Overcoming Social Isolation Through Video Games | The Remarkable Life of Ibelin
Released last October on Netflix, The Remarkable Life of Ibelin debuted alongside the theatrical release of Grand Theft Hamlet (another outstanding documentary exploring community connections in open-world role-playing games).
While Grand Theft Hamlet highlights the power of creativity during the adversity and isolation induced by the Covid-19 lockdown, The Remarkable Life of Ibelin explores the relevance of massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) as meaningful spaces for connection, more especially when one's reality is synonymous with a lack of physical autonomy and the isolation it often induces.
Documentary directed by Benjamin Ree,Produced by Ingvil GiskeDistributed by Netflix
At first glance, The Remarkable Life of Ibelin might appear to be a biopic about living with a disability and the distracting benefits of video games. However, beyond depicting Mats Steen’s physical restrictions caused by Duchenne muscular dystrophy (a degenerative muscular disease), the film unfolds as an unexpected tale of chivalry: one filled with camaraderie, laughter, love, enigmas, adventures, magic, curse, and fate...
The documentary constantly navigates two worlds, shining a light on Mats’s physical existence increasingly confined to his bedroom, and the vibrant life he built as Ibelin in the open-world environment of World of Warcraft (an online multiplayer game produced by Blizzard Entertainment).
Trude, Robert, and Mia Steen - Courtesy of Netflix
The documentary explores these two existences through the gradual understanding of Mats’s family - beginning with their discovery of Mats’s blog password shortly after his passing. As his parents announce his departure on the website, waves of condolences and memories of past adventures flood in, revealing the extraordinary life their son had online, to their greatest surprise.
Mats Steen in ‘The Remarkable Life of Ibelin’. Courtesy of Steen Family / Netflix
As Mats’s Duchenne progressed over the years, his existence became increasingly sedentary. His loving and caring parents doubted whether he would be able to make new connections, find friends, or experience romantic love. Yet Mats’s life was far richer and more vibrant than they could have imagined...
A still of ‘The Remarkable Life of Ibelin’. Courtesy of Netflix / World of Warcraft / Blizzard Entertainment
During his life, Mats spent over 20,000 hours contributing to the many adventures of the reputable Starlight guild in World of Warcraft. There, he was known as Ibelin - a reputable warrior and investigator, a compassionate community member, a problem-solver, and a good friend. Mats had a real impact on the lives of his guild companions, encouraging many to open up about their own struggles and challenges. He created a safe space for them to share their circumstances, offering new approaches to tackle their issues - many of which led to constructive resolutions.
A still of ‘The Remarkable Life of Ibelin’. Courtesy of Netflix / World of Warcraft / Blizzard Entertainment
Among the key figures in Mats’s life in WoW was 'Rumour'. Rumour and Ibelin developed a close friendship, and the closest form of romantic connection Mats could experience. Yet, when the opportunity arose to connect in the real world, he refused - fearful of how his condition might affect her perception of him.
A still of ‘The Remarkable Life of Ibelin’. Courtesy of Netflix / World of Warcraft / Blizzard Entertainment
At one point, Rumour left the game. The player behind the character shared her struggles with her family and how being disconnected from the game left her isolated and depressed. For Mats, Rumour’s sudden disappearance felt like a brutal loss - a sentiment the audience will likely to experience as well when watching the film. Whilst the environement is virtual, the sentiment is very real.
The disconnect with Rumour and the gradual deterioration of his health led Mats to experience frustration. He became more distant, lost his temper, and sometimes lacked empathy towards his guild members. The members of Starlight grew anxious about his well-being and tried to reach out, but Mats refused to communicate.
A still of ‘The Remarkable Life of Ibelin’. Courtesy of Netflix / World of Warcraft / Blizzard Entertainment
As his condition reached a critical stage, Mats began musing on his blog
and eventually found the courage to reveal his true self to the guild
in a redemptive apology. His connection with Rumour was salvaged in this
moment of vulnerability. The members of Starlight rallied around him,
expressing how much his contributions had meant over the years and how
he had changed their lives for the better.
A still of ‘The Remarkable Life of Ibelin’. Courtesy of Netflix / World of Warcraft / Blizzard Entertainment
The comfort of Ibelin’s closing arc is abruptly interrupted by Mats’s departure from both realities. In the virtual world, Ibelin fades from the pixelated landscape of World of Warcraft. In the real world, Mats is freed from the debilitating pain of his condition, leaving behind a grieving family and the secret of his many adventures -until they find the key (his password) to his other life.
In memory of Mats Steen - A still of ‘The Remarkable Life of Ibelin’. Courtesy of Netflix / World of Warcraft / Blizzard Entertainment
The Remarkable Life of Ibelin is a beautiful documentary rooted in the love and affection of Mr and Mrs Steen for their son, and the chivalrous tales of a young man seeking adventure, friendship, and love.
A still of ‘The Remarkable Life of Ibelin’. Courtesy of Netflix / World of Warcraft / Blizzard Entertainment
Furthermore, the documentary offers a unique perspective on generational misconceptions about video games. It highlights how the material and digital worlds strike different balances based on individual circumstances and how MMOs create spaces where meaningful connections, companionship, and even love can flourish - transcending yet another layer of existence for seeking a more fulfilling life.
Documentary Credit: ‘The Remarkable Life of Ibelin’(originally titled Ibelin) Directed by Benjamin Ree, Produced by Ingvil Giske. A Medieoperatørene production, in co-production with VGTV. International distribution by Netflix.
Image Credits: Stills of ‘The Remarkable Life of Ibelin’ - Courtesy of The Steen Family / Netflix / World of Warcraft / Blizzard Entertainment - all rights reserved. Mentioned in this article: The Remarkable Life of Ibelin, Mats Steen, World of Warcraft, MMORPG, online gaming community, video game charity, Netflix documentary, Benjamin Ree, Blizzard Entertainment, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, gaming and disability, digital friendships, virtual world connections, Grand Theft Hamlet, open-world role-playing games, Starlight guild, gaming and social impact, online storytelling, RPG community, virtual identity, online companionship, gaming and mental health, inclusive gaming, accessible gaming, gaming culture, online role-playing, community-driven gaming, fantasy gaming, narrative-driven games, social isolation and gaming.
