Here is a concise summary of the Game Theory origin story:
**MatPat's Journey**
* Grew up in Ohio, avid gamer and performer (theater, music, and dance)
* Valedictorian, perfect SAT score, and academic scholarship to college (studied theater and neuroscience)
* Post-college: struggled to find work as a director, facing rejection and self-doubt (2 years unemployed)
**Game Theory's Birth**
* Created Game Theory as a resume booster, combining gaming and education
* Initially made with limited resources (recording in a closet, using default computer tools)
* Show gained traction, thanks to fan engagement and support from other online creators
**Success and Impact**
* Game Theory's growth led to job opportunities (YouTube Audience Development Consultant)
* Channel's success enabled MatPat to help other creators, secure better job prospects, and improve the lives of thousands (directly and indirectly)
* Now, with 500,000+ subscribers, the channel continues to educate and entertain, inspiring a community of "Game Theorists"
**Gratitude and Outlook**
* MatPat expresses heartfelt thanks to supporters, family, and friends
* Encourages viewers to recognize their own potential to make a positive impact
* Looks forward to continuing the channel's success, aiming for 1 million subscribers.
Here are the extracted key facts, each with a number and in short sentences, excluding opinions:
**Personal Life**
1. Matthew Patrick, aka MatPat, is an only child from Medina, Ohio.
2. His nickname "MatPat" originated in 6th grade.
3. MatPat's first memories are of his Mario-themed bedroom and playing Castlevania.
4. He grew up involved in theatre and show choir in the Midwest.
5. MatPat played the viola in his school orchestra.
6. He met his future wife in a video game programming course in college.
7. MatPat graduated valedictorian with a perfect 1600 SAT score.
**Education**
8. MatPat received an academic scholarship to college.
9. He majored in Theatre and Neuroscience.
10. He attended college video game programming courses, where he created a "Legend of Zelda" parody called "Epic of Stew".
**Career**
11. After college, MatPat worked as a resident assistant for 3 years, hosting game nights.
12. He auditioned for acting roles in New York for about 2 years (until around 2011).
13. MatPat was unemployed for nearly 2 years, struggling to find work.
14. He created Game Theory as a resume booster during this period.
15. The idea for Game Theory was inspired by the web series "Extra Credits" and its episode on tangential learning.
16. MatPat initially produced Game Theory content with limited equipment, recording in his closet.
17. He eventually became a YouTube Audience Development Consultant, helping prominent channels grow.
18. MatPat currently works on growing audiences for other channels, in addition to maintaining Game Theory.
**Game Theory & YouTube**
19. Game Theory started with limited production value, using online images and default computer tools.
20. The channel gained traction with the help of websites like Pat the NES Punk, Reviewtopia, Screwattack, and Game Trailers.
21. As of the video's creation, Game Theory had over 500,000 subscribers (from around 60,000 at the beginning of the year).
22. The channel's success enabled MatPat to support other creators, like Ronnie and Gaijin Goombah.
23. Game Theory has a community, including a subreddit.