im a 70 year old with dementia and home bound in a wheelchair, world of warcraft is my link to other people, in a guild of other older adults, most with health and other problems and we support each other like a family spread out over the whole world from england to new zealand and even one in china - life for me would a rather lonely place without my wow famliy
sorry its by invite only, we interview everyone who wants to be a member so that they fit with the rest of members, but a lot of great guilds on wow found in the guild finder, shop around to find one that fits you
@@sweet.dreams , you're lucky to have a great guild. I've been playing mostly without a guild for the past few years, and after the 20-year event, I think I'm going to quit.
As a wow player, this is why you should always treat other players with respect. Stop the toxicity in game, even if you have a bad day. You never know who's sitting on the other side of the screen.
Are you saying we should treat people with disability or diseases different from "normal" human beings? How should I be treated then, what kind of special treatment should I get since I'm not normal in your eyes. I would much prefer toxic pieces of shits like you, just stay in your fucking lane, and treat us as normal people. Don't be a n4z1, don't force behavioral changes on people. If you want to be toxic, be toxic. I can deal with it.
As a Norwegian, I'm so proud and so touched at the same time watching this film... Norway's Authority of Media just created the "Ibelin prize" in honour of Mats, which will be awarded to those who do a lot for the gaming community.
I have a fond memory of roleplaying with Ibelin at a ball event. My character Elisica was feeling lonely and sad, she'd been stood up by the person she was meant to be going with - and Ibelin was one of the few people who came up to her and tried to make her feel better. I recall a lot of the Starlight crew were always really kind and friendly, and that sense of love and community really radiates through this whole story. Rest easy, Mats - and Light bless you, Lord Ibelin Redmoore.
I met my husband playing WoW 16 years ago and we still play together. We have a marvellous 14 years old daughter together. My 33 years old daughter met her husband 10 years ago the same way and they have 2 beautiful little girls. I met wonderful people in this game and grieve the loss of few.
How are you not bored of this damn game? I’m genuinely asking, not hating. I used to play a lot between BC and Legion, but I became more and more desensitized with it. After Legion ended I finally figured out that it’s just too repetitive, The same hamster wheel over and over, with a new coat of paint and more and more „features” that limit player interaction incentive further. The game became crazy lonely. How are you still enjoying it? What’s the secret lol. I realized I was playing out of habit than actual fun factor
@@borek92 I still love it. Mainly because I don't raid anymore. I'm more interesting in the Lore (quests), collecting battle pets and leveling up my crafting on my main and alts. It is repetitive but it's fun when you are not a hard core gamer and you play just to relax. I'm the caretaker of my adult disabled son so WoW helps me to be in my bubble a few hours a day
@@borek92 I don't play that hard as many ppl do, like, I take my time doing quests and stuff, and try not to rush all the content... Also, I understand what you mean, I got bored in BFA but I had so much joy during Dragonflight, It was different, and it seems that a lot of old players enjoyed DF as well, I regain my interest in DragonFlight and now on War Within I feel the same. It felt nostalgic and also enjoyed all the new stuff. I also noticed after the realm shift, the servers seems to have more players(new and old players) wich is nice
@@carolemg I feel the same, I am not a hardcore player, bc I stress out a lot at work, I don't wanna come home and play WoW to stress out a lot more 😅 So I take my time and enjoy the lore and events.
It's sad that it's now that they are seeing it, I've also got muscular dystrophy and getting close to 31, I never know how long I got left I just wing it. Lost my best friend that I met in WoW in 2020 and since then I dropped alcohol completely, I tried explaining to my family who she was to me but it really feels like those parents that will only see it when I'm gone. Love you Tiffy ❤ RIP Mats Steen
I hope that you get to watch the documentary with your parents, and I hope that it will allow them to see what the people we meet online, through WoW or otherwise, can really mean to us. Godspeed, gamer.
I'm begging you, please show them this documentary. Explain that it would mean the world to you and it would help them understand you & your situation. My mom hasn't gamed a day in her life and loved this film.
I'm agreeing with the other commenters, that documentary is one of the best to explain what this game means to us. I've had to explain to friends that being a gamer keeps me sane. I'm a grandmother of 9 (with 4 in college, the oldest is out working, and three in high school, the baby is in kindergarten now) and I play almost daily because it's so much fun. And, it keeps me mentally sharp.
I pray to this day a cure is found. No point saying keep strong, as I am sure you are strong as a Lion my friend. You never know what is behind each day that awaits.
I don't play videogames but the fact that other people miss him despite never meeting him in person means that he was truly a great person. We lost a brother today. May he be missed. RIP.
The strange things about such games is you learn ppl to know in a very unfiltered way. No socially mask is on etc.. no need to lie cause you think you will never met. You share things you would not do with others in the real life. + the brain does not different between real or virtual experiences that much. We „survived“ and fought in several wars together, covered, saved and sacrificed ourselfs countless times for the other. Its weird but the well earned trust saved us in real life many times by now 15 years ago i met my closest friend this way. Today we live in the same town and work together in our own company.
@@CovenantAgentLazarusIt makes very clear sense, unless you're somehow getting caught up on the literal idea of blood, a liquid, chaining something down. It's a metaphor. If family makes someone free and blood relations are typically seen as traditional family, then the quote is suggesting that traditional family should not be an obstacle to finding a family (usually through friends) that makes one feel free. 'Don't let blood chain you down.'
I have been playing WoW almost my whole life. I'm 27, the game is entering it's 20th anniversary, I have TRUE core memories from WoW as a child. Did I play too much? Probably. But I enjoyed every moment, learned a lot, and built real friendships. And during hard times of my life, such as becoming house bound due to panic attacks and agoraphobia, WoW was there, and I was free.
I discovered DDO during the pandemic when I cousins shoot archery at the range due to Covid. It got me through the pandemic having somewhere to be with people when many of us were very isolated.
@@JohnDoe-fv7ue I wasn’t a shut in my whole life and panic attacks started in my 20s from a paradoxical reaction to a med while at uni, confirmed by the doctors. I played a lot as a kid but on and off over the years and in enough moderation, the sane as any other kid playing a game they liked. Some years i played more than others, some not at all. I also had a thriving IRL social life. So, no.
@@JohnDoe-fv7uewell your negative approaches keep getting shut down. Do you think maybe you should do more self-reflection rather than questioning others life choices?
I have a spinal injury and have most my best friends from wow, my condition is nothing like this dude but when yout physcially limited in life, gaming communitys can be a life saver
I herniated my l5 s1 when I was 18, and then a few years later herniated the disc above it. Always been a gamer but the spine injuries and back pain definitely pushed me to staying online a lot longer. World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy 11
Probably even more than just physical injuries/'disabilities'. I know so many neurodivergents who just don't deal with the 'real world' well, yet they find friendship, love, companionship and much more in mmo's.
I had tears watching this. After battling depression and anxiety for over 30 years I know I would not be here if not for the calmness and the escape World Of Warcraft has given me since TBC
I call WoW my comfort game. Yet, my anxiety and social awkwardness means I still don't have a group of in-game friends. It odd to me that it is still my comfort game despite feeling lonely there. WoW really is part of how I cope with life. - I'm glad you've found your own 'comfort game' if you will
@@WackyLisaif I still had time these days to play, honestly, I’d love to join you. There’s lots of people just like you who struggle with similar things to you to varying degrees. The best advice I can give is to ask on forums if anyone wants to play and explain what you struggle with and how your having problems making friends. I can guarantee that eventually you will find your people, it just might be harder and take a bit longer than other people but that’s ok, everyone is different. I promise if you do that, you will find your people. Don’t loose hope 🙂. Apart from that I’m happy you’ve found something that you enjoy and comforts you. Stay safe friend 🙂🙂🙂
As someone who works in healthcare I think gaming could be an incredibly powerful therapeutic tool for a lot of people. A lot of elderly people who don't have any social interactions and are limited in their mobility could find both new adventures and companionship through gaming. People with physical disabilities, i work with someone who suffers from the same condition this guy did, are not limited in the virtual world. I really wish, and hope to one day be able to find a way to facilitate this to people who unlike me didn't grow up with gaming, and never knew about what it can be.
My grandma found her way into the world of singleplayer games and it really made such a huge difference. When everyone in my family would come to me for "tech support", she was the only one who I knew, if she asks me, the problem is actually that. She could handle her laptop better than any non IT person I've ever seen. She even taught me things about Win8. If she had experienced the capabilities of social life in online gaming, I bet she would have been much less lonely. I only realized how lonely she must have been during her funeral and wish I could have changed that.
Show them the video. Honestly, it's a good open door to the gaming world for us older folk (I'm 67) and with disabilities (fibromyalgia and MS). They can then see how the game helps. It's got more than running dungeons or raids, it's a beautiful world, has great lore, and you can collect things for fun. I've played since 2008 and it's also keeping my mind sharp because the problem solving (how to accomplish a quest or get past things) helps. I would absolutely be pitching gaming to the folks you work with.
It’s easy for nongamers to judge gamers as addicts. For those of us who, for whatever reason, cannot succeed in real life (RL) in traditional ways, we can do and be a lot in these other realms and connect with people all over the world. I count those in my gaming group as friends and they add to the adventures of my life. Gaming can be a very healthy and enriching endeavor I wish more people understood this.
@@r8chlletters like I said, each to their own and if you're happy good for you. I find it sad that you couldn't find joy in actual human contact and calling it triumphant is sad. But that's just me.
@@everything777 I found your reply deeply depressing. Find it sad that you couldn’t find joy in actual connection with humans through gaming and calling it depressing is sad. But that’s just me.
Another Steamwheedle veteran! Hope life is being kind to you, it's been a joy to bump into so many of us who shared those days together thanks to Mats' story. - Umbert
Couldn’t hold back the tears on this one. It was sad but also so poignant. You definitely left the film feeling this man who had so many struggles actually left this planet having had an impact on several lives. Reminds us of what’s really important in life.
This reminds me of Ironmouse. She's a vtuber that started streaming with an avatar because she has an autoimmune disorder and she can't go outside without risking death, so she lives entirely confined in her room except for visits to the doctor. But through the internet and streaming, she made friendships, and eventually started making money. Now she makes more than her parents and is able to help pay all the bills, bought a new house for them all to live in together that was better designed for her condition, and best of all now she's able to pay the extortionate medical bills needed to improve her quality of life. She's never been just about anywhere, but her friend Connor goes places and streams it while she's watching and interacting with him. He'll tell her to go to specific areas or do specific things, living by proxy to do things she can't do. and Ironmouse has one of the most beautiful voices you'll ever hear, though sometimes she's too sick to sing. Just listen to her sing something by Shakira or some Opera music or songs from Musicals and you'll be blown away. Never forget everyone is human and you never know someone's story or what's going on with them. Try to be kind to everyone as best you can. If you've never heard of Ironmouse, you should check her out.
Nothing surprises me anymore, especially after nearly 10 years of playing Kingdoms of Camelot, where I had the honor of leading my clan. In that time, we shared incredible highs-celebrating members getting married, seeing friendships blossom across the globe, and forming lifelong bonds through Facebook. But we also faced heartbreaking lows, like losing members who passed away and are deeply missed. Our clan brought together people from all walks of life: doctors, nurses, strippers, cowboys, gangbangers, bikers, lawyers-you name it. Regardless of background, we stood side by side, fighting for each other around the clock, every day. The sense of camaraderie was beyond anything I could have imagined.
Lok'tar Ogar! I'm a 39 years old autistic and without WoW's Mythic plus community I would be alone and depressed. Speedrunning dgs is very soothing to my autistic mind. Without WoW, I would have died from drug addiction a decade ago. WoW is where my real family is as my biological father dumped me as I turned 18 and my mother when I turned 12.
i am 70 and just recently learned i was autistic - now i better understand why wow has been such a good place for me helping me through some rough times, not as bad as yours though - best wishes for you and happy you have found a way to deal with RL
@@JohnDoe-fv7ue”Better elsewhere,” isn’t for you or anyone else to decide. Warcraft may very well have saved my own life when I was being bullied relentlessly in middle school. The friends I made online and all the good memories are things I can’t put a price on.
It's amazing that even after his death, Ibelin still continues to inspire thousands of people, bringing them together to talk and share their experience. I saw this story yesterday and sobbed throughout the whole movie, truly something to make us think how lucky we are and how thankful we should feel. Love is all that matters. This was one of my favourite stories of all time. RIP IBELIN, forever in our hearts you beautiful rogue!
I've been playing World of Warcraft for 20 years and we've had cool people like Mats in our guild. Treat everyone how you would like you be treated, as simple as that, in the virtual *and* in the real world.
I just want to point out that this isn't just applicable to WoW but to any online game. Outside of going to school, I was basically a recluse growing up and I have so many memories of playing games with people I barely knew and looking back they had basically raised me to be who I am today, countless hours of Halo, COD, CS, Borderlands, Destiny and so many more where I had gotten some of the best life advice from fully grown men and women that ranged from being 6-25+ years older than me. I am now 25 myself and its crazy to think about it all, even the other day I just met an older gentleman in a smoking area who overheard me and my mate talking about games and we got chatting to him about all the old games from commodore to ps2 and memories from each of those games. Gaming not only unites people with similar interests, but similar to music can transcend the regular barriers like age, class, religion, etc., and connect people as if they were best friends who lived next door for over 10yrs. Mats' story was incredible, may he Rest In Peace.
Yes, and the open ended 'game' called Second Life. Many differently abled people can enjoy a 'real' life in there. It's great to get to know other people mind to mind.
It must be so comforting for the parents to have this wonderful collection of memories that Mats shared with online friends. My son died at the age of 21 in 1992. No online games, no mobile cameras in mobile phones. No mobile phones. I have internal memories of him but not the wealth of stuff shared by Mats. I wish you well parents of Mats - he played a blinder ❤️❤️❤❤❤❤
This is why I despise online bullies...they have no idea who they may be hurting, and they're too dense and heartless to care. Hopefully young Mats put them on /ignore immediately and didn't tolerate their garbage. It's beautiful to hear how much his WoW friends cared for him; I'm sometimes jibbed a bit by RL friends for playing the game, but my guildies are my friends too, and we've encouraged each other through some hard times for sure.
In MMOs we all start on the same foot, we all have the ability to be who we want. No disabilities, Age is Irrelevant, Distance has no meaning, and Country of Origin means you just get to know people all over the world. How our characters (and ourselves) are perceived by others is determined solely by how we choose to interact with those around us. The family has my condolences, and for Mats I can only offer the farewell my main would. May the Great Wolf Spirit Guide You.
The series made me want to play MMORPGs again. I’m 37 now and still have very fond memories of the MMORPGs I played in the past with my guildmates and friends. RIP Ibelin.
I met my boyfriend in WoW 15 years ago. Today we have a kid together. That game could beat ANY dating site out there. The amount of families that game created is beyond imaginable. I know so many!
I have had some amazing connections with women online, but never really thought it would be possible to go that far to start a family. Such a blessing for you!
As wonderful as this tale is, and I cannot wait to watch it, I just want to point out how refreshing it is to see WoW painted in a good light in the media.
I have been playing WOW since the first day it went online. 20 years and I have made epic friends along the way. I am now 72 years old and still play everyday.
i just turned 70 and started mid cataclysm, been quite a fun journey with all my wow friends over the years - had someone join our guild couple days ago who is 84 and also played from the start
Wow has been with me through the toughest parts of my life over the last 19 years i have been a subscriber. I have made a lot of life long friends in the game and this story of Ibelin is not uncommon in the way you can have the richest life with like minded people and completely remove the chains of reality. I don't have a debilitating disease like Mats did and I am so happy he got to experience things he very likely never would have been able to without the amazing community in Wow.
My husband and I made lifelong friends playing Everquest (yes, I'm old). Gaming, and online internet communities in general, can bring people together as much as offline communities can.
Oh man everwuest was my first mmo. I was a kid and I paid for it with my pocket money. I remember the painful download speeds of dial up. But I also remember the first person to ever party with me, I remember getting jump scared by the flying sharks in the one city (can’t for the life of me remember the name. Still have no idea if that was a bug or a feature lol)
I’ve played World of Warcraft for 18 years. And while it’s been about a year since I logged on, I think and daydream about it almost every day. It’s a world where at least the struggling and suffering makes sense and you can learn the rules of the game and absolutely enjoy it (better than real life for many), and you never really die, you can always resurrect. You do form very close, deep relationships with people - people you spend many, many hours with immersed in the alternative reality of the game. There are many players with challenging health conditions and often when they pass to the other side their guilds will have some kind of event like a mount parade to honor them, as we did in my guild for a player. Thank you for sharing the positive aspects of the game. ❤
Spent many hours literally sitting next to my best friend watching him play WoW. The way he constantly spoke about the people be played with was always positive. It definitely helps him cope with life. Wherever you are man, I miss you buddy.
Great story and a notable example of how people have been forming lifelong friendships online and across the world since the advent of online games, especially MMO's, for the last 25 years.
I have played Warcraft for so many years. So many memories with people who have been there virtually through many painful and happy experiences. I have shared their laughter and their pain, as well. Yes, I have friends in RL but an immersive place where we take that step into each others life moments is very real. We talk on a voice chat channel, share pictures, and milestones. RIP, Mats.
I relate to this. A friend I've known since 2006, through FINAL FANTASY XI, and he recently died in August. *GiganticBear* on XBOX and Steam. He lived in Sugarland, TX, and when we met, I was in Houston, but eventually I moved away. I missed his funeral. And now I regret not attending. Because I figured it would be weird to say, "Ya, I didn't personally know, Adkins, but we spent about 10,000 hours together in a Virutal World; and he helped me get my Defending Ring off of King Behemoth . ." But it seems maybe I should have.
I think when someone gives out their name, you truly are now online friends. I think you should have attended, too. All those hours spent having fun, arguing about anything in game etc.
Thing is, he's there, if you still run, you can honor him with something in game. As we always say, he's just on the other side. I have lost both my siblings since 2016 and I actually made 2 alts in World of Warcraft, made them look like them and they will stay in my world with me and when I miss them, I can run them and just think of them. They never played but they loved hearing about the game and my enthusiasm for it (I'm the baby of us).
People don't realize just how important the internet has become in most people's lives. I'm 22. I've spent more then half my life online instead of outside.
everquest kept me out of prison. when i was young i was doing a lot wrong . I got in major trouble . the judge gave me a second chance by giving me probation when i was facing years. the only way to change was to get away from everyone i knew. so i went inside. all i did was go to work , come home and play everquest. people would drive up looking for me and I would say no i can't i have to work and go back in and play everquest. people started making fun of me . i had one person that started getting them to say . "he is inside playing Neverquest" mocking me for it. but i stayed sober . never broke anymore laws and I was able to get through a crucial time , clean . because of gaming.
If I hadn't discovered WoW in my late teens, I probably wouldn't be here right now. I've suffered with bouts of depression since I was fifteen, and with anxiety to go along with it developing as I got a bit older. I manage it well now with medication, having had therapy, and being surrounded by a brilliant support network... but at that time I felt very alone. Even though I have a loving family, some of them were either too distracted by other difficulties in our lives to notice the dark hole I was in, or simply put it down to me being a stereotypical "moody teenager" (we need to change how we view this idea, as it can be very damaging, in my opinion). I was being bullied pretty mercilessly at school, almost every day. And while I wouldn't say I had a single, or small group of people that went out of their way to bully me, it was more like I felt like I was *everyone's* punching bag. I'd get little mean comments from everyone. I don't know whether I was seen as an easy target and received more abuse than my peers, or whether I was just more sensitive than them to the sort of things all teenagers are faced with. I have always been fiercely independent and mature for my age, and I wonder sometimes if that drew unwanted attention. At that time, I felt like I had no friends (which even in the real world wasn't true, I just had tunnel vision at the time). No one to turn to and talk to. I didn't want to die, I just wanted to stop hurting. World of Warcraft gave me an outlet. It was a way to de-stress, and avenue in which to be creative, and a place crawling with social interaction. Through playing the game, I was able to make a great deal of friends; friends who had no way of knowing how I looked, and could only pass judgement on my personality. It made me realise that I was generally a good person, someone that people found easy to like, and *wanted* to hang out with. Without the trappings of high school drama and popularity contests, I was a person people saw value in having as a friend. That was incredibly comforting, and made my final years in school much more tolerable. The real world is a far-cry from school, and while not always perfect or absent of the same shackles that snare you during those formative years, it's still a great deal better. Remember folks, it gets better.
What an incredible tale. I can't wait to watch this film. We need more stories of the connections that gamers can have. I personally have friends in another continent that I have known for almost 20 years. They are my best friends, and always will be. Our connection is no different to those who I stand next to. We've laughed, we've cried, we've argued, we've fallen out and made up. We've also taken on dragons, soldiers, zombies, and all kinds of adversaries together. Our bond is online, but our love for eachother is as real as any other. I've never met them physically, but they know me better than some of those who I've shaken hands with. To believe that there is no interactability with any reason between people, just because they are only online friends, is really selling short the human experience and the depth of our emotions.
People who don't experience the gaming world will never fully understand the connections you make within it. My best and closest friend for more than 25 years was my guild leader in multiple MMOs going back to the late 90s and then 20 years of warcraft. I lost him this year and I honestly cried about it more than any family member i ever lost. His funeral in Amarillo texas had 3 family members, but then it had well over 300 world of warcraft players from our guild. It was hands down the saddest day of my life but we all told stories and smiled remember 25 years of good times. The family you make online is just as close as the ones who raised you.
😢 the first time i cried so much during a documentary. Not only because of the sadness but certainly feeling how much joy he and his friends had. Many hugs and love for his family and all of his friends. I loved watching it all 😘
I am a guild master, most of the group has been playing together since at least 2010, we refer to ourselves as family and have been through so much together. We have had a few members pass away over the years. We have even raised money to help each other through rough times.
Very interesting that he experinced real life experiences like love and friendship but hardly left the house or met people, its shows its partly internal
@@v1kzu This lad put himself forward virtually and the connections he made were almost metaphysical because of his restricted life. Love and friendship is a shared bond so can't be entirely internal
A heart warming story, but how are we still in a world where people judge games as loners with no life that need to grow up. Wake up people we games get to experience multiple lifes, make lasting memories and friendship that surpass almost all others.
As a former gamer from age 8 to 19, I disagree. That's okay though. People should be aware there is a balance to be had, and balance isn't the natural tendency of people.
You could argue that we experience multiple lives in real life too, just that we forget our previous life. You can make lasting memories and friendships that surpass almost all others in real life, too, except you'll be around people's presence and voice and touch instead of actual pixels. It sounds aggressive but I am being literal.
I've spent 17 years with an undiagnosed condition, and eventually ended up trying to take my own life in 2020. After reconstructive surgery on my leg, face and jaw I now spend most of my time playing WoW, and my closest relationships are with my guildies. I'm glad Mats could experience the same thing I have.
My son has anxiety and my other is developmentally delay and has hard time with kids his age. Both boys have made so many great friends online. I hate that people , and people i mean therapist,say it's unhealthy, but it has build their confidence there's no bullying and their learning to problem solve on game, and gaming makes them need to learn how to read which helped with my oldest
My WoW guild mates kept me sane in early 2022. I lost my mother to kidney failure in the middle of Feb. And just little over a month later lost my father covid/cancer. When i would log on just to not think about having to move cause the hosue had to be sold as part of the estate they would let me vent, cry, hang out. If it was not for them I dont know what i would have done. People will be surprised how many long friendships people have from MMOs.
I have been on a virtual game since 2009 and I am in my 60’s. During that time I had developed many friendships and had many experiences that I would not have in real life. I met people who are handicapped or restricted in their lives living a full life in this virtual world game. The experiences are real and the friendships are real.
As a fellow WoW player, I remember having this joy. I didn't have a lot of friends, family wasn't around, but I had my fellow adventurers in Azeroth. I'm glad this young man had such a life that he could live in this world. He will always be one of us and we will do well to remember this traveler.
I can say with all my heart that World of Warcraft is not just a game, it is a family that gets together, talks and plays. I've been playing WoW for many years and when my online family went their separate ways in the game it felt like my heart would break. The best time I've had is with Wow and I hope our family can be reunited.
This made me feel more than I have since 2008. I met my now wife of 12 years in Utgarde Keep after posting in lfg channel for a healer. WoW and all the many people I met have a special place in my life.
A moment of silence for all the parents.. that tell their children gaming is a waste of time. For some, maybe it is. But for people that have health issues, mental issues, (even people with no major issues) sometimes they are LIFE SAVING. Remember that.
I deal with severe depression and the games help me disconnect from everything and have peace for a short time. A lot of times, it takes the joy of even that.
WoW is played by people for many different reasons. It lifted me out of a very very dark place in 2004 and I've played it to this day. To many it isn't just a game. RIP Mats
Very sad and wholesome story. It resonated a lot with me. After losing my brother, his account and character are somewhat of a shrine of him. All the cool stuff and wealth he accumulated and the friends he made. Really sorry for your loss. He seemed like such a wonderful guy. RIP Ibelin the handsome womanizer.
I'm almost 40... have played this game since almost it's first year... through this game especially but others too there are truly some amazing communities and people... I have met people in real life who met and got married through WoW, had connections with others, countless friends etc.... this is a key part that doesn't get talked about with games. I don't know how anyone can make it through this with crying their eyes out.... man.
That is a remarkable story, I never thought that type of video games could help someone disabled feel strong and confident like it made this young man feel. At first I thought why are they letting him stay on the computer soo long? instead of taking advantage of every moment they can with him. Now I can see it gave him pleasure to live through a character a sort of normal life. The friends he makes is impressive. I won’t be soo judgemental when I see parents allowing their kids looking at a screen for hours maybe that’s the only normalcy they have.
This is so sad I feel for his family and friends on WoW. I took a break from WoW after Blizzard did my hero Arthas dirty in Shadowlands I’m starting to come back in the past 2 weeks. I’m 47 and I’m a disabled gamer in a wheelchair and I play WoW and Diablo with just one finger, I’ve been playing WoW since Cataclysm so since 7th December 2010. Although luckily I’m not dying I can deeply relate to Ibelin, I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting him but I can tell we would have probably been friends. A lot of the things brought up in this video are so true. Ibelin your name will forever be honoured along with Azeroth’s mightiest fallen heroes. Strength And Honour.
The fact that there is a screen and wire between the people on each end, does not make it any less of a real human connection than if they were to stand face to face and hold hands. That is not to say that I believe virtual reality should replace any physical interaction, it is all part of life. These are all real people, with real lives, and real emotions. I've been a gamer for over 30 years. I have also had a very fulfilling life outside of gaming too, and now am married with two wonderful sons and many nieces and nephews but never has my opinion of gaming, or gamers changed or been viewed in a negative light as some people like to belittle gamers, or gaming as a hobby. Rest in peace, Mats. I didn't know him but I have met many people that have brought so much joy to others' lives just as Mats did.
Why does someone who spends everyday working out and working a low paying job get praise for basically doing doing nothing with their lives but, when a gamer creates a huge friend group online who they bond with and create amazing memories and have fun and feel fulfilled with life and work a random job they are seen as wastes of space......
RIP to a legend. May Elune guide you. I remember playing WoW and becoming great friends with someone on it, but they stopped coming on and after a few weeks I decided to check the forums just to see if any events were happening and saw the thread saying that the person I pretty much saw as a brother had passed away at 34. Broke my heart to release that was why he never came back on WoW. WoW is not the same without him, that is for sure.
I am in tears listening to this lads story....This hits different for me as not only am I an avid Wow player but my brother has DMD. I know all about what its like living with these challenges and watching this horrible thing Slowly take over someones life. Fortunately I still have my brother with me today! I have met many kids and adults battling this terrible disibility. One thing ive learned about dealing with this super challenging lifelong Disability is that it makes these kids way tougher and resilient in ways I feel some able bodied people wouldnt understand. Fortunately not everyone and their families are effected by this disability but those that are such as myself.... We see something different when we see a child or person In a wheelchair.... Its like a story unfolds without even doing so....Though we may come off as another able-bodied person staring at them......They would be at ease to know that we understand more then they might think. Im so glad to hear your story Ibelin. You will not be forgotten, especially in the WOW community. It would have been very cool to meet you in real life or even WOW! I have met countless people struggling with MD that have absolutley explosivley outgoing personalities! That goes without saying after hearing Ibelin's story! Thank you for sharing this very touching story.
I have been playing wow for 19 years on and off, and it have saved my lonely life many times. You never have to feel alone or depressed when you play wow,and all the ppl you get to know all over the world. i have been suffering from depression since my teeange years and im 44 now,and wow have helped me cope with life.
I started playing WoW when I was about 11 or 12. The new expansion has been fantastic and brought a lot of players back to the game. I’m 30 years old now and just a couple weeks ago, I was in the capital city and ran into someone I played with nearly 20 years ago. I was just like “no way! What’s up dude?!” We caught up and chatted for awhile, it was really cool to see a familiar face.
What a wonderful story. Many people dismiss the wow community as toxic, but there are some genuine friendships and bonds created through the same community too, which arent always celebrated as much as they should. Thisstory moved me and i will be llooking forward tonseeing the full story on netflix soon ❤️
Really hope a blizzard employee is watching this and pushes for this kid to be immortalized in the game, this is soo touching and inspirational, i hope this makes everyone just to be nicer to people just a little bit more and give them the inspiration of just helping people, thank you buddy will never forget ya :)
He already is! A replica of Mats' real life tombstone can be found on one of the islands in Mirror Lake in Elwynn Forest. Complete with burning candle and ceramic cat ❤
The early days of WoW where friendships were built T.T I remember near my last days in the game only a handful of guildmates were left, my last convo was with another guy whom I told I was going in for a job interview to start my journey adulting. He was older than me a bit and told me I should make a good impression, "tell them you're starving [for the job" like a wolf lol I was still nervous but it lessen the tension definitely. A blink of an eye and it had been almost 15 years o,0
Lots of people who don't play games like World of Warcraft won't understand what it does for people. It saved me from deep depression when my life was at my lowest point and I have friends who could understand my situation because they took had similar experiences.
I'm 44 and born disabled. Without online gaming, I would have no social life at all. No one wants to be my friend in real life. But, on my favorite games, everyone knows me and wants to hang out with me. Online gaming is not for losers. It's a place where people like Mats and myself can find acceptance and some semblance of normalcy. It's for everyday people to interact with people like myself and discover that we're just like them, we just can't lead the same lives.
I'm 26 and played WoW all my life. kinda neglected as a child.. Parents to busy with their own problems. I got basically raised by different guilds over the years, turned out pretty good. Many core memories, love, heartbreak and grief found place in Azeroth.
I have mixed feelings. As a someone who's been addicted to gaming for as long as I can remember, It's given me beautiful moments and helped me through some difficult childhood moments that I don't know I would have made it through otherwise. At the same time it's never going to be the same as living your best life and chasing all your dreams and there is always the chance that as you get older, you regret all those hours you burned into something which is a skill you cannot ever utilize elsewhere. But for people like Mats theres no doubt it's a godsend and provides them with socialization and a life they would never otherwise have access to. In general I think gaming is a tool but too much of anything can be unhelpful; utilize the fantasy world but try not to live there. If your in a place where it's your life raft, keep going.
If you havent watched this documentary, you really should, it is amazing. This young lad and his life and his online connections were life changing for so many players he interacted with. Long Live Ibelin!!
im a 70 year old with dementia and home bound in a wheelchair, world of warcraft is my link to other people, in a guild of other older adults, most with health and other problems and we support each other like a family spread out over the whole world from england to new zealand and even one in china - life for me would a rather lonely place without my wow famliy
Share your Server and Guild Name so your Guild can grow with likeminded
@@slotcarXBLI second this!
@@slotcarXBL Do not share this information, onto a public platform. Trolls are savage. :3
sorry its by invite only, we interview everyone who wants to be a member so that they fit with the rest of members, but a lot of great guilds on wow found in the guild finder, shop around to find one that fits you
@@sweet.dreams , you're lucky to have a great guild. I've been playing mostly without a guild for the past few years, and after the 20-year event, I think I'm going to quit.
As a wow player, this is why you should always treat other players with respect. Stop the toxicity in game, even if you have a bad day. You never know who's sitting on the other side of the screen.
couldn't agree more, it takes nothing to be nice/kind and it comes back to you
Get a life.
Are you saying we should treat people with disability or diseases different from "normal" human beings?
How should I be treated then, what kind of special treatment should I get since I'm not normal in your eyes.
I would much prefer toxic pieces of shits like you, just stay in your fucking lane, and treat us as normal people.
Don't be a n4z1, don't force behavioral changes on people. If you want to be toxic, be toxic. I can deal with it.
100% agree
nah fam you brick my key its on sight
I was neglected as a child and WoW was where I found love, support and acceptance.
Hi, old friend! WoW has definitely made a lasting impression on me and great memories over the years, too. 💜
@@SuduEm I didn't even recognize you! The best friend I ever made in WoW!
@@Blandyman woop-woop 🥳 happy I met ya, friend!!
❤
I saw this documentary. It was pretty amazing.
I was fortunate enough to know this lad. Gone but never forgotten
As a Norwegian, I'm so proud and so touched at the same time watching this film... Norway's Authority of Media just created the "Ibelin prize" in honour of Mats, which will be awarded to those who do a lot for the gaming community.
I have a fond memory of roleplaying with Ibelin at a ball event. My character Elisica was feeling lonely and sad, she'd been stood up by the person she was meant to be going with - and Ibelin was one of the few people who came up to her and tried to make her feel better. I recall a lot of the Starlight crew were always really kind and friendly, and that sense of love and community really radiates through this whole story. Rest easy, Mats - and Light bless you, Lord Ibelin Redmoore.
I met my husband playing WoW 16 years ago and we still play together. We have a marvellous 14 years old daughter together. My 33 years old daughter met her husband 10 years ago the same way and they have 2 beautiful little girls. I met wonderful people in this game and grieve the loss of few.
I've met my husband 6 years ago because of WoW and we've been playing together ever since ❤🥰 I hope that if we have kids that they play wow too😂
How are you not bored of this damn game? I’m genuinely asking, not hating. I used to play a lot between BC and Legion, but I became more and more desensitized with it. After Legion ended I finally figured out that it’s just too repetitive,
The same hamster wheel over and over, with a new coat of paint and more and more „features” that limit player interaction incentive further. The game became crazy lonely. How are you still enjoying it? What’s the secret lol. I realized I was playing out of habit than actual fun factor
@@borek92 I still love it. Mainly because I don't raid anymore. I'm more interesting in the Lore (quests), collecting battle pets and leveling up my crafting on my main and alts. It is repetitive but it's fun when you are not a hard core gamer and you play just to relax. I'm the caretaker of my adult disabled son so WoW helps me to be in my bubble a few hours a day
@@borek92 I don't play that hard as many ppl do, like, I take my time doing quests and stuff, and try not to rush all the content... Also, I understand what you mean, I got bored in BFA but I had so much joy during Dragonflight, It was different, and it seems that a lot of old players enjoyed DF as well, I regain my interest in DragonFlight and now on War Within I feel the same. It felt nostalgic and also enjoyed all the new stuff. I also noticed after the realm shift, the servers seems to have more players(new and old players) wich is nice
@@carolemg I feel the same, I am not a hardcore player, bc I stress out a lot at work, I don't wanna come home and play WoW to stress out a lot more 😅 So I take my time and enjoy the lore and events.
It's sad that it's now that they are seeing it, I've also got muscular dystrophy and getting close to 31, I never know how long I got left I just wing it. Lost my best friend that I met in WoW in 2020 and since then I dropped alcohol completely, I tried explaining to my family who she was to me but it really feels like those parents that will only see it when I'm gone. Love you Tiffy ❤ RIP Mats Steen
I hope that you get to watch the documentary with your parents, and I hope that it will allow them to see what the people we meet online, through WoW or otherwise, can really mean to us.
Godspeed, gamer.
I'm begging you, please show them this documentary. Explain that it would mean the world to you and it would help them understand you & your situation. My mom hasn't gamed a day in her life and loved this film.
I'm agreeing with the other commenters, that documentary is one of the best to explain what this game means to us. I've had to explain to friends that being a gamer keeps me sane. I'm a grandmother of 9 (with 4 in college, the oldest is out working, and three in high school, the baby is in kindergarten now) and I play almost daily because it's so much fun. And, it keeps me mentally sharp.
I pray to this day a cure is found. No point saying keep strong, as I am sure you are strong as a Lion my friend. You never know what is behind each day that awaits.
Do you have Duchenne also?
I don't play videogames but the fact that other people miss him despite never meeting him in person means that he was truly a great person. We lost a brother today. May he be missed. RIP.
2014*
The strange things about such games is you learn ppl to know in a very unfiltered way. No socially mask is on etc.. no need to lie cause you think you will never met. You share things you would not do with others in the real life. + the brain does not different between real or virtual experiences that much. We „survived“ and fought in several wars together, covered, saved and
sacrificed ourselfs countless times for the other. Its weird but the well earned trust saved us in real life many times by now
15 years ago i met my closest friend this way. Today we live in the same town and work together in our own company.
"Family is where you're meant to be most free. Don't let blood chain you down." This kid lived that quote up
He probably wished his real family cared about his interests, even just a little bit...
Home is where the hearthstone is
@@cloudypudding8460 Overwatch pron is my family
That quote sounds stupid. It doesn't make sense at all
@@CovenantAgentLazarusIt makes very clear sense, unless you're somehow getting caught up on the literal idea of blood, a liquid, chaining something down. It's a metaphor. If family makes someone free and blood relations are typically seen as traditional family, then the quote is suggesting that traditional family should not be an obstacle to finding a family (usually through friends) that makes one feel free. 'Don't let blood chain you down.'
I have been playing WoW almost my whole life. I'm 27, the game is entering it's 20th anniversary, I have TRUE core memories from WoW as a child. Did I play too much? Probably. But I enjoyed every moment, learned a lot, and built real friendships. And during hard times of my life, such as becoming house bound due to panic attacks and agoraphobia, WoW was there, and I was free.
I discovered DDO during the pandemic when I cousins shoot archery at the range due to Covid. It got me through the pandemic having somewhere to be with people when many of us were very isolated.
Did you ever think maybe it was you being a shut in playing wow most your whole life for 20 years that caused your agoraphobia and panic attacks?
@@JohnDoe-fv7ue I wasn’t a shut in my whole life and panic attacks started in my 20s from a paradoxical reaction to a med while at uni, confirmed by the doctors. I played a lot as a kid but on and off over the years and in enough moderation, the sane as any other kid playing a game they liked. Some years i played more than others, some not at all. I also had a thriving IRL social life. So, no.
@@JohnDoe-fv7ue100%
@@JohnDoe-fv7uewell your negative approaches keep getting shut down.
Do you think maybe you should do more self-reflection rather than questioning others life choices?
I have a spinal injury and have most my best friends from wow, my condition is nothing like this dude but when yout physcially limited in life, gaming communitys can be a life saver
I herniated my l5 s1 when I was 18, and then a few years later herniated the disc above it. Always been a gamer but the spine injuries and back pain definitely pushed me to staying online a lot longer. World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy 11
Probably even more than just physical injuries/'disabilities'. I know so many neurodivergents who just don't deal with the 'real world' well, yet they find friendship, love, companionship and much more in mmo's.
I had tears watching this. After battling depression and anxiety for over 30 years I know I would not be here if not for the calmness and the escape World Of Warcraft has given me since TBC
I call WoW my comfort game. Yet, my anxiety and social awkwardness means I still don't have a group of in-game friends. It odd to me that it is still my comfort game despite feeling lonely there. WoW really is part of how I cope with life. - I'm glad you've found your own 'comfort game' if you will
@@WackyLisaif I still had time these days to play, honestly, I’d love to join you. There’s lots of people just like you who struggle with similar things to you to varying degrees. The best advice I can give is to ask on forums if anyone wants to play and explain what you struggle with and how your having problems making friends. I can guarantee that eventually you will find your people, it just might be harder and take a bit longer than other people but that’s ok, everyone is different. I promise if you do that, you will find your people. Don’t loose hope 🙂.
Apart from that I’m happy you’ve found something that you enjoy and comforts you. Stay safe friend 🙂🙂🙂
As someone who works in healthcare I think gaming could be an incredibly powerful therapeutic tool for a lot of people. A lot of elderly people who don't have any social interactions and are limited in their mobility could find both new adventures and companionship through gaming. People with physical disabilities, i work with someone who suffers from the same condition this guy did, are not limited in the virtual world. I really wish, and hope to one day be able to find a way to facilitate this to people who unlike me didn't grow up with gaming, and never knew about what it can be.
My grandma found her way into the world of singleplayer games and it really made such a huge difference. When everyone in my family would come to me for "tech support", she was the only one who I knew, if she asks me, the problem is actually that. She could handle her laptop better than any non IT person I've ever seen. She even taught me things about Win8.
If she had experienced the capabilities of social life in online gaming, I bet she would have been much less lonely. I only realized how lonely she must have been during her funeral and wish I could have changed that.
Show them the video. Honestly, it's a good open door to the gaming world for us older folk (I'm 67) and with disabilities (fibromyalgia and MS). They can then see how the game helps. It's got more than running dungeons or raids, it's a beautiful world, has great lore, and you can collect things for fun. I've played since 2008 and it's also keeping my mind sharp because the problem solving (how to accomplish a quest or get past things) helps. I would absolutely be pitching gaming to the folks you work with.
What a wonderful way to immortalise yourself with such extreme disabilities. Beautiful ❤ God rest his beautiful soul ❤
It’s easy for nongamers to judge gamers as addicts. For those of us who, for whatever reason, cannot succeed in real life (RL) in traditional ways, we can do and be a lot in these other realms and connect with people all over the world. I count those in my gaming group as friends and they add to the adventures of my life. Gaming can be a very healthy and enriching endeavor I wish more people understood this.
Each to their own I guess, but I'm sorry to say I found this post deeply depressing
@@everything777why should it depress you that someone found a way to express themselves when they had no way otherwise? It’s a triumph.
@@r8chlletters like I said, each to their own and if you're happy good for you. I find it sad that you couldn't find joy in actual human contact and calling it triumphant is sad. But that's just me.
@@everything777 I found your reply deeply depressing. Find it sad that you couldn’t find joy in actual connection with humans through gaming and calling it depressing is sad. But that’s just me.
@@PowerPawaa same
I remember Ibelin. Household name in the RP scene back in vanilla WoW. God rest him.
Amen
Another Steamwheedle veteran! Hope life is being kind to you, it's been a joy to bump into so many of us who shared those days together thanks to Mats' story.
- Umbert
Couldn’t hold back the tears on this one. It was sad but also so poignant. You definitely left the film feeling this man who had so many struggles actually left this planet having had an impact on several lives. Reminds us of what’s really important in life.
This reminds me of Ironmouse. She's a vtuber that started streaming with an avatar because she has an autoimmune disorder and she can't go outside without risking death, so she lives entirely confined in her room except for visits to the doctor.
But through the internet and streaming, she made friendships, and eventually started making money.
Now she makes more than her parents and is able to help pay all the bills, bought a new house for them all to live in together that was better designed for her condition, and best of all now she's able to pay the extortionate medical bills needed to improve her quality of life.
She's never been just about anywhere, but her friend Connor goes places and streams it while she's watching and interacting with him. He'll tell her to go to specific areas or do specific things, living by proxy to do things she can't do.
and Ironmouse has one of the most beautiful voices you'll ever hear, though sometimes she's too sick to sing. Just listen to her sing something by Shakira or some Opera music or songs from Musicals and you'll be blown away.
Never forget everyone is human and you never know someone's story or what's going on with them. Try to be kind to everyone as best you can.
If you've never heard of Ironmouse, you should check her out.
Nothing surprises me anymore, especially after nearly 10 years of playing Kingdoms of Camelot, where I had the honor of leading my clan. In that time, we shared incredible highs-celebrating members getting married, seeing friendships blossom across the globe, and forming lifelong bonds through Facebook. But we also faced heartbreaking lows, like losing members who passed away and are deeply missed. Our clan brought together people from all walks of life: doctors, nurses, strippers, cowboys, gangbangers, bikers, lawyers-you name it. Regardless of background, we stood side by side, fighting for each other around the clock, every day. The sense of camaraderie was beyond anything I could have imagined.
Lok'tar Ogar! I'm a 39 years old autistic and without WoW's Mythic plus community I would be alone and depressed. Speedrunning dgs is very soothing to my autistic mind. Without WoW, I would have died from drug addiction a decade ago. WoW is where my real family is as my biological father dumped me as I turned 18 and my mother when I turned 12.
i am 70 and just recently learned i was autistic - now i better understand why wow has been such a good place for me helping me through some rough times, not as bad as yours though - best wishes for you and happy you have found a way to deal with RL
I'm the opposite. WoW's M+ community MAKES ME depressed lol
@@CarnifaxMachine Yeah, which is why I LOVE delves and follower dungeons 😷😷😶🌫
Not even a wow player, but just as a fellow gamer, We're glad you're here. We love you man.
WoW is an amazing game, that has saved me many times in my life. Barrens music seriously cures depressive thoughts.
The Barrens quests do bring depression right back though!
@@theshiftybloke4672 Well do not despair too much! Eventually you will get to Winterspring and all will be well ;)
True and real, my monk saved me from physical inactivity and I'm into calisthenics and I'm in the best shape of my life.
How much money did waste on this game that perhaps could have been spent better elsewhere to help your situation?
@@JohnDoe-fv7ue”Better elsewhere,” isn’t for you or anyone else to decide. Warcraft may very well have saved my own life when I was being bullied relentlessly in middle school. The friends I made online and all the good memories are things I can’t put a price on.
I have never cried as much from watching anything before. This is a documentary everyone should watch!
It's amazing that even after his death, Ibelin still continues to inspire thousands of people, bringing them together to talk and share their experience. I saw this story yesterday and sobbed throughout the whole movie, truly something to make us think how lucky we are and how thankful we should feel. Love is all that matters. This was one of my favourite stories of all time.
RIP IBELIN, forever in our hearts you beautiful rogue!
I've been playing World of Warcraft for 20 years and we've had cool people like Mats in our guild. Treat everyone how you would like you be treated, as simple as that, in the virtual *and* in the real world.
I just want to point out that this isn't just applicable to WoW but to any online game. Outside of going to school, I was basically a recluse growing up and I have so many memories of playing games with people I barely knew and looking back they had basically raised me to be who I am today, countless hours of Halo, COD, CS, Borderlands, Destiny and so many more where I had gotten some of the best life advice from fully grown men and women that ranged from being 6-25+ years older than me. I am now 25 myself and its crazy to think about it all, even the other day I just met an older gentleman in a smoking area who overheard me and my mate talking about games and we got chatting to him about all the old games from commodore to ps2 and memories from each of those games. Gaming not only unites people with similar interests, but similar to music can transcend the regular barriers like age, class, religion, etc., and connect people as if they were best friends who lived next door for over 10yrs. Mats' story was incredible, may he Rest In Peace.
Yes, and the open ended 'game' called Second Life. Many differently abled people can enjoy a 'real' life in there. It's great to get to know other people mind to mind.
True for many but unfortunately not all. I've played Elder Scrolls Online for years and it doesn't have the community that WOW does.
It must be so comforting for the parents to have this wonderful collection of memories that Mats shared with online friends. My son died at the age of 21 in 1992. No online games, no mobile cameras in mobile phones. No mobile phones. I have internal memories of him but not the wealth of stuff shared by Mats. I wish you well parents of Mats - he played a blinder ❤️❤️❤❤❤❤
This is why I despise online bullies...they have no idea who they may be hurting, and they're too dense and heartless to care. Hopefully young Mats put them on /ignore immediately and didn't tolerate their garbage.
It's beautiful to hear how much his WoW friends cared for him; I'm sometimes jibbed a bit by RL friends for playing the game, but my guildies are my friends too, and we've encouraged each other through some hard times for sure.
Elune light your path 🌕
😢 well said. That comment will stay with me for a long time ❤
And Light keep him
I tried not to cry...
Elune, be with u ❤
In MMOs we all start on the same foot, we all have the ability to be who we want. No disabilities, Age is Irrelevant, Distance has no meaning, and Country of Origin means you just get to know people all over the world. How our characters (and ourselves) are perceived by others is determined solely by how we choose to interact with those around us.
The family has my condolences, and for Mats I can only offer the farewell my main would. May the Great Wolf Spirit Guide You.
The series made me want to play MMORPGs again. I’m 37 now and still have very fond memories of the MMORPGs I played in the past with my guildmates and friends. RIP Ibelin.
Do it! There's so much to do and I think there are more nice folks than trolls.
I met my boyfriend in WoW 15 years ago. Today we have a kid together. That game could beat ANY dating site out there. The amount of families that game created is beyond imaginable. I know so many!
I have had some amazing connections with women online, but never really thought it would be possible to go that far to start a family. Such a blessing for you!
By the light of the moon
As wonderful as this tale is, and I cannot wait to watch it, I just want to point out how refreshing it is to see WoW painted in a good light in the media.
I have been playing WOW since the first day it went online. 20 years and I have made epic friends along the way. I am now 72 years old and still play everyday.
i just turned 70 and started mid cataclysm, been quite a fun journey with all my wow friends over the years - had someone join our guild couple days ago who is 84 and also played from the start
Good to hear mate, age is just a number, as long as you are enjoying your self out there!
Wow has been with me through the toughest parts of my life over the last 19 years i have been a subscriber. I have made a lot of life long friends in the game and this story of Ibelin is not uncommon in the way you can have the richest life with like minded people and completely remove the chains of reality. I don't have a debilitating disease like Mats did and I am so happy he got to experience things he very likely never would have been able to without the amazing community in Wow.
My husband and I made lifelong friends playing Everquest (yes, I'm old). Gaming, and online internet communities in general, can bring people together as much as offline communities can.
Oh man everwuest was my first mmo. I was a kid and I paid for it with my pocket money. I remember the painful download speeds of dial up. But I also remember the first person to ever party with me, I remember getting jump scared by the flying sharks in the one city (can’t for the life of me remember the name. Still have no idea if that was a bug or a feature lol)
Beautiful video. Brought tears to my eyes x
I’ve played World of Warcraft for 18 years. And while it’s been about a year since I logged on, I think and daydream about it almost every day. It’s a world where at least the struggling and suffering makes sense and you can learn the rules of the game and absolutely enjoy it (better than real life for many), and you never really die, you can always resurrect. You do form very close, deep relationships with people - people you spend many, many hours with immersed in the alternative reality of the game. There are many players with challenging health conditions and often when they pass to the other side their guilds will have some kind of event like a mount parade to honor them, as we did in my guild for a player. Thank you for sharing the positive aspects of the game. ❤
bro that choked me up when his mum was talking about physically being able to hug the friends and see it was all real.
Spent many hours literally sitting next to my best friend watching him play WoW. The way he constantly spoke about the people be played with was always positive. It definitely helps him cope with life. Wherever you are man, I miss you buddy.
Great story and a notable example of how people have been forming lifelong friendships online and across the world since the advent of online games, especially MMO's, for the last 25 years.
Just found this on Netflix, will be watching it tonight! Thank you, we need more stories like this anymore!
I have played Warcraft for so many years. So many memories with people who have been there virtually through many painful and happy experiences. I have shared their laughter and their pain, as well. Yes, I have friends in RL but an immersive place where we take that step into each others life moments is very real. We talk on a voice chat channel, share pictures, and milestones. RIP, Mats.
I relate to this.
A friend I've known since 2006, through FINAL FANTASY XI, and he recently died in August.
*GiganticBear*
on XBOX and Steam.
He lived in Sugarland, TX, and when we met, I was in Houston, but eventually I moved away.
I missed his funeral.
And now I regret not attending. Because I figured it would be weird to say,
"Ya, I didn't personally know, Adkins, but we spent about 10,000 hours together in a Virutal World; and he helped me get my Defending Ring off of King Behemoth . ."
But it seems maybe I should have.
I think when someone gives out their name, you truly are now online friends. I think you should have attended, too. All those hours spent having fun, arguing about anything in game etc.
Thing is, he's there, if you still run, you can honor him with something in game. As we always say, he's just on the other side. I have lost both my siblings since 2016 and I actually made 2 alts in World of Warcraft, made them look like them and they will stay in my world with me and when I miss them, I can run them and just think of them. They never played but they loved hearing about the game and my enthusiasm for it (I'm the baby of us).
People don't realize just how important the internet has become in most people's lives. I'm 22. I've spent more then half my life online instead of outside.
The internet is important, but so is balance.
I met my wife playing wow 15 yrs ago this game will alway hold a special place in are hearts. It’s brings people together like no other ❤
everquest kept me out of prison. when i was young i was doing a lot wrong . I got in major trouble . the judge gave me a second chance by giving me probation when i was facing years. the only way to change was to get away from everyone i knew. so i went inside. all i did was go to work , come home and play everquest. people would drive up looking for me and I would say no i can't i have to work and go back in and play everquest. people started making fun of me . i had one person that started getting them to say . "he is inside playing Neverquest" mocking me for it. but i stayed sober . never broke anymore laws and I was able to get through a crucial time , clean . because of gaming.
If I hadn't discovered WoW in my late teens, I probably wouldn't be here right now. I've suffered with bouts of depression since I was fifteen, and with anxiety to go along with it developing as I got a bit older. I manage it well now with medication, having had therapy, and being surrounded by a brilliant support network... but at that time I felt very alone. Even though I have a loving family, some of them were either too distracted by other difficulties in our lives to notice the dark hole I was in, or simply put it down to me being a stereotypical "moody teenager" (we need to change how we view this idea, as it can be very damaging, in my opinion). I was being bullied pretty mercilessly at school, almost every day. And while I wouldn't say I had a single, or small group of people that went out of their way to bully me, it was more like I felt like I was *everyone's* punching bag. I'd get little mean comments from everyone. I don't know whether I was seen as an easy target and received more abuse than my peers, or whether I was just more sensitive than them to the sort of things all teenagers are faced with. I have always been fiercely independent and mature for my age, and I wonder sometimes if that drew unwanted attention. At that time, I felt like I had no friends (which even in the real world wasn't true, I just had tunnel vision at the time). No one to turn to and talk to. I didn't want to die, I just wanted to stop hurting. World of Warcraft gave me an outlet. It was a way to de-stress, and avenue in which to be creative, and a place crawling with social interaction. Through playing the game, I was able to make a great deal of friends; friends who had no way of knowing how I looked, and could only pass judgement on my personality. It made me realise that I was generally a good person, someone that people found easy to like, and *wanted* to hang out with. Without the trappings of high school drama and popularity contests, I was a person people saw value in having as a friend. That was incredibly comforting, and made my final years in school much more tolerable. The real world is a far-cry from school, and while not always perfect or absent of the same shackles that snare you during those formative years, it's still a great deal better. Remember folks, it gets better.
This documentary is so heart-warming. WoW was a place I went to be happy when I was feeling sad, it definitely helped me through the years.
May I ask for the name of this documentary? Please.
@@BlueBlue-j4wthe remarkable life of ibelin. It's on netflix
@@Jhubben thanx
What an incredible tale. I can't wait to watch this film.
We need more stories of the connections that gamers can have. I personally have friends in another continent that I have known for almost 20 years. They are my best friends, and always will be. Our connection is no different to those who I stand next to. We've laughed, we've cried, we've argued, we've fallen out and made up. We've also taken on dragons, soldiers, zombies, and all kinds of adversaries together. Our bond is online, but our love for eachother is as real as any other.
I've never met them physically, but they know me better than some of those who I've shaken hands with. To believe that there is no interactability with any reason between people, just because they are only online friends, is really selling short the human experience and the depth of our emotions.
People who don't experience the gaming world will never fully understand the connections you make within it. My best and closest friend for more than 25 years was my guild leader in multiple MMOs going back to the late 90s and then 20 years of warcraft. I lost him this year and I honestly cried about it more than any family member i ever lost. His funeral in Amarillo texas had 3 family members, but then it had well over 300 world of warcraft players from our guild. It was hands down the saddest day of my life but we all told stories and smiled remember 25 years of good times. The family you make online is just as close as the ones who raised you.
😢 the first time i cried so much during a documentary. Not only because of the sadness but certainly feeling how much joy he and his friends had. Many hugs and love for his family and all of his friends. I loved watching it all 😘
I am a guild master, most of the group has been playing together since at least 2010, we refer to ourselves as family and have been through so much together. We have had a few members pass away over the years. We have even raised money to help each other through rough times.
Very interesting that he experinced real life experiences like love and friendship but hardly left the house or met people, its shows its partly internal
It is ALL internal.
@@v1kzu Mostly.
@maartenneppelenbroek no, all Is mind and mind is all
Insane how his parents didnt care about ANY of it until it was too late.
Just play with the kid once and awhile, jeez.
@@v1kzu This lad put himself forward virtually and the connections he made were almost metaphysical because of his restricted life. Love and friendship is a shared bond so can't be entirely internal
A heart warming story, but how are we still in a world where people judge games as loners with no life that need to grow up. Wake up people we games get to experience multiple lifes, make lasting memories and friendship that surpass almost all others.
As a former gamer from age 8 to 19, I disagree. That's okay though. People should be aware there is a balance to be had, and balance isn't the natural tendency of people.
You could argue that we experience multiple lives in real life too, just that we forget our previous life. You can make lasting memories and friendships that surpass almost all others in real life, too, except you'll be around people's presence and voice and touch instead of actual pixels. It sounds aggressive but I am being literal.
It's a classic neurotypical response to gaming to be honest. They can't comprehend that someone could dislike in-person contact.
@@VDHmain Many are open to so many differences but cannot understand the digital world.
I remember a few years ago seeing a t-shirt that said "I am a gamer, I don't have no life, I have many"
I've spent 17 years with an undiagnosed condition, and eventually ended up trying to take my own life in 2020. After reconstructive surgery on my leg, face and jaw I now spend most of my time playing WoW, and my closest relationships are with my guildies. I'm glad Mats could experience the same thing I have.
My son has anxiety and my other is developmentally delay and has hard time with kids his age. Both boys have made so many great friends online. I hate that people , and people i mean therapist,say it's unhealthy, but it has build their confidence there's no bullying and their learning to problem solve on game, and gaming makes them need to learn how to read which helped with my oldest
My WoW guild mates kept me sane in early 2022. I lost my mother to kidney failure in the middle of Feb. And just little over a month later lost my father covid/cancer. When i would log on just to not think about having to move cause the hosue had to be sold as part of the estate they would let me vent, cry, hang out.
If it was not for them I dont know what i would have done. People will be surprised how many long friendships people have from MMOs.
I think the definition of friendship and a friend is being re-written in games and i whole heartily believe you can have real friends online.
I hope Mat's next life will be the life he always wanted.
I have been on a virtual game since 2009 and I am in my 60’s. During that time I had developed many friendships and had many experiences that I would not have in real life. I met people who are handicapped or restricted in their lives living a full life in this virtual world game. The experiences are real and the friendships are real.
Wow....This is the best journalism I have...probably ever seen in my 30+ years....Thank you. Your story created a bridge between generations.
As a fellow WoW player, I remember having this joy. I didn't have a lot of friends, family wasn't around, but I had my fellow adventurers in Azeroth. I'm glad this young man had such a life that he could live in this world. He will always be one of us and we will do well to remember this traveler.
I can say with all my heart that World of Warcraft is not just a game, it is a family that gets together, talks and plays. I've been playing WoW for many years and when my online family went their separate ways in the game it felt like my heart would break. The best time I've had is with Wow and I hope our family can be reunited.
This made me feel more than I have since 2008. I met my now wife of 12 years in Utgarde Keep after posting in lfg channel for a healer. WoW and all the many people I met have a special place in my life.
Thanks for sharing this story, teary eyed.
This is an amazing story
Amazing story?? He was a disabled boy lost in Satanic fantasies online!
About the parents not caring at all.
WoW probably was the only reason I didn't become a fully socially retreated neet and I am beyond grateful for it.
A moment of silence for all the parents.. that tell their children gaming is a waste of time. For some, maybe it is. But for people that have health issues, mental issues, (even people with no major issues) sometimes they are LIFE SAVING. Remember that.
Dude was also seeing several women at the same time at one point, legend
I am now 68 and played wow since it's inception. Mostly just me and my Rogue.
I deal with severe depression and the games help me disconnect from everything and have peace for a short time. A lot of times, it takes the joy of even that.
WoW is played by people for many different reasons. It lifted me out of a very very dark place in 2004 and I've played it to this day. To many it isn't just a game. RIP Mats
Very sad and wholesome story. It resonated a lot with me. After losing my brother, his account and character are somewhat of a shrine of him. All the cool stuff and wealth he accumulated and the friends he made. Really sorry for your loss. He seemed like such a wonderful guy.
RIP Ibelin the handsome womanizer.
I'm almost 40... have played this game since almost it's first year... through this game especially but others too there are truly some amazing communities and people... I have met people in real life who met and got married through WoW, had connections with others, countless friends etc.... this is a key part that doesn't get talked about with games. I don't know how anyone can make it through this with crying their eyes out.... man.
That is a remarkable story, I never thought that type of video
games could help someone disabled feel strong and confident like it made this young man feel. At first I thought why are they letting him stay on the computer soo long? instead of taking advantage of every moment they can with him. Now I can see it gave him pleasure to live through a character a sort of normal life. The friends he makes is impressive. I won’t be soo judgemental when I see parents allowing their kids looking at a screen for hours maybe that’s the only normalcy they have.
The games may not be real, but some of those friendships are the realest we'll ever make.
I have watched documentaries and movies where some tears have come out, but this made me properly cry. Everyone matters to someone!
Blizzard should immortalize his character.
They have, there's a monument in Elwyn Forest
There is his real life tombstone in Elwyn Forest
This is so sad I feel for his family and friends on WoW. I took a break from WoW after Blizzard did my hero Arthas dirty in Shadowlands I’m starting to come back in the past 2 weeks. I’m 47 and I’m a disabled gamer in a wheelchair and I play WoW and Diablo with just one finger, I’ve been playing WoW since Cataclysm so since 7th December 2010. Although luckily I’m not dying I can deeply relate to Ibelin, I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting him but I can tell we would have probably been friends. A lot of the things brought up in this video are so true. Ibelin your name will forever be honoured along with Azeroth’s mightiest fallen heroes. Strength And Honour.
Great Documentary ❤ saw it yesterday on Netflix and had to cry many many times.. what a great guy he was. Hope his Parents are Proud of him ❤
The fact that there is a screen and wire between the people on each end, does not make it any less of a real human connection than if they were to stand face to face and hold hands.
That is not to say that I believe virtual reality should replace any physical interaction, it is all part of life. These are all real people, with real lives, and real emotions.
I've been a gamer for over 30 years. I have also had a very fulfilling life outside of gaming too, and now am married with two wonderful sons and many nieces and nephews but never has my opinion of gaming, or gamers changed or been viewed in a negative light as some people like to belittle gamers, or gaming as a hobby.
Rest in peace, Mats. I didn't know him but I have met many people that have brought so much joy to others' lives just as Mats did.
Why does someone who spends everyday working out and working a low paying job get praise for basically doing doing nothing with their lives but, when a gamer creates a huge friend group online who they bond with and create amazing memories and have fun and feel fulfilled with life and work a random job they are seen as wastes of space......
RIP to a legend. May Elune guide you.
I remember playing WoW and becoming great friends with someone on it, but they stopped coming on and after a few weeks I decided to check the forums just to see if any events were happening and saw the thread saying that the person I pretty much saw as a brother had passed away at 34. Broke my heart to release that was why he never came back on WoW. WoW is not the same without him, that is for sure.
I am in tears listening to this lads story....This hits different for me as not only am I an avid Wow player but my brother has DMD. I know all about what its like living with these challenges and watching this horrible thing Slowly take over someones life. Fortunately I still have my brother with me today! I have met many kids and adults battling this terrible disibility. One thing ive learned about dealing with this super challenging lifelong Disability is that it makes these kids way tougher and resilient in ways I feel some able bodied people wouldnt understand. Fortunately not everyone and their families are effected by this disability but those that are such as myself.... We see something different when we see a child or person In a wheelchair.... Its like a story unfolds without even doing so....Though we may come off as another able-bodied person staring at them......They would be at ease to know that we understand more then they might think. Im so glad to hear your story Ibelin. You will not be forgotten, especially in the WOW community. It would have been very cool to meet you in real life or even WOW! I have met countless people struggling with MD that have absolutley explosivley outgoing personalities! That goes without saying after hearing Ibelin's story! Thank you for sharing this very touching story.
I have been playing wow for 19 years on and off, and it have saved my lonely life many times. You never have to feel alone or depressed when you play wow,and all the ppl you get to know all over the world. i have been suffering from depression since my teeange years and im 44 now,and wow have helped me cope with life.
I started playing WoW when I was about 11 or 12. The new expansion has been fantastic and brought a lot of players back to the game.
I’m 30 years old now and just a couple weeks ago, I was in the capital city and ran into someone I played with nearly 20 years ago. I was just like “no way! What’s up dude?!” We caught up and chatted for awhile, it was really cool to see a familiar face.
What a wonderful story. Many people dismiss the wow community as toxic, but there are some genuine friendships and bonds created through the same community too, which arent always celebrated as much as they should. Thisstory moved me and i will be llooking forward tonseeing the full story on netflix soon ❤️
REST IN PEACE. YOUR SPIRIT WILL LIVE ON THROUGH WARCRAFT FOREVER, YOUNG CHAMPION.
Really hope a blizzard employee is watching this and pushes for this kid to be immortalized in the game, this is soo touching and inspirational, i hope this makes everyone just to be nicer to people just a little bit more and give them the inspiration of just helping people, thank you buddy will never forget ya :)
He already is! A replica of Mats' real life tombstone can be found on one of the islands in Mirror Lake in Elwynn Forest. Complete with burning candle and ceramic cat ❤
An incredible story of Ibelin, a beautiful and kind soul- a story of a life that had me in tears.
So heartwarming to see the parents realize, what his son's other life, was really like. And that, it, for sure, was a life worth living.
The early days of WoW where friendships were built T.T I remember near my last days in the game only a handful of guildmates were left, my last convo was with another guy whom I told I was going in for a job interview to start my journey adulting. He was older than me a bit and told me I should make a good impression, "tell them you're starving [for the job" like a wolf lol I was still nervous but it lessen the tension definitely. A blink of an eye and it had been almost 15 years o,0
Lots of people who don't play games like World of Warcraft won't understand what it does for people. It saved me from deep depression when my life was at my lowest point and I have friends who could understand my situation because they took had similar experiences.
100% agree. Same here 😢
Lets also give this interviewer props for this interview. Its actually good questions.
I'm 44 and born disabled. Without online gaming, I would have no social life at all. No one wants to be my friend in real life. But, on my favorite games, everyone knows me and wants to hang out with me.
Online gaming is not for losers. It's a place where people like Mats and myself can find acceptance and some semblance of normalcy. It's for everyday people to interact with people like myself and discover that we're just like them, we just can't lead the same lives.
I'm 26 and played WoW all my life. kinda neglected as a child.. Parents to busy with their own problems. I got basically raised by different guilds over the years, turned out pretty good. Many core memories, love, heartbreak and grief found place in Azeroth.
one year i played every day just to get away from drinking and it worked. and it helped me get my brain working again .
I have mixed feelings. As a someone who's been addicted to gaming for as long as I can remember, It's given me beautiful moments and helped me through some difficult childhood moments that I don't know I would have made it through otherwise. At the same time it's never going to be the same as living your best life and chasing all your dreams and there is always the chance that as you get older, you regret all those hours you burned into something which is a skill you cannot ever utilize elsewhere. But for people like Mats theres no doubt it's a godsend and provides them with socialization and a life they would never otherwise have access to. In general I think gaming is a tool but too much of anything can be unhelpful; utilize the fantasy world but try not to live there. If your in a place where it's your life raft, keep going.
If you havent watched this documentary, you really should, it is amazing. This young lad and his life and his online connections were life changing for so many players he interacted with. Long Live Ibelin!!