The Ibelin Prize

Medietilsynet (Norwegian Media Authority)

Following the international success of the film Ibelin and its Netflix release, a new initiative was quietly developed — Ibelinprisen (The Ibelin Prize), created to honour inspiring role models within the gaming community.

The project was commissioned by Medietilsynet, to design the logo and visual identity for this award. The mark needed to reflect the values of creativity, empathy, and digital connection that define Ibelin’s story. The result is a visual emblem that bridges film design, gaming culture, and symbolic storytelling, celebrating the positive impact of players who build community through play.

Development

Inspired by Mats’ legacy, both digital and real, I created a fox icon drawn from the design of his headstone — a tribute that echoes one of his favourite stuffed animals. I chose an angular, pixelated style to evoke the aesthetics of classic gaming, making the symbol instantly familiar and emotionally resonant. This geometric approach also lends itself naturally to physical formats like 3D printing, paving the way for the icon to become a tangible trophy. The first awards featuring this design will be presented in 2025.