Game Theory

Game Theory is a comedy series on YouTube made by Matthew Patrick (also known as Matpat). The series focuses on topics from video games and tries to come up with theories about them.

Why It’s a theory, a Great Theory

 * 1) The concept of making compelling theories and observations about video games is an interesting idea.
 * 2) MatPat is a entertaining host who explains his reasoning for the theories in an understandable way.
 * 3) The series shows respect for the games they talk about and try to avoid starting conflict.
 * 4) They collaborate with other gamers and theorists to get help or to explain it better.
 * 5) The show manages to have great humor and jokes that are funny, yet don’t distract from the main point.
 * 6) The show has tackled serious issues in a respectful way rather than being brash.
 * 7) The show's spin-offs, Film Theory and Food Theory, are both great and entertaining.

Bad Qualities

 * 1) There are many instances of them cherrypicking information out of context to suit the theory's narrative. As the show has many young viewers who will take anything said by their favorite channel as fact (regardless if it's intentional or not), this is how misinformation may spread. Because of this, Game Theory isn't a very credible and reliable source of information, despite presenting itself as an educational show.
 * 2) *Thanks to this, there are many debunks on MatPat's theories, such as Reploid REVO debunking every one of his Mega Man theories for over an hour separated into 2 parts (Part 1 link, Part 2 link), Seandwalsh responding to his Mario theories, Meteorz debunking his “Kirby...Dream Land's Biggest THREAT!” video, and Big Joel deconstructing several Film Theories for half an hour. Keep in mind that these are only a few examples and there are many many more.
 * 3) **It should be noted that MatPat actually acknowledged Meteorz's debunk, gave him a shoutout, and called off making a second part to his Kirby theory entirely.
 * 4) While some may defend his theories with the argument that they aren't meant to be taken seriously, that's as good a defense as "it's just a prank, bro!!". His videos are framed as educational, and he has a large audience that are easily convinced by his theories. If the video is merely a fun thought experiment, then he should disclose the fact better, and address holes in his own theory to show that he doesn't seriously believe what he just presented.
 * 5) The thumbnails for his theories are extremely clickbaity, and in the worst cases, have nothing to do with the actual theory. A recent example would be “Game Theory: Bowser's LOST Child...Yoshi!”.
 * 6) Unlike DEATH BATTLE!, which has amazingly well-done fight animations with charming character interactions that make their episodes easily rewatchable regardless of how the verdict has aged, Game Theory's entertainment value relies solely upon whatever theory it is presenting, so if gets multiple things wrong or takes things out of context, it becomes frustrating to watch.
 * 7) The jokes and overuse of memes can be very unfunny, cringe even.
 * 8) While educational, “the SCIENCE of…” videos can occasionally be boring or long compared to the other videos.

Reception
The series is very popular on YouTube and has a lot of fans. The series currently holds a 6.6/10 on IMBD.