MatPat Announces Departure from YouTube

It’s not clickbait, friends. MatPat of The Game Theorists is leaving us.

On March 9th, I’ll be hosting my last theory episode, at which point I’ll be handing off the channels to someone else.

~ MatPat

After a remarkable 13-year journey filled with gaming theories, lore exploration, and countless moments of joy, MatPat, along with his wife Stephanie, bids farewell to The Game Theorists. In a heartfelt video that has garnered over 8.6 million views, MatPat shared the emotional decision to step away from the channel that has become a cornerstone of online gaming content.

The Game Theorists, launched in 2011, has grown into a powerhouse with over 18.5 million subscribers. Over the years, it spawned sibling channels like The Film Theorists, The Food Theorists, The Style Theorists, and GTLive, collectively amassing millions of subscribers. MatPat’s intricate theories, particularly those surrounding “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” became synonymous with the channel.

Watch the full video below:

(official video)

The decision to leave was not made lightly. MatPat and Stephanie sold their company, Theory Media, in December 2022. They promised that the team would remain intact. However, a year later, MatPat announced his departure. He cited a desire to spend more time with his growing son, Ollie.

In the emotional farewell video, MatPat expressed gratitude for the incredible journey. He acknowledges The Game Theorists as his and Stephanie’s “first child.” He reminisced about the channel’s inception, its evolution, and the impact it had on his life.

“At 37, I’m over the hill,” MatPat humorously remarked. He emphasized the need to step back from late nights and prioritize family over work. This implies that the decision was influenced by recent departures of fellow YouTubers, and more may be following soon.

MatPat reassured fans that familiar faces on the channel would take on more prominent roles, making the transition smoother. He emphasized the importance of making the channel more sustainable for the team, sharing responsibilities, and ensuring that no single person carries the workload he had for over a decade.

While MatPat will step away from the forefront of The Game Theorists, he clarified that he would still be involved behind the scenes and make occasional appearances. He tearfully expressed his gratitude to the audience. Nine more episodes on The Game Theorists will happen. MatPat also affirmed his continued presence on the platform for the foreseeable future.