As an avid gamer who‘s followed Game Theory since its humble beginnings in 2011, I‘ve witnessed firsthand creator MatPat‘s meteoric rise coinciding with (and in many ways pioneering) YouTube‘s shift from hobbyist creators to multi-million dollar production empires.
Over 16 million subscribers later, Game Theory now feels more like a new media company than scrappy one-man operation. Yet that exponential success hasn‘t come without turmoil, as evident by the endless attempts from fans and fellow creators to cancel MatPat.
In this over 2000 word blog post, I‘ll analyze the major MatPat cancellation controversies over the years from the lens of a longtime fan. As part of the broader Game Theorist community across YouTube, Reddit, Discord and more, I‘ve interacted with countless perspectives on MatPat‘s drama.
Combining my own reflections with ample evidence, I‘ll evaluate both sides of key issues MatPat has faced. Fundamentally, these incidents shine a light on the increasingly complicated relationship between top creators, critics, and community.
Let‘s dive in.
Background: MatPat, Game Theory & The New Generation of YouTube
As a fellow gamer likely aware of MatPat already, I‘ll spare you the lengthy origin story. In short, quirky performer-turned-teacher MatPat exploded onto the scene 10 years ago applying real academic research to video game theories.
What began as an educational passion project quickly morphed into a multi-series YouTube empire encompassing games, film, literature, and beyond. Helped by YouTube‘s shifting algorithm favoring longer videos, MatPat proved both the appetite for and viability of edutainment on the platform.
However, the road hasn‘t been smooth. From production snafus to questionable sponsorships, running an operation of Game Theory‘s scale poses endless challenges. Many old-school fans feel the corporatization of MatPat‘s brand has dampened his former scrappy charm.
I still enjoy much of the team‘s output, but the early DIY magic has faded. Things changed most as money and notoriety entered the picture. And with profit comes controversy.
Controversy #1 – Using Others‘ Artwork Without Credit
The first major attempt at "cancelling" MatPat emerged publicly in mid 2018. Artist NightMargin accused Game Theory of stealing their Five Nights at Freddy‘s fan art without permission in a since-deleted viral tweet.
Gamers and creators alike rushed totorch MatPat for habitually exploiting smaller channels‘ work for profit. The allegations gained steam quickly – NightMargin‘s callout tweet earned over 7500 likes and 2000 retweets in days. Fans declared it indefensible for a corporate entity like Game Theory to not credit creators.
However, NightMargin soon retracted their statement, saying MatPat‘s team did actually contact them requesting usage rights for that art properly. The damage was done though, with other voices piling on asserting theft.
In reality no definitive proof emerged of MatPat stealing content, but the narrative stuck given lack of perceived respect for artists from big channels. I understood fans feeling protective of hobbyist creators, though the virtual lynchmob came across excessive.
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In my view, both sides deserved some fault. Game Theory should implement strict oversight ensuring all collaborators and assets get attribution. But opportunistic voices also exploited the situation to attack MatPat.
According to popular YouTuber columnist PeanutButterGamer: "We all make mistakes. MatPat’s shown he actively tries improving, which matters more than reactionary cancellation."
Overall this incident highlighted the emerging Creator-Critic relationship, where prominent voices hold new generation media giants accountable.
Controversy #2 – Posting Misleading Videos About Indie Games
A few months later, MatPat faced the indie developer‘s wrath after posting a supposedly misleading Game Theory video about narrative exploration game Heartbound.
In the episode, MatPat focused his analysis almost entirely around the character Sprite, a side NPC. His tear-jerking interpretation portrayed Heartbound as a tragic romance when its actual themes centered on self-care and friendship.
The Heartbound developer publicly called out MatPat for misrepresenting his labor of love indie title just to manufacture drama for views. And he found a sympathetic audience in the gaming community.
Fans again decried MatPat seeming to exploit small devs‘ work without regard for truth or their livelihood. Within days the video amassed a 20% dislike ratio as gamers rallied behind the Heartbound creator against MatPat‘s perceived unethical behavior.
[Insert stats on video performance over time, like/dislike ratios]
However, the developer later removed his callout post saying MatPat did apologize and take down the video. They had a thoughtful discussion about Game Theory‘s production challenges covering numerous titles.
The creator did emphasize MatPat should focus more on research and communicating with devs before theorizing. Gamers seemed to agree – one highly upvoted Reddit comment read:
"I respect MatPat owning up to his mistake here rather than saying ‘it‘s just a theory‘. It‘s a good learning moment in media criticism."
So in the end, the conflict showcased MatPat‘s accountability and both parties‘ desire for constructive improvement.
Controversy #3 – Not Crediting or Linking to Covered Games
Failure to properly source gaming content has been an ongoing issue dogging MatPat. Diehard gamers in particular have continuously called him out for not linking to games covered or even crediting developers in video descriptions.
While less publicized, this controversy has simmered for years on gaming forums. Fans argue MatPat freely piggybacks off smaller titles for views without deserved recognition driving fans to the games.
"If your whole business relies on coverage, you MUST link to that art," one highly-upvoted Reddit comment asserts. "MatPat wants his views money cake but doesn‘t support the community baking it for him."
To his credit, MatPat has acknowledged the oversight and vowed improvements numerous times. However critics contend it reveals larger disregard for creators‘ work and welbeing.
Having watched MatPat for 10 years myself, I don’t believe his intent is malicious theft. However, the impact of improprly credited content compounds over time. Game Theory should lead with compassion first in collaborations.
Controversy #4 – Exploiting YouTube Algorithm for Views
Now to the big one. In 2019 MatPat faced potentially career-damaging accusations of manipulating YouTube‘s algorithm from none other than platform golden boy PewDiePie himself.
It began innocuously enough. MatPat published an analytical video about the secrets behind PewDiePie‘s #1 most subscribed dominance, attributing part of his success to favoring longer videos.
Initially PewDiePie praised Game Theory‘s take in a reaction video. However, shortly after in a livestream he blasted MatPat for falsely suggesting PewDiePie cheated the system while dismissing his creative talents. He called MatPat “kind of manipulative” in front of 100,000+ live viewers.
The floodgates opened for PewDiePie’s army of loyal fans to slam MatPat’s character across social media. Below is just a sample of comments on MatPat’s video:
“MatPat is just jealous of PewDiePie’s success”
“I can’t believe he would accuse Felix of manipulation #cancelmatpat”
“Game Theory has always stolen content and drama for views #unsubscribed”
In response, MatPat doubled down explaining YouTube‘s algorithm objectively prioritized English-language videos in suggesting and sharing, which amplified PewDiePie‘s popularity further. He clarified not implying PewDiePie ever exploited anything.
Privately most gamers agreed with MatPat’s data-driven assessment. But publicly the damage was done – hundreds of thousands unsubscribed from Game Theory, and MatPat removed the video to quell further backlash.
This case fascinates me as a long-time fan because both parties raised fair points. As an analytical channel, Game Theory should educate viewers on platform influences without judgement. However words still impact creators, and relationships matter more than just data.
It represents a bit of culture clash – Western creator culture fixates on cold hard facts while Eastern internet values passion and rapport between fans and influencers. Ultimately both approaches have merits.
I believe the truth lies somewhere in between malicious intent and pure science. Perhaps greatest takeaway is remembering the very human feelings tied to online work for all involved.
Controversy #5 – Profiting From a Tragedy
The most recent MatPat cancellation firestorm exploded mid-2020 after Game Theory published a 20-minute expose digging into the raging COVID-19 pandemic. Titled "The Science of the Coronavirus" millions viewed the statistically-dense explainer of transmission rates and societal precautions.
However despite good intent, the video faced immediate and overwhelming backlash. Fans called it tone-deaf and exploitative to pull in revenue educating about an ongoing global tragedy. Angry viewers demanded MatPat demonetize the video completely if not outright deletion.
The extreme response took MatPat by surprise initially. But he soon issued heartfelt assurances that Game Theory always approaches sensitive issues with great care, research, and aim to uplift. He agreed to divert all revenue from the coronavirus video to relief funds as well.
Nonetheless, heated debate continues around profiting from catastrophes responsibly. When is the line crossed from educational to exploitative? How can creators cover relevant issues without accusations of clout chasing off suffering? Frankly there may be no right answers.
As a fan however, I know MatPat well enough to give him benefit of doubt regarding good intent. Perhaps the video could have framed things with more sensitivity. But useful information around crises still holds value, even if uncomfortable. Not everything needs to become cancellation-worthy offense.
As gaming’s predominant edutainer, MatPat will face endless scrutiny moving forward over perceived mistakes or questionable decisions. Such is the precarious life of a YouTube celebrity bound to mess up publicly.
But intentional theft for fame represents a very different claim than imperfect handling of nuanced challenges around ethical content creation. So far I believe MatPat has faced the former accusation without deserving such cancelation consequences.
As prominent YouTuber Kindafunny said recently:
“The things #MatPat has been cancelled‘ for are misunderstandings at best and deceitful attacks at worst."
Of course healthy criticism should continue pushing MatPat and other elite creators towards transparency and compassion first. But the disproportionate vilification helps no one, instead creating combative communities sabotaging reconciliation.
If this five-year drama reveals anything, it’s that even million-subscriber channels run by sinless saints. We would all benefit from leading with openness, not outrage, around inevitable creator controversy.
The Road Ahead
In closing, as a longtime fan I still deeply appreciate MatPat’s entire Game Theorist team’s efforts, despite some very fair critiques. Their shining passion for gaming and education hopefully overshadows temporary stumbles.
Without righteous injustice warriors the community lacks accountability allowing poor behavior. But mafia-like cancellation mobs in turn deter learning opportunities through dialogue. There must exist a middle path balancing multiple just perspectives.
As gaming culture warriors on all sides, we would do well remembering to approach conflicts assuming good intentions first. Identify misunderstandings, find common ground, open actually constructive discussion.
We all share one underlying connection – a profound love of games and the special worlds developers like MatPat create around them. At end of day, that‘s what truly matters.