The Remarkable Life of Ibelin: A Life Rich with Community and Connection through World of Warcraft

Read a message from our founder and CEO

The recently released award-winning Netflix documentary “The Remarkable Life of Ibelin,”* highlights the life of Mats Steen, a Norwegian World of Warcraft player known in game as Ibelin, who suffered from Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The documentary recounts how Mats, a completely healthy baby, began to slowly lose his physical abilities, and how he found an escape through playing World of Warcraft. Watch the Trailer HERE

In the wake of his death at age 25, his family discovered what they thought was a life lived in total isolation was in fact filled with joy, laughter, friendship and love through Mats’ online adventures. The game opened a world of community and connections his family never knew existed and gave him a rich set of friends and experiences that would not have been possible outside of the game environment. Mats was a supportive friend and trusted advisor who made a tremendous impact on the lives of all he encountered in the game.

Ibelin’s Legacy Lives on in World of Warcraft Through New ‘Reven’ Pack

We’ve teamed up with Blizzard Entertainment for an in-game promotion inspired by the documentary to raise funds to accelerate a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.  

World of Warcraft players will have the opportunity to build on Mats’ legacy and adopt a limited-edition pet in World of Warcraft to accompany them on their adventures while supporting CureDuchenne’s mission of improving and extending the lives of those with Duchenne around the world. 

The Reven Pack, available for US$20 now through January 7, 2025, features an adorable fox pet, Reven (“fox” in Norwegian) who will accompany players on their online adventures on foot or in a specially designed backpack.

One hundred percent of the purchase price will be donated to CureDuchenne to accelerate research toward a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and improve care for individuals worldwide living with the disease.

While Mats is no longer with us, his legacy continues, as his film and message inspire us towards community, however it might look.

Funds raised for CureDuchenne will improve treatments and care for those living with Duchenne. 

Get Involved and Change the Future for Individuals Facing Duchenne

• Watch The Remarkable Life of Ibelin on Netflix and share with friends and family.

• Purchase the Reven Pack HERE in the World of Warcraft in-game shop or through the shop page on Battle.net®***. You can even purchase it as a gift for a friend or family member who plays World of Warcraft!

• Donate to CureDuchenne. Every donation helps us accelerate a cure for Duchenne and improve care for thousands of individuals facing Duchenne, like Mats.

Read the news release HERE

*The Remarkable Life of Ibelin offers a heartfelt story and powerful portrayal of the realities of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, including its progression over time. Due to the sensitive nature of the content and emotional depth of the film, we encourage families to use discretion and consider whether it is appropriate for all viewers, particularly younger audiences.

**Now through January 7, 2025, 10:00 AM PDT, Blizzard Entertainment will donate 100% of the purchase price of “The Reven Pack” digital bundle to CureDuchenne, less any chargebacks, refunds, transaction fees, and Value Added Taxes (VAT), or other similar taxes paid. These versions of items are special editions available as part of this initiative only. Buying or purchasing this digital item is a license.

***Buying or purchasing this digital item is a license.