The Remarkable Life of Ibelin: A Tribute to Mats Steen

When Mats Steen, a young Norwegian gamer, passed away from a degenerative muscular disease at the tender age of 25, his parents were taken aback by the discovery of a hidden and vibrant digital persona that Mats had cultivated—a character named Ibelin in the virtual world of World of Warcraft.

A Digital Journey Unveiled

Director Benjamin Ree’s film delves into the life of Mats Steen through the lens of his digital alter ego, Ibelin. Through reconstructed animated sequences from Mats’ gameplay, narrated excerpts from his blog, and interviews with those who knew him as Ibelin, viewers are given a glimpse into the rich and adventurous world he led online.

Community and Connection Beyond Borders

What emerges from this poignant narrative is a portrait of Mats as a remarkable individual who found solace and camaraderie in his online community. Despite the physical limitations imposed by his disease, Mats was able to forge deep and soulful relationships in the virtual realm, proving that the bonds we form transcends the constraints of the physical world.

Through The Remarkable Life of Ibelin, viewers are invited to join Mats Steen on a journey of discovery, reflection, and celebration of a life that left an enduring impact on those who knew him, both in real life and online.

Don’t miss the exclusive premiere of The Remarkable Life of Ibelin on Netflix on October 25, 2024, as we honor Mats Steen’s legacy and the profound connections he forged in the world of gaming.

Let’s celebrate the remarkable life of Mats Steen and the legacy he left behind in the digital realm!