics (2024). These collaborations highlight Hanson’s versatility and ability to merge gaming culture with comedy and music.
Impact on Internet Culture and Fandom
Few internet creators have had as much influence as Arin Hanson. Through his Egoraptor animations, he helped define the comedic Flash animation era of the mid-2000s. Later, Game Grumps transformed the Let’s Play format into a cornerstone of YouTube entertainment, fostering a massive global fandom. Hanson’s contributions to music (Starbomb) and live entertainment (Game Grumps Live) further expanded his impact. His presence even crossed into gaming itself, with a cameo as an NPC in
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night—a nod to his legacy in internet culture.
Beyond Voice Acting: Gaming, Music, and Entertainment Projects
Arin Hanson’s creativity extends beyond animation and voice acting. He starred in the YouTube Original series Good Game, served as an executive producer, and appeared on other web shows like Hot Pepper Gaming. As part of Game Grumps Live tours, he performed in sold-out venues across the United States and internationally. Hanson also co-founded Real Good Touring, a company specializing in organizing live events for internet personalities.
In literature, he authored Ghost Hunters Adventure Club and the Secret of the Grande Chateau under the humorous pseudonym “Dr. Cecil H. H. Mills,” expanding his creative portfolio into publishing. His career demonstrates a constant evolution across multiple entertainment fields.
Legacy and Continuing Work in Web Entertainment
Arin Hanson remains one of the most recognizable figures in online entertainment. From shaping early internet animation to redefining gaming content on YouTube, his career reflects the trajectory of internet culture itself.
Whether through voice acting, animation, music, or live shows, Hanson continues to influence new creators and audiences. His legacy is one of adaptability, creativity, and community building—qualities that ensure his lasting place in the history of web entertainment.
