The Game Theorists

The Game Theorists, otherwise known as Game Theory, is a YouTube channel with a global team of employees known as Team Theorist. Their main focus is decoding the lore, analyzing, and formulating theories on a variety of popular video games such as Five Nights at Freddy's, Bendy and the Ink Machine, Minecraft, Mario and Super Smash Bros. The Game Theorists' channel also operates the channels The Food Theorists, The Film Theorists, The Style Theorists, and GTLive. The channel usually delves into deep and unspoken topics of video games, including the representation of culture behind video games and connecting one video game universe to another.
As the channel's name suggests, one of the main topics is looking into video game theories. The channel became popular extremely fast, as he was credited for his clever humor and analysis of video game-related topics, gathering the attention of other YouTubers.
==History==
Matthew Robert "Matpat" Patrick (born: ) originally created his YouTube channel on August 22, 2009, originally going by the name of MatthewPatrick13, and featured clips uploaded by Patrick of him auditioning for, and performing in, various theater shows; this is because, originally, Patrick had been a performer and aspiring director prior to becoming a YouTuber.
Matthew stopped uploading these clips sometime in mid-2009 and no new content was added to his channel for an extensive period of time. Uploads didn't restart on the channel until April 14th, 2010, when Patrick officially announced the series he was creating, called Game Theory.
Just over a year later, another show was announced for The Game Theorists channel, known as Game Exchange. On July 2, 2012, a video was uploaded with a voice-over by MatPat and Gaijin Goombah, the series' host, explaining that a new series known as Game Exchange was following a similar format to that of Game Theory, with the differences being a change in host, as well as the show focusing more on the History and Culture of things in gaming rather than the Science.
One month later on August 30, 2012, a third (and now former) show appeared on the Game Theorists channel known as Digressing and Sidequesting (abbreviated to DNSQ). Unlike the previous shows, Digressing & Sidequesting focuses on exploring aspects of Game Design and Mechanics; the show discusses various topics such as Hitpoints and Health Bars, as well as asymmetrical gaming in consoles such as the Wii U, and was hosted by the new (and now former) video editor for Game Theory, Ronnie "Oni" Edwards.
The following year, on December 28, 2013, the fourth running series on the Game Theorist Channel was unveiled. Known as Crossover, this series was hosted by Drake McWhorter and Kenny Landefield, and aimed to unite all of gaming's most iconic characters into one universe by looking at crossovers (where the shows name is derived from) of characters in different gaming universes and how they could act as links in between games. In the announcement video narrated by Drake, they link Mario to Gears of War as an example of how the show does.
In 2017, Austin from Shoddycast along with his series The Science, moved to the "The Game Theorists", making him the fifth host of Game Theory. His first The Science video uploaded on The Game Theorists channel was "The Science of Pokemon would KILL YOU."
On December 20, 2022, Matthew Robert Patrick (known online as MatPat; born: ) announced in this video that he had given rights to all the Theorist Channels to Lunar X, and on January 9 of 2024, he announced that his last theory video that he would host would be on March 9, 2024.
On August 27, 2023, Matthew hosted the 2023 Streamy Awards.https://www.youtube.com/live/3XhQ8ATKPlc?si=vcQEmElg5MIrthXg
On March 9, 2024, Matthew premiered his final theory. He talked about future projects, collaborations with various content creators, and many other topics related to the history of the channel. Some speculated he might return, with him making a website for those who want to get caught up with his new projects and even have a chance of being sent a personalized email from him.
As of March 17, 2024, Tom Robinson is now the new host for The Game Theorists.
==Content==
The channels have many different regular segments run by their four hosts. Matthew used to be the host of the titular segment, Game Theory, which delves deep into theories of video games, as well as many different theories he thought of, such as the YouTube algorithm and popular trends.
The second host, Gaijin Goomba, runs two different segments. The regular segment he hosts, Game Exchange, explores the hidden cultural influence behind a single game. Gaijin usually focuses on one game per episode, sometimes even one big section of culture shown through a game. The second, and less frequent, is a segment he hosts called Culture Shock. Short 3-5 minute videos that showcase one small bit of culture in a video game that Gaijin Goomba finds interesting but is too small to put into a full episode of Game Exchange.
The third is Crossover, where Drake shows the connections between two very different video game franchises, such as Mario and Gears of War, and how every video game universe could exist in the same universe. He also hosts a segment called Smash History, which takes a look at a character's move set in SSB and sees which games from the character's franchise they originate from.
The fourth host, Austin, hosts The Science, a show he used to host on ShoddyCast. Similarly to Matthew, his theories are based on Science of Videogames and how they would work in the real world.
The fifth host and former video editor, Ronnie, hosted the segment DNSQ (Digressing and Sidequesting). In DNSQ, Ronnie talked about the different and various aspects of different video games and how they affect different video games, as well as how they affect the mainstream line of things.
=== Creative process ===
In a 2017 email, Matthew described the GT creative process as follows:
"You control the story. Don't feel like you have to talk about everything. Focus on the strongest evidence and brush aside some of the weaker moments or parts that may contradict what you're trying to prove. For a good example, look at the Mario is Mental series of videos- I really focus in on that shoe grinding moment and avoid all mention of the good things Mario has done throughout the series. In that way, I'm able to direct viewer focus to what is going to be most compelling for the overall story I'm trying to tell."
=== Segments ===
*Game Theory
*Game Exchange
*Culture Shock (2014-2017)
*Crossover (2013-2014)
*DNSQ (Digressing and Sidequesting) (2011-2016)
*Smash History (2014-2016)
*Deadlock
*Reality Check
*A Brief History (1986-2017)
*The Science
*Game Lab (YouTube Red)
While not a segment of the show, at the end of each episode of Game Theory, Matthew used to hold a Super Amazing Endcard Tournament where watchers vote for a topic which usually has to do with another video in the future or a completely random topic.
As part of an original series on YouTube Red, Matthew and other gamers participate in events where they attempt the things done in video games such as defusing "bombs", doing parkour and using stealth to avoid detection. Every episode of Game Lab also has a separate, short 360 video where the viewer can "experience" the same thing done in the actual episode. These videos, unlike the actual Game Lab videos, are fully free to watch.
==Other channels==
=== Film Theory ===
Film Theory, (like Game Theory) is a show which over-analyzes a certain part of pop culture, namely for this show Films and Television. There are currently over 180 episodes of Film Theory which have been released on things like:
*Can the Doctor Exist? (Consists of three parts)
*Who is Jon Snow's mother?
*How to win an Oscar (Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Actress) (Consists of two parts, with one being how to make an award-winning film)
The Film Theorists Channel will post film theories on a weekly basis from now on with videos pertaining to recent film media. The Film Theorists or Film Theory is the first spin-off channel of The Game Theorists. It is similar to The Game Theorists in concept but focuses on television and film rather than video game content. This channel is Hosted by Lee.
====Did You Know Movies====
Did You Know Movies is a show on The Film Theorists created in league with Did You Know Gaming and Did You Know Anime. The show is presented in a typical Did You Know Gaming format with random trivia being thrown at about a certain film or film-related topic that is the main focus of the episode. The first episode of the series debuted on June 2, 2015 with an episode on the Quentin Tarantino film Reservoir Dogs. Did You Know Movies is no longer being uploaded on the channel.
====Frame by Frame====
Frame by Frame was a show on the channel that explains how the complex visual language on the movies are: "That if used correctly it can inspire a seemingly unimaginable depth of feeling, or sleep depending on what you're watching." (Kyle). On the first video , Kyle explains how framing worked to and how it was first created. Other Frame by Frame Videos involve:
*Why Movies Are Two Hours and Early Editing Techniques – Frame By Frame
*How Terminator Defined Action Movies – Frame by Frame
*Cocaine and Camera Angles, How to Shoot a Drug Trip – Frame by Frame
*How Mad Max: Fury Road Directed YOU! - Frame by Frame
*The Scariest Horror You Don't See – Frame by Frame
Frame by Frame is no longer active.
===Food Theory===
Food Theory is a show which analyzes food products and myths. There are currently around 90 episodes of Food Theory which have been released. The Food Theorists Channel will post food theories on a weekly basis from now on with videos pertaining to food products and food myths.
The Food Theorists or Food Theory is the second spin-off channel of The Game Theorists, it is similar to The Game Theorists in concept but focuses on food rather than video game content. This channel is Hosted by Santi.
===Style Theory===
Style Theory is a show which analyzes fashion products and the fashion industry in general. The Style Theorists Channel will post style theories on a weekly basis from now on with videos pertaining to fashion products and fashion myths.
The Style Theorists or Style Theory is the latest spin-off channel of The Game Theorists, It is similar to The Game Theorists in concept but focuses on style and design rather than video game content. This channel is Hosted by Amy. 
===GTLive===
GTLive is a gaming channel run by MatPat. The GTLive channel was created as a place for viewers to watch the live streams streamed by Patrick and his wife Stephanie, in case they were previously unable to view them. The content is MatPat livestreaming him playing games like a gaming channel. He has done livestreams on FNAF, Hello Neighbor, Bendy and the ink machine, Super Mario Maker and others. He also makes GTNotLive, where he'll make a casual video on the channel, which isn't a livestream. He also does Reactions on here.
==== M.O.R.T.Y ====
MatPat Occasionally Reviews Theories, Yo (Commonly known as "M.O.R.T.Y."), is a series where Matthew looks at Theories and occasionally Memes made by other people on his subreddit: r/GameTheorists.
==Alter Egos==
===MadPat===
MadPat is the evil alter ego of Matthew who rarely appears in videos.
===FatPat===
FatPat is a fat version of Matthew. He is often used as a joke.
===WeebPat===
Also is used as a joke like FatPat and is a Weeb version of Matthew. Not to be confused with WeedPat.
===WeedPat===
Also is used as a joke like WeebPat and is a druggy version of Matthew. was originally a mispelling of WeebPat.
===MattyPatty===
MattyPatty is the name MatPat uses when he plays dating sims.
==Outside of The Game Theorists==
Outside of The Game Theorists, each of the main hosts (with the exception of Matthew) of the shows all own their own personal channels.
==Death of Oni Edwards==
On July 25, 2018, it was confirmed by Matthew in a video that one of the channel's main hosts and editors, Ronnie "Oni" Edwards, was found dead on July 4, 2018 via suicide. The reason behind Ronnie's death is still unknown, but Matthew explained that Ronnie had been struggling with some mental illnesses and long term family issues which may have contributed to his suicide.
==The 1.7 Million Scam==
On January 24th, 2019, Matthew released a video named: They stole 1.7 Million, in which he explained that Defy Media, an MCN, who owed creators 1.7 million dollars, had been shut down, and the people who handled their money, Ally Bank, had not given them their money. Many YouTubers, including PewDiePie, had spread awareness about the situation. In the follow-up video, the 1.7 Million Lie, published on Valentine’s Day of 2019, said that Ally still refused to pay back the 1.7 Million.
==Collaborations==
The Game Theorists sometimes collaborates with other YouTubers, for example, Matthew appeared in Screen Junkies Honest Trailer for Warcraft.
==Channel milestones==
===Subscriber milestones===
====The Game Theorists====
===The Film Theorists===
====The Food Theorists====
====GTLive====
====The Style Theorists====
===Video view milestones===
====The Game Theorists====
====The Film Theorists====
==Trivia==
*According to himself, Matthew has an IQ of 140 and is therefore highly intelligent.https://twitter.com/MatPatGT/status/515520664543846400
*Matthew has his own character in the game "The Walking Dead: Road to Survival".
*Matthew is from Medina, Ohio.
*Matthew calculated the amount of Mario Maker levels "makeable" and "fun" which he named the MarioPlex and equals to 10^12431. (August 6, 2017)
*On March 12, 2018, Matthew announced on all of his social media pages that he and his wife, Steph, would be having a baby. The baby, which was revealed to be named Oliver or "Ollie" for short, was born on July 5th, 2018.
* Matthew hit 10 million subscribers on April 18, 2018, exactly seven years after he uploaded his first episode of Game Theory.
*This was the first in a series of channels, the other 3 being Film Theory (2014), Food Theory (2020), and Style Theory (2023).
* As all of the channels' color themes are Simon colors in order, it was revealed that the final channel's icon was going to be mainly blue.
*The channel received 5 million, 11 million, and 12 million subscribers on the same day in 2015, 2018, and 2019.
*The Game Theorists have made over 90+ theories on Five Nights at Freddy's.
*In his interview with Anthony Padilla, Matthew revealed that there will be a fourth channel that starts with "S", which resulted to be The Style Theorists channel.
*Matthew was in the Five Nights at Freddy's movie, playing as Ness, as a reference to his Undertale theory video.
*Filmmakers and fellow YouTubers Sticks (Lucas Nicotra and Curtis Nicotra) made a movie trailer retelling Matthew's life up to his retirement, both as a continuation to their ongoing quest to make a full-length movie for MrBeast and as a tribute to Matthew's legacy.
*Matthew will be cast in a short spinoff movie in which he will return to his role as Ness from the Five Nights at Freddy's movie.We Surprised MatPat With His Own Movie - YouTube This spinoff will be directed by Sticks.
*Matthew once went to Vietnam and claimed to have met Ho Chi Minh despite him being dead at the time he visited.
==Gallery==
Matpat2020appearance.jpeg|Matpat, the original host of all 5 channels.
MPN.webp|Matpat's appearance in his videos
MPN2.jpg|Matpat's newer appearance in his videos
MatPat 2020 (I68lZ9jptWU).jpg
MatPat 2018 (cjdf7yHJA4M).jpg
MatPat Vlogbrothers 2016 01.png
MatPat Vlogbrothers 2016.jpg
Game Theorists MTV 2018.jpg
Stephanie Patrick 2018.jpg
MatPat, Steph and me.jpg
I regret selling my channel. WILL MATPAT? I spent a day with MATPAT
THE "OVERWATCH vs TF2" REACTION ft. MatPat & King Raja
Game Theory- Why YouTube Feels Boring
No MatPat, YOU Are Wrong About Toad! (Game Theory Response)
Can Gamers SURVIVE the Real Mirror's Edge? - Game Lab
FNAF- Everything You Need To Know (ft. MatPat)
Goodbye Internet
GameTheoryYouTubeIcon.jpg
Welcome to The Film Theorists!
Welcome to Food Theory!
Welcome to Style Theory!
==References==
Category:Gaming YouTubers
Category:Educational YouTubers
Category:Film YouTubers
Category:Cooking YouTubers
Category:Beauty YouTubers
Category:American YouTubers
Category:Users who joined in 2009
Category:One million subscribers
Category:Two million subscribers
Category:Three million subscribers
Category:Four million subscribers
Category:Five million subscribers
Category:Ten million subscribers
Category:Fifteen million subscribers
Category:One billion views
Category:Hall of Fame