Cup of Jones - 09/12/16

That's a great idea!

Easy Allies

Just wanted to say thanks for recognising people when you do any of the content. This goes for all allies. I feel a sense of joy whenever I am referenced. It encourages me to participate more in the great work the allies do. Actual question, did any of the allies try the Tetley tea I sent over, or do you all just stick to coffee? (I sent it months ago with the Space Raiders packages)

BeardedScotsman86

If there were an achievement for having a question read out on every Easy Allies Q&A segment, what would you call it? -Dominic from Australia

DaleBastion

A question purely curious about business and patreon - how do you best manage your budget with the uncertainty of what the patreon month will close at vs. what it normally shows? IE it usually drops right before the date to pay. What has EZA done to be successful that future content producers can learn from? Feel free to exclude if its not something you're wanting to discuss. :)

Kiraz

Could you do a one of video about game guard/watch/signal/radio towers?

Harry Ashmore

if you could play a telltale game about someone else in the dc universe who would it be and what to you would be the ultimate choice you have to make?

Harry Ashmore

Jones, With the increase in popularity of Frame Trap what are the chances the show will get sponsors like the EZA Podcast (maybe before the show instead of halftime)?

Jordan Buitendyk

Hey Jones, was just wondering if you guys considered making a Patreon RSS feed so we could get the podcast, bonus L&R etc. on our podcast providers early like we do when you currently provide the unlisted youtube video?

Tim O'Keeffe

Hey Brandon, favourite scene from Lord of the Rings?

If you are planning on doing a higher tier for the sponsors, you could put an ad of them at the start of each (or many) of the EZA videos. For example, you could say "This video is sponsored by..." at the start of each video. I would also make the sponsor limit for that tier maybe only 1 or 2 since they are going to be noticed in every video (I also think that having too many is just gross, IMO).

Brandon What is favorite relaxation game for me it's something like Minecraft, Harvest moon or Pokémon.

So you spoke about the guys who are full time EZA, how does it work with the rat of the guys? Is there a set salary or is it based off of what they do each month?

Jones, a question: What happened to the equipment bought to the E3 of Dreams? How are they being used?

Brandon, I thought you were incredible in the recent episode of Fiasco. What do you (and Ian) think of a regular Fiasco show as a reward tier?

I don't mind you answering questions at all. Kaiser does say excellent a lot. lol Nice mix of games there at the end.

NeO JD

If you do GOTY discussions, I'd like to see the natural progression of it without chat interference. I love when you engage chat and the patrons but this I love your individual opinions and values in that situation even more.

I know a lot of allies have brought up aspects of trying to help promote EZA, but my particular question to you would be, are there any other online platforms outside of the big ones (youtube, facebook, twitch, twitter, etc.) where we can help raise the hype and awareness level for EZA? I love all the work you do and I want as many people as possible to experience the awesomeness that is EZA.

Greg Miller alone has over 500K followers man

The Hashtagonist

I would've been so keen on a Game Grumps team-up a couple years ago, but I feel like that community has gotten reaaaal toxic lately.

James McCoy

Kinda Funny is not bigger than EZA, in any way

Jeff Robertson

Would you guys ever consider having, I don't want to say tier, but a money-goal to be a guest on the podcasts(either or/both)? Similar to Kinda Funny.

Hey Brandon, have you ever considered putting a VO of you saying something to the effect of "The following content is made possible by our patrons." Over an image saying "Support us on Patreon." And a link before the podcast or other shows begin as there may be people who don't watch or listen to entire podcasts, shows, etc.

I would really love an audio version of cup of jones! I convert the videos anyways and take it on my commutes.

Mason Victoria

Hey Jones, is there any reason why some of the Allies don't want to be full time? I know Ian does other bits and pieces, but for someone like Huber, I don't understand why they don't want to be officially 'full time', especially as it seems like they're doing full time work. Is it down to the budget?

Alex

Hey Brandon, I am really enjoying the longer episodes of Cup of Jones, it's like having an extra, Jones only podcast. With that in mind do you think we could get an audio only version of future episodes, as well as the video version? It's just that it's much easier for me to find an hour to listen to it during my workday, than it is to find an hour to watch it in the evening. L&R

BeatenDownBrian

Is there a video game moment that you always wish you could share with non-gamers, but can't because they just don't play games? We all know there are some moments in games where you have to play the game and experience the narrative for yourself to "get" the payoff at the end.

Also, as a European I was wondering if you guys at GT ever went or planned to go to Gamescom and if it's something you would like to do as Easy Allies? It's much more easier to book a flight to Germany rather than to go all the way to America. I really wish Gamescom was more PAX-like.

Steven Vella

I'm a big fan of MEGA64, and I've noticed some allies wearing MEGA64 shirts and you mentioning GAMEDAYS. Have you ever tried connecting with them?

Steven Vella

It was great to meet up with you and the other allies at PAX too. I am really looking forward to next year and see the allies and the community again. Since Halloween is almost here, what are your favorite scary games?

Dragon Quest love!

Luke Sandstrom

Hi Brandon, is Sophie a full time worker? When you inevitably will get a studio, will Sophie be there? Dogs at the workplace can lift the spirits of everyone at work.

On the retrospectives by any chance would there ever be a Persona one?

Sam Allen

Hey Brandon, I was watching some of the old GT Reviews recently to decide what is worth investing in within the plethora of definitive editions and remasters coming out soon. Having now gotten used to the EZA format of Reviews, I'd forgotten the way in which they used to be structured (Story - Design - Gameplay etc). When reviewing games now, do you feel like you have more freedom when constructing your narrative/argument throughout the review, or that you still instinctively follow these sections as a guideline? I've always been interested in the process. L&R, Conor

Hey Brandon, what's one influence you would want western games can take from Japanese games and visa versa?

he did that on a previous Cup of Jones, but I forget which one.

Joseph Caruso

I think the Kinda Funny comparision happens a lot because they are both successful patreons and also there seems to be a decent amount of crossover in the audiences. I personally am not a fan of KF, either the shows the produce nor the manor in which the run their Patreon but at the same time I don't think there is anything wrong with looking at what others are doing and learning, from both the good and bad idea's they have. Whether that be something on a set or how those setups operate, there is always something new to be learned imo. :)

BeatenDownBrian

It's an unfortunate truth that when there are ways to game the system, there will always be some that do. Given how Patreon works it may be tricky to solve, maybe they could have some sort of system in place. So that if a person pledges to a creator 3 months in a row but always pulls their support at the end of the month, then they ae blocked from supporting that creator for one month or something. Putting something like that in place is probably harder than it sounds though, plus it could end up potenially end up hurting creators.

BeatenDownBrian

I would really like to see a quick tour of the garage and see all the cool pieces in your collection. Would you be willing to do a quick video showcasing your favorites? Love that painting of the Haunted Mansion you have on the wall, going to look for it when I'm in Disney World next month.

I used to be a fan of KindaFunny, I even went to their panel at PSX15. But then some events happened later that showed me how they treat their fanbase and I stopped following them and never look back, some people doesn't know how to deal with success and the responsability that comes with it. EZA is now my only source for videogame discussions and podcasts.

Sorry for commenting for the third time, but I'm commenting while I watch the video, so, new things are popping up. :P Regarding the GOTY awards. Please don't make it a stream. You are already doing so many streams, and I really don't enjoy them as much as the shows. I like to see cuts and edits and gameplay videos and nomination videos and stuff like that. So I'd really prefer the GOTY awards to be a show instead of a live stream. Just my two cents.

RedVIII

I hear you about music for doing work/study or similar should not have lyrics. I find that chiptunes work great and usually listen to the webradio kohina.com

Anders Öhlund

Also, Brandon. Get that video wall that Kinda Funny uses for the EZA studio once the time has come. I don't care if you have to "steal the idea", I want to see you guys use it well. Also, it's not like trademarked. I'm sure someone came up with the idea to use such a wall before, so yeah, I say, go for it! :D

RedVIII

Which of the allies have you known for the longest?

Kian Jahromi

I have to say something about Gamer Fights. About a year ago I twittered you Jones, about, if you could talk to the screenjunkies guys to produce a "Gamer Fights", because back then they only had Movie Fights and TV Fights and I loved it. You said you were looking into it, but then the whole Defy Media ends GT thing happened and shortly after, they announced that Smosh is doing such a show. I am so angry about this. I just don't understand it. I don't want to sound rude or offend anyone, but I just don't enjoy the Smosh content. I think those guys are trying too hard to be funny and they just aren't. On the other hand the people on GT were so great. I think, if screenjunkies cooperated with GT instead and gave you guys Honest Game Trailers and Gamer Fights it might have been Smosh who had to leave and you guys would still be there. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad you have your own thing now, I'm glad there is Easy Allies now and I can't wait until you have your own studio (btw, did you see Kinda Funny's new studio? It looks awesome). But it just makes me angry, because I don't even enjoy Gamer Fights right now most of the time, because I just don't enjoy the people on it much. I did like the episode where you were on though, and I hope Matt sticks to what he said about wanting to do an Easy Allies episode. I propose you vs. Bosman vs. Hinck. But any combination of Easy Allies people would be great I guess.

RedVIII

What was your first game and console and what games are you most nostalgic for?

Kian Jahromi

He's the first person I saw when I got off the plane haha

Glad to hear you liked Thimbleweed Park, been hoping it would get a little more attention.

As a fellow Southern Californian ally I want to know what is your favorite spot in LA to grab some grub? I'm personally a sucker for Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles.

Braulio Valdez

If you love Halloween I am assuming you have been to a lot of haunted houses? What's the best location you've been to and the best scare you have had? I have been to schools, a multi-story hospital one in Japan, corn mazes but I think my favorite was a ship in Cincy. Also I would like if you guys streamed the gotys. Not because I would be able to watch it live or prefer that to a show format but I think that will encourage more discussion and less editing. Thanks for all you do!

Bdun912

Are you annoyed by the Patrons that drop their pledge to EZA at the end of each month? I've noticed that the EZA Patreon money amount drops at the end of each month

jif52

Another excellent episode!

Hey Brandon, What's your favorite food and attraction at Halloween themed Disneyland?

If ever I find a festival I'm collaborating with (a retro gaming one, a comiccon type one, an otaku type one and one that is more youtube guest oriented) that has to do with gaming (or has a gaming aspect to it) that wants to have an interesting guest attend, think you or someone at EZA may be interested to come? There wouldn't necessarily be a salary involved, but would a round trip plane ticket, lodging, being fed throughout (with hot dogs and a few more healthy things) be good enough to have you come over? No promises yet for all those things, but in the following months or a year or so, I'd sure love to hear you live at a panel and maybe recording something neat here and there.

chocolate_prophet

Brandon, you seem like you are always crazy busy. Since starting Easy Allies have you had a solid few days off and if you did what did you do with them?

Mikehook1

Jones, question for next episode. (We'll always have more questions). Do you watch every main "shows" and streams from the allies? Or just shows or not even all of those each week. Just curious. Thanks!

Colin Cooper

I came here to type exactly this. 90% sure he confused it with K-ON!

MBUN

Brandon, what is name of the music you play in the video when you answer questions? I know it's jazz, but I meant who is it from. It sounds very relaxing and soothing.

Not to be a big poop head negative jerk but I hate that you guys are always comparing yourselves to other content creators. I guess it's unavoidable, but I started listening to your podcasts and watching your shows because your opinions are often the most fully formed and seemingly well though- out. You aren't scared to disagree with each other. You serve on some level as role models for other game enthusiasts by showing that loving games and is no tjust about being filled with testosterone fueled blood lust but also joy and friendly competition. I don't get that from other creators. I get yelling. I get terrible hackneyed jokes with zero introspection. To be completely frank, everyone else is boring. Also I'm grateful Damiani is back even though he's trolltastic. BLAR! * Fart Sounds*

Thanks for the awesome episode, Brandon!

Chris Georgaras

I know you're on media blackout along with Kyle going into Pokemon Sun and Moon, but I was just curious if you were doing this strictly because of Kyle or if you would've been going in blind even if he wasn't. I only ask because one of my great disappointments with Easy Allies is I don't get to hear your opinions on any of the new things being shown off about the games, so I wanted to have someone to blame and Bosman seems an easy target right now.

Can you please upload your weekly group stream (where you open gifts etc) to Patreon as well please.

Barnstar

Hey Mr. Jones. First of all, Thank you so much for taking my question and clearing up my misinterpretation of what was said! And speaking of which, there was a statement about questions being answered on multiple platforms that I wish to address. While the fact is the shows EZA produces does answer questions, and quite a few of them, I can speak for myself that this is my favorite avenue to have my question answered BECAUSE you answer them. Not all of them, as I understand there are thousands of us patrons and tens of thousands of more fans, but Cup of Jones and the Community Comments video are the only areas where I've seen my submissions taken (Thank you SO much for doing so!). This isn't a bad thing as I will continue to try submit questions/games for both podcasts and will continue to contribute to the two aforementioned videos, but I just wanted to say: While having a permanent, beefier editorial portion would be/is awesome, please don't forsake answering questions in the capacity you currently do. I REALLY do not want to be a voice that sounds like it should carry more weight than it does (it doesn't), just wanted to make you aware that, for me at least, the questions here and Community Comment video make me feel that at least some small input IS being taken, and its indescribable the positivity it generates for me. You don't have to ever take any question I submit anywhere, but the fact that you do, and for so many other of my fellow Allies as well, speaks volumes to your dedication to have as many of us be a part of a great community as possible. My question for the next episode that you will answer them is: For your GOTY discussion, what if you break down the categories into multiple livestreams so to not burn yourselves out? Example: Shooter of the year on Monday, Sony exclusive of the year on Tuesday, so on and so forth (Categories are just simply placeholders). Sorry for the long post and I adore Sophie coming in and with her paw "Pet me, you called me up here!"

Brandon K Gann

Hola Brandon! I became a GT fan because of AVGN. That was the show that got me to your site. When you started with GT Live I always hoped he to be a guest; then that ended. So, if the opportunity came, is there something you'd like to do with James Rolfe? Love & Respect. César.

César Villa

Hey Brandon, have you guys considered doing a second patreon for non-gaming content? Kinda funny do it and it has worked out great for them. The upcoming 6 month anniversary would be a great time to launch it with a big stream. A Huber film/tv podcast, a ben/damiani anime show, easy allies movie commentaries, eza movie reviews off the top of my head would all be great. I know this would be a lot more work but the extra dough of the 2nd patreon could help make more people full time or hire outside help. L&R

Dylan Wiggan

Love the new format, thank you for spending the time to answer so many questions and keep patreons informed. I was wondering about the amount of game reviews though. They come out every now and then and are as great as expected. I can't help but compare the frequency of them to some other YT channels though. I follow ACG as well and noticed that, for example, their Deus Ex review came out almost two weeks earlier than yours and has over 100k views. On the other hand your No Man's Sky review was out quite soon, so what gives? Wouldn't a consistent release of reviews attract more viewers to EZA? Slightly unrelated to that, what about having a default, short plug about your Patreon after every video. Could be exactly the same every time and only 15s long, but having this added to all videos consistently might spread EZA more ...

Richard Goetz

You got a Lucky Star mug... then described the show as having the premise of K-On. SOME ANIME ADDICT YOU ARE.

Anontastic

Is there any reason why Cup of Jones tends to come out choppy/laggy whereas the other EZA videos do not?

That's what I thought they meant by that question.

I think Huber plays Nier with Ben as host would be a cool idea. Nier is such a strange, nuanced, touching game that I know Huber would adore for many reasons.

Rick Argomaniz

Your logo is amazing; don't change it; not that it says anything; but i'm a graphic designer; i don't think i would do better; KEEP THE LOGO ;)

Randy Verschueren

What is the favorite games-related piece of merchandise you own?

I wonder if by archive they meant the game archive and not the video archive. Also GTA London was an expansion for GTA1. Edit: In the video you talk about streaming on youtube, and just wanted to mention that I think it's against the ToS on Twitch for Partnered Streamers to stream on Youtube too.

Olf Himself

Brandon, that's a great idea about remodeling the garage if you didn't do a studio anytime soon. To tell you the truth, I really like the garage as the homebase of operations of the Mothership if you will. Most of all though, I'm just digging EZA and all of the content, especially Cup of Jones. I definitely am also enjoying when you stream Mobile games too. Here's my question, Being a great voice, are you a fan of other Voice Actors, for instance Audio Books and Video Game talent? If so, who are some of your favorites?

Jason Walstrom

brandon, you have to tell us what your number 1 game of all time was on that list

mikkel hervel nemmøe

Blizzcon..what are your plans for that?

Ahmad Sammy

Brandon you mentioned you liked listening to non lyrical music. I have two suggestions: Ludovico Einaudi - Amazing classical artist. Think you'd love him. Joe Hisaishi - I know you are a massive Disney fan, my love is studio Ghibli and if there is one thing that Ghibli do better than Disney, its their film scores. If you can, listen to the 25 year celebration concert on youtube. You will not be disappointed.

Wesley

Hearing about you in eagle scouts immediately made me think of little jones in a "Canteen boy" scenario.

Sean Barrett

Brandon, thanks for answering my question about the games library. I was excited to get a question answered. I'm a grown 34 year old man but felt like a teenager getting a song played by a radio DJ or something. I guess I wasn't specific enough, I actually meant your physical game library when you left Defy and then gave away all the physical games media (discs, etc). Thanks!

TravelingSnowman

Best in the biz Jones

The Hashtagonist

Oh man, if EZA ever teamed up with Game Grumps I might die on the spot from concentrated squeee. Great work, Jones. These are always appreciated.

Joseph Caruso

Mega64 Gamedays! Consider it! :o

Froggy With Fries

Lol, I didn't actually expect you to watch some scenes of Lucky Star. It was just the cheapest anime mug I could find. :p

Minamik

Yes. Check out Tubemate via Google. Automatically downloads and extracts the audio from YouTube videos! Or download the video and use VLC to automatically keep track of video progress.

Check out Tubemate via Google. Automatically downloads and extracts the audio from YouTube videos!

i'm going to TGS, how do i meet up with Ben?

holy shit its an hour and a half

Great show as always Jones 👍🏻 Like you, I am very much anticipating GTA 6 and a new Red Dead. I am a massive Rockstar fan though and I struggle to think of any of their games that I didn't like. My question : would you like to see a new entry in any of Rockstars "secondary" games series'? (Max Payne, The Warriors, Bully, Midnight Club, Manhunt, State of Emergency, etc) I'd personally love a Max Payne 4......MP3 was just beautiful.

Adam Mullany

Q&A won't get shorter. Questions will only get dumber :)

Hi Brandon. Could you please provide an audio link for cup of jones? I listen to my podcasts while going to or from work. Thanks!

hi Jones, have you tough about making some mini-retrospective, for older games without sequels?

With these getting so long, it would be kind of nice to have a podcast option. Watching these in multiple sittings with video requires I keep remembering where I left off. Am I doing it wrong?

Andy Goergen

thanks for all your hard work in getting these out, Jones! :D