Growing up in Norway, Mats Steen had a cherished little ceramic fox he took everywhere. To Norwegians, a fox is called a “reven,” and Mats would carry this keepsake with him as a child before he was confined to a wheelchair at age seven due to Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Initially, he resisted using the wheelchair, but as the condition progressed, it became a necessity.
As he grew older, Mats still had a love for foxes; a miniature fox resided on his living room shelf, a gift that always brought him joy. Following his passing in 2014 at 25, his family crafted a gravestone carved with a fox in his memory. This symbol of his affection lives on in the digital realm too, appearing as a tribute in the popular online game World of Warcraft (WoW), where Mats spent much of his time in his final years.
In WoW, Mats was known by his avatar, Ibelin, a dashing detective with an endearing charisma. His virtual presence made a significant impact on other players, something his parents learned only after his passing. To honor Mats, WoW created a character called the Reven Pack, a crafty fox donning a detective’s cap gifted to players within the game while simultaneously raising funds for the Duchenne research organization, CureDuchenne.
In a twist of fate, the artist who brought this in-game tribute to life shares Mats’ name and nationality. The Reven Pack fundraiser is set to run until January 7th.
In January 2024, a documentary titled “The Remarkable Life of Ibelin” debuted at the Sundance Film Festival, capturing Mats’ story and his adventures in WoW. Directed by Norwegian filmmaker Benjamin Ree, the film highlights the lasting impact Mats had through his digital life, earning accolades and later streaming on Netflix.
Featuring interviews with Mats’ family and friends, the film sheds light on the community he built within the game. For instance, Mats profoundly affected a friend known as “Rumour,” who benefitted from Mats’ support during challenging times. Even as he faced his own battles, Mats was a steadfast friend, exchanging letters with her parents to express the real connections made within the game.
Fredriksen, a fellow WoW player from Oslo who bonded with Mats, recalls the guild they shared—a virtual group that united players like them through significant interactions beyond gameplay. For Fredriksen, these connections make WoW a uniquely engaging experience, fostering a community that transcends the boundaries of the digital world. Every year, on Mats’ death anniversary, his guild retraces his in-game footsteps in commemoration, a testament to the bonds they continue to cherish.
Through “The Remarkable Life of Ibelin,” Mats’ parents were moved to appreciate the depth of their son’s online world and pursued spreading awareness to other parents about the value of digital communities. Their newfound understanding prompted them to value gaming differently, beyond mere recreation, recognizing how it nurtures meaningful relationships and provides therapeutic experiences for those with limited physical ability.
Among those inspired by Mats’ story is Hawken Miller, who shares his condition and passion for gaming. Like Mats, Hawken found solace and community in the virtual world of gaming, contributing to the industry as a journalist covering esports and more.
Both families have continued to learn from each other; Debra Miller, Hawken’s mom, acknowledges how she’s come to appreciate the social aspects of gaming that contribute positively to her son’s life.
Meanwhile, CureDuchenne, founded by Debra after Hawken was diagnosed, has made significant strides in funding research and supporting families affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
The narrative of Mats Steen resonates beyond gaming, illustrating the profound impact of virtual connections and the potential to change perspectives, one story at a time. Through the lasting legacy of Mats, attention is brought to how gaming can reshape lives, fostering communities that are supportive, enduring, and life-changing. Moreover, Blizzard Entertainment’s involvement, like the creation of the Reven Pack, underscores the importance of giving back and honoring the legacies that inspire such compassionate endeavors.
