If you are in search of a channel to satisfy all of your edutainment (educational entertainment) gaming needs, then Game Theory is the YouTube channel for you. Hosted by Matthew "MatPat" Patrick, these videos apply science, math, history, law and many more subjects to figuring out how things work in favorite video game franchises. If you like what you see, definitely catch one of his live streams and check out his Film Theory channel. Whether you are brand new to the world of Game Theory and want to know where to start, or a veteran who wants another opinion on what videos to rewatch, here are 13 of the best videos on Game Theory.
1. Kirby's Epic Yarn, Yarn Bombing.
I'll be the first to admit that this video is partially on the list because of my own rose-colored glasses, but this is the first Game Theory video that I saw and it left me wanting more. It is one of the earlier videos on the channel and is still fun to revisit as it looks at how yarn bombing in real life link back to the adorable game world in Kirby's Epic Yarn.
2. Five Nights at Freddy's series.
These are the videos that really got the Game Theory channel their recognizability today, and for good reason. All the videos in the series are phenomenally well put together and I have re-watched them multiple times. This series is still ongoing as the games continue to come out, with the most recent one covering the "Sister Location" before the game is even released.
3. Star Fox, Do a Barrel Roll.
This is another one of the early videos, but it debunks a well known meme phrase that has withstood the test of time despite being factually incorrect.
4. Phoenix Wright is a Criminal.
On the other end of the timeline, this is one of the most recent videos on the channel, but it covers a subject that hadn't yet been touched on. While most videos tend to primarily use math and science, this video also showcases MatPat's knowledge of law, both in the United States and Japan.
5. Candy Crush, Designed to Addict.
Game Theory also tackles trends in the gaming community, such as the rise in mobile gaming and its relationship to psychology. Ever wondered why you have to play another round of the newest King app you've downloaded, MatPat will explain why you act the way you do.
6. Theorists are Killers (Life is Strange).
Curious to how your Myers-Brigs personality matches up with the rest of the theorists or why you make the in-game decisions that you do? This episode of Game Theory takes all the data from all the viewers who answered the survey and took the stats to discover the pattern in the numbers.
7. Hunt for the Super Smash Bros. Hidden Stage.
Did you know that there was a lost stage in Super Smash Bros. that contains a picture of a cafe in real life? MatPat takes us on a journey to find that location and gives us a history of video game graphics along the way.
8. Mario Bros. Character Series.
One of the staples and most fun series on the Game Theory channel is the Mario Bros. character series, where MatPat pulls apart the loose ends of the characters in this classic franchise. While my favorite videos in the series were the ones on Rosalina and who her parents are, there are also videos on Mario, Luigi, Peach, Bowser and Toad.
9. Pokemon Multiverse.
Pokemon is another franchise that has a lot of videos devoted to it on the Game Theory channel, but one of the most interesting of them is the Pokemon multiverse, where each copy of the game contains its own universe.
10. Fallout Bottle Caps are Worth How Much?
There are quite a few videos looking at how much in game items would cost, from the diamond armor in Minecraft to the rupees in Zelda, but the Fallout bottle cap video stands out among them as it analyses how valid a fan's stunt to preorder a copy of the game with bottle caps is.
11. Chun-Li’s Helicopter Kick
Ever wonder how one of the most iconic street fighting moves can be performed or how a helicopter works? MatPat investigates these questions to see whether or not Chun-Li is making use of physics in her acrobatic fighting.
12. Red Vs. Blue the Secret Color Strategy.
Probably one of my favorite videos on the entire Game Theory channel and inspiring me to continue doing my own research on color phycology, this video looks at how the color of your team can influence the results in competitions. From E-sports to the Olympics, no competition is safe from the human mind reacting to the colors we wear and see.
13. The Dating Sims Special.
The old stereotype that gamers, especially ones that play dating simulators, can't get a date is completely turned around as MatPat uses the tips from dating sims to explain how you can get a date in real life. Even if you've already got a date or are happily single right now, this video will show you how to improve relationships and show how and why friendship and relationships form.
