Through his gaming, Mats Steen was able to touch the lives as many as shared through the documentary, The Remarkable Life of Ibelin
The 2024 documentary, The Remarkable Life of Ibelin, which is currently available on Netflix, follows the story of Mats Steen who was born with a degenerative muscular disease that limited him in many ways.
As he grew older and his muscles weakened, Mats retreated into the world of gaming. In 2014, at 25, he passed away. His parents mourned what they thought had been a lonely and isolated existence.
On announcing his passing online, they learned how rich his life truly was. Mats had built an entire community through World of Warcraft as his character Ibelin.
Beautiful, honest and layered storytelling makes this documentary a must-watched for anyone who has ever felt isolated or restricted. Mats’s story reminds us of all the ways in which we can impact the lives of others – even when we aren’t aware – and that we can create community in very unconventional ways.
There are so many wonderful things to take away from the story of Mats. Here are just a few that stood out. Take note that there are some spoilers ahead.
Never quite what it seems
A recurring theme throughout the documentary is that things are never quite what they may seem. From the outside, a life may look a certain way but be experienced very differently – whether good or bad.
To Mats’s parents, it seemed like Mats was living a very lonely and isolated life. They thought that he would never get the opportunity to build true friendships and make a difference. Yet, through gaming, Mats found an escape, built a community and was able to help many. As he noted: “It’s not a screen. It is a gateway to wherever your heart desires. I boot up the computer, music pumping, and then I leave this world.”
To his online community, Mats seemed like someone who could easily build relationships and give good advice. Yet, he battled with the fears and anxiety of his declining health.
Similarly, his friends had their own struggles that might not have been obvious.
Among his gamer friends, some battled depression and loneliness, while others couldn’t connect with their family or had their own disability. Everyone was facing some obstacle.
This honest reflection, of how complicated our lives can be, reminds us of why it is important to treat others with compassion and understanding. Moreover, it teaches us that despite what the world sees, we can find joy. Afterall, it is not what a life looks like to other, but how it feels to the person living it.
Community, friendship and healing
Mats had found perhaps an unconventional way to build connections, but they were true and meaningful regardless. As he grew closer to his online community, many of his friends opened up about their struggles. Mats was able to offer great advice and support, which would help many to overcome their challenges.
Understandably, Mats was less forthcoming about his situation. None of his online friends knew about his disability. As his health declined, he developed anxiety around his death, especially after a few scary incidents. He started pulling away and lashing out at his community.
He also found himself reflecting on his life. He had always wanted to feel valued and respect but didn’t believe he had achieved those things. When he finally opened up to one of his online friends, he learned how much he truly impacted the lives of the people around him.
Whether it is Mats opening up to his friends, or others coming to ask help, we are reminded of how being vulnerable with our community can help and heal us. It is a privilege not a burden to be able to help others. By asking for it, we are giving our loved ones the privilege of supporting us, giving back and sharing in our lives.
As we learn how much Mats had meant to the people he met online, we are also reminded how true friendship, and connection can be built even in the strangest or most unconventional ways.
Life is what you make it
Mats had missed out on many things because of a lack of access, but also because of his own shyness in public spaces. However, he didn’t give up on his dreams of adding value to his community. He found a way to contribute even if that didn’t look like what he or others might have expected.
We are reminded that life is truly what you decide to make of it. Whether you invest in your online or physical community; serve others through your career or friendship; travel the world or never leave your hometown, your life can be beautiful, fulfilling, remarkable.
Perhaps learn from Mats and seek out a place where you feel unbound and free to express the best parts of yourself and build the community that will honour you in this life and the next.
