Cup of Jones - February 1, 2021
Added 2021-02-01 23:58:50 +0000 UTCWith the 2020 Awards behind us it’s time to look ahead at 2021, even with one month already behind us. We have two big meetings this week to discuss the future of the company, like we do every year. After the rollercoaster that was 2020 this feels different, however, mainly because we were forced to make so many unexpected changes already in the last 9 months or so of last year. So I look forward to potentially re-evaluating every part of our business as we plan our 5th anniversary and our potential return to the (gasp) studio whenever it’s safe to do so.
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcM-QFzBDMA
00:07:11 - Business Questions
00:40:33 - Editorial: Award Deliberation
- Brandon
DISCLAIMER: I take questions for each Cup of Jones episode from the original video post. Questions from this audio-only post will not be used in future episodes. The video version is typically posted just before this one, so scroll down our Patreon page to find it.
PERSONAL QUESTIONS
ALI SALEMI - Have you watched the Godzilla vs. Kong trailer? If so, what did you think of it? Personally I thought something felt off about it, but I can't put my finger on it. Maybe it was the good guy/bad guy narrative that they had in it or it might've been the way the trailer was cut that didn't sit well with me (even though I like the idea behind Godzilla and Kong having an epic battle). Any thoughts on that? JONES - I think it did a good job of drumming up excitement for the movie, as I’ve seen a lot of people on social media freaking out about it. But personally that kind of style is not for me. It’s being set up like a UFC or WWE match would, where after seeing the films that led up to this I would be more interested in seeing how they’re developing the story. I’m not really interested in seeing one of them “win” but that’s completely against the marketing campaign they’re going for.
CABBAGELAD - A personal question but could you tell us more about your Welsh heritage please? You mentioned it a few cups back. I'd love to hear more about it and how you found out. I'm a proud North Walien and would love to hear more from you and any other Welsh allies! JONES - Alas, I don’t have much to report. The Welsh in me comes from my father’s side (my mother is Norwegian). I visited Wales when I was 9 years old but all I can really remember are the relatives I met there (that have sadly now passed on) and the incredibly long words in the language. I recall trying to pronounce the name of a train station as my father chuckled. That’s about it.
Comments
Hey Jones, Just wanted to know if you don't like the you talk too much jokes because I make it a lot. Thanks
Ibrahim Sozer
2021-02-08 12:30:05 +0000 UTCHi Jones, I have a quick suggestion. Is it possible to take FrameTrap question on Patreon like all the other podcasts and shows? I know it's been using the email since day 1 but the way it is now it's hard to ask a question for that podcast (for me anyway). Unlike Friend code or the eza podcast we never know when to submit questions by for the next episode or who will be on it. There are many times where I want to ask a question but I end up not emailing because I'm not sure if it's too late to send it in or not for the next episode and sometimes my question won't be that relevant 2-3 weeks later. And even when I send a question, if it's not picked im not sure of Ben is using past emails or new ones. I don't want to spam that email every week with the same thing. I'd be okay with it if Ben still prefers the email but maybe post on Patreon to say when the deadline is to ask questions for the next episode. Thanks
Faraz Rizvi
2021-02-08 10:48:48 +0000 UTCHey Jones, More of a personal question - you were talking about playing galaxy of heroes. You said you haven't spent a penny on that game as if it were a point of pride. Considering you're in the gaming industry and talk about Dev costs and server costs from time to time, why don't you give them something sometimes? Personally, the games I play daily on my phone I try to at least spend some cash when they have sales or something. Or if I'm trying something new, I try to watch ads when offered as I feel like they're at least getting something for my time. As an aside - I get it. I played galaxy of heroes and Disney sorcerer's arena and it feels pointless to spend any money because the top tier player in that game must spend a ton. It what always makes me bounce off those. Just curious why you wouldn't give them any money at all considering you play it every day. L&R, ~Matt
Matt Galeza
2021-02-08 09:39:41 +0000 UTCHeya Jones, Um...kind of? I was expecting a little more, to be honest but I understand. But I was just wondering what Easy Allies likes: driving fast cars, low bars, old hymns, or bare limbs?
Asbo Zappruder
2021-02-07 03:28:27 +0000 UTCMr. Jones, Valentine's Day is around the corner. Do you have any advice about Valentine's Day that crosses over into videogames? Do you have any advice or stories about Valentine's Day in general that you could talk about? Respectfully, Morgan Mohalla
Morgan Mohalla
2021-02-07 02:04:01 +0000 UTCHi Jones!! I was thinking about why the beginning segments are fun- and I think the best ones involve creativity from both the community and panelists. It's why I think you were too hard on your death-match idea! Of course there are going to be people saying it sucks, but I think you should still stick with this style of opening, instead of the silver linings, which while good intentioned, doesn't really kick the podcast off very well (kind of implies that the rest of the podcast is a dark cloud? So I'm here to SAVE the day with an idea for an opening segment! Based on the Marvel series- WHAT IF? you ask the patrons to give you a "what if scenario" and then the panelists have to give one sentence to say how that alternate universe would look. For example, What if the Dreamcast played DVD's? What if Sony kept the PS3 banana controller? What if Capcom made a console in 1994? I think this idea is great for in depth ideas and fun answers. Thanks so much and please don't be so hard on yourself when comparing your ideas to Kyle's- people are of course going to criticise but don't let that stop you from putting your stamp on it! x
See You When I Get There
2021-02-05 13:11:41 +0000 UTCHey Jones: This past week as been the Steam Game Festival, a big focus on demos of upcoming games (ends Feb. 9th). As of this writing I've just started digging into a few (I have to say, Unbound Worlds Apart is tremendous). This leads me to an idea. Assuming these things continue in the future, whether through Steam or anything Keighley or anyone else might organize, and assuming there is reasonable warning ahead of time, how would you feel about trying to get EZA to do a dedicated demo stream at some point during these festivals/events. Wouldn't have to be group stream or anything, and obviously you may prefer to have it last an indeterminate amount of time in case you find only duds, but the idea would just be to put some of these upcoming games on both your and our radar. Even if its just a single Ally giving us an hour or two on a random day of the week, it would be fun content that we could all very immediately share in (since these demos are of course open to all). And as a bonus this may allow you to get some eyes on lesser known games that you may not have formed an opinion on before. You could even solicit game names on patreon or something ahead of time if you want, since usually these things have dozens of things to choose from. Just an idea, these demo festivals seem to be catching on more and as a player I enjoy taking the opportunity to just spend 20 minutes with a random upcoming game and then moving on to the next, and the next. And I bet it would make a pretty nice stream.
Bradley Spies
2021-02-04 01:55:07 +0000 UTCHi Jones. First time Cup of Jones listener, long time Patreon supporter! I believe my post was the original post mentioned in the 'Uneasy Alliance' subreddit and I just wanted to clarify some of the misunderstanding. I look at the 'Uneasy Alliance' subreddit as a way for the community to actively share EZA content with each other as well as any opinions about EZA slightly similar to other platforms. I don't expect the Allies to monitor this or all the other numbers of EZA forums. I mainly use the platform to connect will fellow supporters, view user created content, and share opinions outside of the normal Easy Allies discussion areas. I have not really seen the need to make a constructive comment on Patreon because I love all your content! That may seem overly optimistic, but I am not normally a complainer when comes to my favorite gaming content creators. Each piece of content you create like the Easy Allies Podcast/FrameTrap are all made with each Allies creative spark and passion. If it's Nintendo, I'm going to listen to Damiani, if it's a detailed trailer analysis I want your opinion, and if I'm looking for Hype, well you know who we all go to. I apologize for not bringing any concerns to the table and being candid right away. I felt it was an issue that I wanted a small part of the community to provide feedback on before even considering to bring it to you guys at EZA. I apologize for not being honest and open on here, but I did feel that I wanted to spare feelings and play my small part in creating a positive community culture. I am happy to provide my feedback in the future! I will definitely be tuning into Cup of Jones from now on, just so much Easy Allies content for us to consume! P.S My comment was in regards to an Allies behavior on stream. If you are interested in that feedback I am more than happy to share my subreddit post or copy the content elsewhere. I tried to be as respectful and constructive in my post. Others on the subreddit had asked me to mention the issue to you on here as well. L&R as always CptCobblePot
CptCobblePot
2021-02-03 21:38:56 +0000 UTCHey Jonesy! I wasn't aware that some of the allies were still rocking longer hair and beards for safety reasons. I thought it was a style! Everyone looks cool ta me. That said... I bought a super cheap electric razor at a grocery store in 2008 and cut my hair out of boredom---AND I HAVE NEVER LOOKED BACK! It's great! I get ta make my hair look however I want, whenever I want and I save so much time and money! I don't know if the allies care to go this route, but it is 100% viable (and possibly life changing!). L&R--Raven
Raven Perez
2021-02-03 02:27:58 +0000 UTCHi Jones, Thanks for reading my comment\suggestion from last week. I didn't mean for it to sound like I was poking fun at the unfortunate circumstances of Huber and Ben not being able to get their hair cut. Just like I wouldn't make fun of them for their height. I meant it more as a rejoicing that they could either make the new hair styles work for them given the limitation or as a celebration they can finally get back "to normal" when they finally are able to get themselves groomed. Kyle sported a headband for a while before taking matters into his own hands and shaving his head and Don has also been wearing a headband for Don Vs Waverace streams. Many of us have been affected by the lockdowns and limited access to "normal" services and the time passing has been surreal. I simply meant it to be a humorous "look at us ha ha this has been an ordeal and now we can return to our former selves". I do think specifically Ben and Huber look good with or without the facial hair and even if I didn't, it only matters how those Allies and their immediate families feel. I in no way meant to mock or disrespect any of you. I hope you understand. As always Love and Respect - Jessie Blu
JessieBlu
2021-02-02 19:36:06 +0000 UTCHello, Brandon. I would highly recommend reading Geoff Keighley's The Final Hours of Half-Life: Alyx. It's a great story of both the game development and the last decade of Valve. I also recommend listening to Half-Life Alyx Developer's Commentary (either in game, or by watching it on YouTube). It’s a fascinating and easily understandable explanation of how this game was designed.
Alexander Zyryanov
2021-02-02 13:08:55 +0000 UTCAny chance of a Spoiler mode for WandaVision? Seems like more than one of the Allies is watching it and really seeming to enjoy it. All the best L&R Jones!
Sage_Mode_Q
2021-02-02 11:55:23 +0000 UTCMy friends and I get together over Zoom and do a “podcast” style thing every Wednesday where it’s essentially a book club but for movies we think are rewatchable (idea stolen from The Rewatchables). It’s my turn to pick next week, so just wanted to see if you have a list of your most rewatchable movies?
JohnnyCantDance
2021-02-02 10:01:42 +0000 UTCHello, Jones! If you were to beat a level based game, then decide to 100% it, how would you go about it? Would you start at the hardest levels so it would get easier as you played, or just replay the game normally again? My example is Crash 2. I tried to get all the boxes in one of the final levels first, then game up getting 100% due to that single level. I feel like it would have been much more frustrating if I tried it the other way around.
Parasitepaladin
2021-02-02 04:21:33 +0000 UTCHey Mr. Jones! As of the morning of last week’s episode while the internet decided you weren’t doing a livestream, I decided to watch NoClip’s newest and last episode of their series on Hades’s development, and about 20 minutes in, I watched a delightful little surprise as a slightly re-edited snippet of the EZA review was one of the three Danny picked to highlight the reviews section of Hades’s launch (the other two being IGN and Gamespot). I just was curious if he reached out to use the review and while I know EZA’s review coverage has received all kinds of wonderful attention over the years (the brief moment of Sony Santa Monica’s Raising Kratos documentary watching Huber’s God of War review and the various pull quotes/review scores on accolades trailers for various games), it was a treat to see a very indirect collaboration between two of my favorite content brands in EZA and NoClip. I know many people focus on their own content and can one-off guest on another channel when possible every now and then, but in your experience, is, for lack of a better way to put it, “content-sharing” with proper sourcing and annotation something that could be further utilized by EZA or by its nature, is this kind of thing only really possible in very extenuating circumstances, if ever? Just curious to hear your thoughts, and regardless, as always, thanks for reading. Have a wonderful rest of your day and Cheers! QUESTION: During NoClip’s last episode chronicling the development of Hades, a small re-edited snippet of EZA’s review was used to underscore how well Hades was being received, and while it was a delightful surprise, I was curious if Danny reached out to use that piece of content and what your opinion is on, for lack of a better way for me to put it, “content-sharing” between content creators. With proper sourcing and annotation, do yourself or other Allies like seeing their work used in conjunction with other videos or content as a means of public record?
Brandon K Gann
2021-02-02 01:13:45 +0000 UTC
