“But hey, that’s just a theory…a game theory!” is a quote that has been heard by millions of people for over a decade now. MatPat, the man behind the theories and the face that pops up when one thinks of the channel The Game Theorists.
However, all of that changed on January 9th, when he uploaded a video announcing his farewell from YouTube. This was a very big announcement prompting many to recall their childhoods with a YouTuber who might as well have raised them.
He was a source of entertainment that provided education to his young audience by incorporating science into the games which allowed many to create a passion for learning.
For 13 years, he created a safe learning environment for children and many people around the world to learn on the digital platform, but finally decided to take a step back and focus on his personal life.
“You see just how many lives have been impacted thanks to your journey and then after spending as much time as you want talking to all those people, you end up back home.” He said in his farewell video. “Like sure, this is still a place of love and acceptance and comfort and security, but you just don’t quite fit anymore.”
Using fan-favorite video game, Earthbound as an analogy for his departure, the video ended with a retrospective on the positivity and knowledge he spread through his channel and the realization that it’s now time for him to step down.
HGM senior Elias Fenig wasn’t a fan of the YouTuber, but acknowledged his impact on him and his generation. “There’s a collective nostalgia for him, and as someone who grew up around those who did watch him, his retirement makes me come to terms with aging as well”.
Video Production Club vice president, Luis Bernal, an avid fan of Matpat, shared his sadness. “It’s sad to see all these YouTubers retire, especially someone who got me through the harder times of my childhood, always making me smile.”
“I feel a void inside of me that none but that man alone can fill,” states student Horacio Mendoza.
The end of Matpats’ reign on YouTube represents the end of childhood for many. Many fans of his channel have realized this as well, with many comments calling this “The end of an era.” As the class of 2024 heads to the end of senior year and prepares for college, this end to their childhood is a fitting way to enter the next phase of their lives.
