Benjamin Ree’s Netflix documentary, The Remarkable Life of Ibelin, provides a compelling counter-narrative amid the intensifying debates about children’s smartphone and social media use, highlighting the potential of online gaming to foster community and emotional growth. Now available on Netflix and in UK cinemas, this deeply moving documentary chronicles the life of Mats Steen, a Norwegian man who, diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy as a toddler, used the fantasy world of World of Warcraft (WoW) to find companionship and purpose. Through his character “Ibelin,” Mats overcame physical limitations and forged lasting friendships, demonstrating how gaming can be a lifeline for those who feel isolated.
Born in 1989, Mats was an active and curious child. However, his parents, Robert and Trude, soon discovered that their son’s life would be defined by a degenerative condition that would eventually leave him dependent on a wheelchair and, later, nearly immobile. While the physical world presented increasing limitations, the digital realm of WoW offered an escape. In WoW, Mats created Ibelin Redmoore, a strong, charismatic warrior who could move freely, unburdened by physical constraints. Through his character, Mats formed deep friendships, offered guidance to others, and even engaged in romantic relationships. This digital life became a profound part of his identity, fostering a sense of purpose and belonging.
When Mats passed away in 2014 at the age of 25, his parents believed that only those who had assisted in his care could be his social circle. But when they shared news of his death on his blog, they received an overwhelming outpouring of grief from people worldwide who had known him as Ibelin. Messages from Mats’s virtual friends revealed that he had impacted their lives in powerful ways, helping them through their own struggles. This sense of community, which had existed largely under the radar, illustrated just how much Mats had contributed to others—and how gaming had enabled him to live a rich, full life on his own terms.
The film’s emotional impact lies in how it challenges assumptions about gaming and isolation. For Mats, WoW was not just an escape; it was a way to be fully present, experiencing companionship and understanding without barriers. He formed a community that transcended his physical limitations, providing him with a sense of identity and support that many find difficult to access even offline. The story of Ibelin underscores the complexities of gaming as a social platform, demonstrating that virtual worlds can offer meaningful connections and opportunities for growth, particularly for those with limited mobility or other barriers in the physical world.
In a digital age, there is often a generational gap in understanding the importance of online interactions, especially among parents who may not fully appreciate the depth of the connections their children form online. Robert and Trude admit that they initially saw WoW as a distraction, worried it was preventing Mats from experiencing real life. It was only after reading heartfelt letters from his virtual friends that they came to understand the invaluable role gaming had played in their son’s life, giving him a community and a purpose.
Since The Remarkable Life of Ibelin premiered, it has sparked conversations about how online gaming can serve as a source of support, especially for those facing physical and emotional challenges. Stories like Mats’s illustrate that online worlds are not just simulations or escapes; they can be extensions of our social lives, enabling players to express themselves, develop friendships, and even support others in times of need.
Mats’s story, as captured in The Remarkable Life of Ibelin, reminds us that digital spaces are not mere distractions. For many, they provide essential spaces for self-expression, companionship, and growth. For Mats, WoW was not just a game—it was a place where he could live his life fully, building connections that left a lasting impact on the people around him.
