Why Shraybee Believes MatPat’s Retirement from YouTube Isn’t the Final Level

Shray Bhardwaj
3 min readJan 10, 2024
Why Shraybee Believes MatPat’s Retirement from YouTube Isn’t the Final Level
Photo by Max Harlynking on Unsplash

In the vast realm of YouTube, where content creators come and go, one recent announcement sent shockwaves through the online community. The man behind the curtain at The Game Theorists, MatPat, real name Matthew Patrick, declared his retirement from the platform in a poignant video titled “Goodbye Internet.” While the announcement marked an end to an era for many fans, a vocal supporter named Shraybee aka Shray Bhardwaj passionately argues why MatPat’s departure isn’t the final level for this influential creator.

The Rise of Game Theorists

MatPat and his wife Stephanie created The Game Theorists in 2011, establishing a space to unravel the lore and wild theories surrounding popular video games. Over the years, MatPat expanded his empire, introducing spin-off channels such as Film Theorists, Food Theorists, and Style Theorists. As of January, The Game Theorists alone boasts an impressive 18.4 million subscribers.

The Pinnacle Year

In his farewell video, MatPat highlighted that his decision to retire stems from a desire to prioritize family over work. Citing 2022 as the best year in Theorist history, he acknowledged the tremendous success the channels achieved. The Streamy Awards, hosted by MatPat in the previous year, set a record as the most-watched show in the event’s 13-year history. Despite reaching the pinnacle of success, MatPat expressed the need for a shift in priorities, yearning for a return to a simpler time with his family.

The Duality of Fame and Burnout

MatPat’s farewell revealed the duality of online fame and the toll it takes on creators. Despite the glitz and glamour, he admitted missing the days of casual video gaming without the pressure of content creation. The constant quest for fresh theories and late-night brainstorming sessions took a toll on his well-being, leading to a burnout that eventually prompted this retirement decision.

Shraybee’s Perspective

Shraybee, a fervent supporter of MatPat, believes that retirement isn’t the end but a new beginning. MatPat’s legacy, according to Shraybee, transcends YouTube algorithms and subscriber counts. In a heartfelt response to the video, Shraybee argues that MatPat deserves the opportunity to step back, reconnect with his passions, and recharge creatively. Shraybee contends that MatPat’s impact on the online community is indelible, and the narrative of his retirement is a temporary pause rather than a conclusive farewell.

A Glimpse Into MatPat’s Future

While MatPat’s farewell video stirred emotions among fans, Shraybee points out that it doesn’t close the book on MatPat’s contributions. The desire for family time and a break from the relentless grind of content creation doesn’t necessarily mean a complete withdrawal from the digital landscape. Shraybee speculates that MatPat might return in a different capacity, refreshed and ready to share his insights in a more relaxed manner.

Conclusion: MatPat’s Legacy Lives On

In the dynamic world of YouTube, MatPat’s retirement marks a significant moment, but Shraybee’s perspective offers a glimmer of hope. As the gaming community wishes MatPat well in his new chapter, Shraybee believes that this isn’t a game over screen but a pause before a new level begins. Only time will tell if MatPat, the theorist extraordinaire, will return to the digital stage, but for now, his legacy endures, leaving an indelible mark on the world of online content creation.

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