Cup of Jones - May 17, 2019

Just so you know, I'm pretty sure Jones gathers the questions on Sunday night ( that might be different this week with GOT), so you might need to resubmit it for next week. I just wanted to mention it in case you are left wondering why it wasn't answered.

BeatenDownBrian

Business Hello Brandon, I wonder if the Allies have ever thought of doing smaller group steams during the week than a big full one once a week (bar anyone being out of town or busy). It has been for me, and probably some others to keep track of what's happening during group streams if the room is full or even if there are more than 5 people in there. Usually there are allies who aren't interested in the game being played and go off track and having a totally different conversation , making the stream difficult to follow. I really enjoyed the GoG streams you guys did a while back, and thought they were more enjoyable, why haven't you tested doing this twice two times during a week or so? I know some of this may be because of several things being recorded on Tuesdays, but can't for example the cast that was on the smaller tuesday group stream be on the podcast? And having a full ally stream whenever there is a tournament or a special stream, like HoG.

Xenogod

##PERSONAL## Hey Jones, I really liked the question last week related to what media your kid will get introduced to. I also like the hypothetical of a "Flash kid" versus you being a Batman fan, which makes me imagine a six year-old raving about Gorilla Grodd. Question: So many people talk about how they first got a love of movies, games, art, etc from what their parents were into. What is your child going to see when they come and visit you there in the garage, and what kind of things will they get to interact with?

DaleBastion

Hi Brandon, What is the process for finding event-specific sponsors, like Sweet Justice during E3 last year sponsoring "sweetest moments"? Do sponsors reach out to you, and/or do you have a list of potential sponsors you invite?

Blue

Jones pretending to have regrets holding his child was worth every penny of my money.

Raven Perez

Brandon - I just saw your tweet about The Phantom Menace yesterday, it being the 20th Anniversary of the Star Wars Film. Needless to say, Star Wars fans were super hyped at the time and I am curious, at what point did you know that you did not like the film, that you had some profound problems with it? For me, I watched the film several times in the theater and enjoyed it and although I did have some problems with it over time it probably wasn't until I owned it on DVD that I was like, "Wow, this movie really sucks." I went through some serious denial for awhile and I just didn't want to admit that I was very disappointed.

Jason Walstrom

Jones, real quick question, what video editing software to you use/recommend? Also, any clues to who might be our guest ally on this months showcase? Thanks again for all the help. LnR4L Heidern98

Jeffrey Tessar

What are your thoughts on the potential casting of Robert Pattinson in the lead role of The Batman with the villains possibly including Catwoman and Penguin? Is there anything you would like to see them do the same or differently from previous Batman films?

redskyy

What is the maximum amount of money you would be prepared to spend on one of the upcoming next gen consoles - a) for private use only and b) as a review console, because none of the allies wants to buy one?

darkPikachu

Huber is currently in the process of reviewing it.

BeatenDownBrian

A baby question for Jones and Amanda: Is there anything you learned from raising Sophie, that might translate to raising your son? NO! I am not saying that babies are dogs. Babies - Aren't - Dogs. But: When I raised a dog, I definitely learned a few lessons that should come in handy if I ever have kids. For example, when the dog was young, I had to make sure to introduce it to a lot of things. I showed the dog elevator rides, train rides, car rides, big crowds, other dogs and cats, wildlife, and so on. The reason was, that the dog will later be familiar with those things, and doesn't fear the unknown, but instead can be more relaxed. Introducing the dog with all kinds of dog-appropriate foods early on was also important to make sure it would not be too picky later on. And another big lesson was making time for the dog. Making sure I always find some quality time, and thinking about measurements that ensured the dog being alone as less as possible. So, are there any lessons from Sophie that will be useful for your son to you? love & respect, Snowcone Guy Babies are not dogs.

Snowcone Guy

Repping EZA is tricky. I was on a long car journey with a friend. He hates sports and likes games, same as me. So, I say, hey, wanna listen to a game podcast? I explain the first 20 mins of Glinny's Cauldron, and highlight some funny previous examples... But then the podcast opens with NFL, not just a sport, but a sport most people in the UK don't care about... Not great. Then a disjointed, kinda obscure, blind date style game. Needless to say, I don't think my friend is going to be following EZA. In any case, I love you guys.

Kif

Hi Jones, I have a suggestion about Tabletop Escapades. Ben stated that he didn't really know what he wanted to do with TTE now that season 2 had finished. My idea is too turn TTE into an all-encompassing tabletop gaming show, where the allies play a different game each week, one week could be a D&D one-off, the next could be a couple matches of Magic or even Uno. You could even fold fiasconauts into this show for one week of the month). I think that even if Ben and the other allies want to return to a season 3; rebranding TTE and making it more of an open-ended show that can account for scheduling conflicts is a good idea in the long-run. Cheers L&R

Jesse Nye

Hi Brandon - I went from finishing Red Dead Redemption 2 to beginning Days Gone and it's funny going from one Open World game to another and trying not to compare them. First of all Arthur Morgan will give people a ride on his horse to another town if they need help and Deacon St. John will help people by telling them that "About 20 miles that way is a labor camp that will help you." So I guess, 'get to walking buddy.' and this is in a Zombie I mean, 'Ahem' Freaker Apocalypse. Those people won't make it one mile let alone 20! I just think it's hilarious that you won't give them a ride. Arthur Morgan needs to eat to stay alive, to heal, to increase his health bar etc. Deacon St. John never eats in the entire game but he needs plenty of band aids. Arthur Morgan needs to sleep to regain stamina, Deacon has to sleep because it's really scary at night and it needs to be daytime again real fast. And finally, Arthur Morgan uses money as in Dollar Bills. Deacon St. John uses Ears. I can't help but picture Deacon defeating a horde of 200 Freakers and he just sighs and begins slicing off each ear because it's currency in his world. All jokes aside, I really am enjoying Days Gone but after RDR2 the differences come screaming out at you and it's not the games fault. The amount of dialogue in Red Dead 2 is insane and the different people in the camps in Days Gone have the same exact dialogue from camp to camp and after Red Dead, Days Gone just gets outclassed. My question is this: If there is another Days Gone what Open World game mechanics would you like to see in a sequel in a game world that is ripe with potential?

Jason Walstrom

Hey Mr. Jones! While looking at the full goals list on Patreon, I noticed how it just appears uneven over the course of growth. In a way, it’s split in two parts: 20 K and below, and 40 K and higher with NOTHING in between 20 and 40 K. While the goals in the first half have been established since launch (Huber Syndrome, Easy Update, Frame Trap and Reviews with Tabletop and GameSleuth on respective hiatuses), and being a Patron since, I know the full narrative about how its evolved and grown over the last three years, but I was wondering: Does anyone at EZA take a look at the list in full, not just in the 40 to 60 K range, and if so, in your opinion of course, do you believe that first half group could either A.) be readjusted to have more evened out levels of funding (Like stretching out GameSleuth to 30 K, Reviews to 20 K, Frame Trap to 15 K, etc.) in the hopefully NEVER EVER happening event EZA loses significant Patron funding and the number is bumped down or B.) Should everything that is currently listed at 20 K and below be taken off entirely, with the current 40 K goal of Reaction Shots be listed as the first goal? As EZA has had healthy growth and plateaus in its existence without serious drops in patronage, and those shows in that first group being permanent fixtures of Easy Allies, I understand if there needs to be something listed just to have goals in place, but with how successful the Patreon is, I totally get if this is not something worth the mindshare. Either way, thanks for taking my question and as always, have a wonderful rest of your day! Cheers!

Brandon K Gann

Are you going to review Rage 2?

Montagu Studios

Hey Jones, business-ish related question and one that pops in my head every so often but I never feel compelled to ask because, while I've been watching the show for over a year or so now, I'm sure it's been asked in the past. When I get nostalgic for Game Trailers I immediately think of the packaging on the reviews and how long they consistently remained the same. What's the story behind some of that packaging and were you pushing to have it refreshed at multiple points of GT's lifespan? Not that I think its longevity was a bad thing, on the contrary, it's borderline iconic at this point whenever I think of GT reviews barring your VO. Love & Respect, SoulfulChris

SoulfulChris

Hiya Jones! So, the fact that there's only been a single betting special in the last 18 months is history's greatest tragedy. That's half the lifespan of EZA! I fully agree that they shouldn't be forced, but maybe in times of extreme drought they can be forced a LITTLE... Even if only mini- or low-stakes specials. They're likely among your most beloved content, it's crazy that we're down to just one a year now. I know it's impossible to predict for sure but will there be any extra effort to make more if events play out like 2018 again? Like, I have no doubt this E3 one will be amazing... but i'll admit, it's tough to hear that this one might be "a little weird" knowing it could be all we're going to get for 12 months. There's a reason why the pokemon company stated "sure these Let's Go games are odd spinoffs but don't worry the normal ones are coming soon too." Thanks!

Adam

Jones, just wanna thank you and Amanda for the time you took to explain the secrets you have learned on how to talk more confident and effective. It really helped and I plan to show you in the next video, during the next showcase. Amanda is just fantastic Jones, like I said, you two continue to prove you both will be excellent parents. Thanks for looking forward to the next vid dude ^_^ (Ya I meant Daddy as Father, no memes) LnR4L

Jeffrey Tessar

Hi Jones, Here are three blockbusters that I somehow haven't asked you about yet: - Les Miserables - The Phantom of the Opera - Hamilton

Asbo Zappruder

Let it be known, it's recorded on last's weeks live CoJ chat that I called dibs on pokemon first. This means war, Tahk0.

Rayluaza

Personal: Jones, I feel like this was a L&R question at some point but it seems appropriate now: How will you introduce gaming to Jones Jr? Will you show him all the retro stuff first so that he can appreciate the evolution of the industry? Or will you immediately jump on to some modern classics? Love and Respect, be a good dad, make him play Pokemon Snap. Ray

Rayluaza

Hello Brandon, I hope your having a good day. With it being near graduation time for a lot of people. I figured to pick three movies for does it hold up connected in some way to school. Does October Sky, Better Off Dead and Napoleon Dynamite hold up?

Mr.V

This is an ongoing issue with YouTube livestreaming. After the livestream, YouTube takes additional time to process the VOD. If the video goes over two hours, for whatever reason it only shows the most recent two hours until processing completes. -Bloodworth

Easy Allies

Not sure what's going on but the video briefly loads to show that there is 2:34:52, but then cuts to only 2:00:00 and starts (I'm guessing) 34:52 through (the part where "Damiani Hates Cups"). Not sure if this is something on my end or something weird with the video... Help! :D

Corrigall

Another business question, feel free to not answer this, it might be too "pry-y". If someone donates during a twitch stream of one Ally, does that go to that Ally, or to the collective pot?

Robin Clower

Noice

Varun Kachhwaha

QoL business question: On the email with the YouTube video for Cup, could you please include a link to the YouTube? The podcast does it and it saves the minor annoyance of 3 clicks for me on mobile. :p Thank you regardless :)

Robin Clower

Yep, we had this note from last year, and have already been accounting for those plans. -Bloodworth

Easy Allies

Hello Jones. You talked about this a bit last week and I brought this up in my E3 feedback last year but I wanted to mention it again now that E3 is so close. If there are scheduling conflicts with the conferences please decide before hand if you are either covering it or if you are not. Please do not attempt to keep one eye on a conference while you are talking about something else. It frankly comes off as kind of half-assed and was a source of a lot of frustration last year in chat when people didn't know if they should leave to watch the show or if you were covering it. Give a conference your full attention or skip/watch it later.

Olf Himself

Howdy Jones! For awhile now, I’ve been wanting to make artwork for Hall of Greats. As each game gets added however, that idea has become a bigger and bigger task- But that got me thinking: What if EZA put on a Hall of Greats art show? Whether it was an in-person gallery event in LA (great for meet ups), or entirely online, it would be cool to get the community artists together to make art based on each listed game. Not only would this make for good merch (art prints by artists sold through EZA), but it could be how you represent each game in your own studio Hall of Greats. While this is very obviously a lot of work, I thought it would still be worth putting out there as an evergreen possibility within the entire lifetime of EZA. I’ve enjoyed the art galleries I’ve been a part of and attended, and it seems like a very EZA thing to do. Lots of birds being hit with the same stone. P.S. For what it’s worth, if it ever happens, I call dibs on Pokémon. L&R TAHK0

TAHK0

I'm sure Ben or Jones may have streamed Rage 2 under quieter circumstances, but this week has been absolutely non-stop for everyone between the Retro, Reactions, Judges Week, and E3 Planning. -Bloodworth

Easy Allies

Hello, Brandon. Recently I looked at YouTube comments for the last Community Showcase and noticed a comment saying "Nobody wants to hear your negative opinions”. This comment made me thinking. On the one hand, Patrons payed for their submissions and as long as it doesn’t cross the line, they can submit whatever they want. On the other hand, if negative submission affects viewer’s mood so much, then it can also affect panel’s mood, which isn’t good for a patron, who wrote the next submission. How easy it is for you to move from one submission to another during Community Showcase, Q&A and Cup of Jones? (Sorry, I don’t know how to formulate this question better.)

Alexander Zyryanov

Dear Jones, Can you guys make more of an effort to stream recently published games? I feel like 70% of the time there is no showcasing of recent games on stream. e.g There was zero Rage 2 streams when Rage 2 came out and many big releases before that. I've been an ally for almost two years and I really feel like as of recent that streaming stage is heavily underutilized (except for the one group stream). Not saying the allies shouldn't stream what they want, but to make an effort to discuss and talk with the community about recent games. I am sure that will garner a greater audience cause everyone wants to check out games on twitch with their favorite gaming group. Love and Respect, Dav.

Jones, I guess this one is business. You have mentioned how you'd like to have twitch.tv/easyallies just be running videos 24/7. While the idea is interesting, have you talked about it with other creators that have attempted it? I remember the Screwattack channel used to do that and suddenly they stopped. I have no idea if this had something to do with Craig & Shaun's departure from the channel or was it a thing of "just wasn't worth it", but maybe you could touch base with one of the former screwattack guys to check how that went and why it stopped. I don't know, just an idea to consider. Love & Respect, César.

César Villa