Cup of Jones - 02/04/17

Brandon, I know that you have stated that you don't think Hugh Jackman is Wolverine. However, I encourage you to watch Logan and reconsider because I truly believe that this is the greatest Superhero movie ever made....even better than Dark Knight. I know it sounds blasphemous, but it's true.

Hey Jones, My favorite shows on EZA tend to be the storytelling ones. Namely Tabletop Escapades and Fiasconaughts. You guys have a clear knack for story structure. Is there any chance that this aspect of Easy Allies will grow? I would love to see you and Kyle do a "Video Game Postmortem" series about video game narratives and what worked and what didn't.

Quaznarg

I’ve been watching you guys since day one. Loved the GT days and was heartbroken when I found out you guys were closing. It was when the news of EZA came about that it felt like seeing an old friend again. I feel bad though – I’ve only just become a patron today. I love you guys and wish you all the best. I have no “real” question in particular – other than, will your E3 stream be more spectacular than last year? L&R

Hey Brandon, I'm a new patron and currently in the middle of binge-watching Cup of Jones, so I hope no one has asked this question before: You mentioned that Buttons won't return because you don't own the rights to any of the old GameTrailers IPs. Did you ever ask Peer Schneider to transfer you the rights for Buttons? If that's not possible, is there a chance of a spiritual successor or just the return of skits in general, maybe for E3?

Hey Brandon - Just listened to this episode, and while I generally agree with your sentiment about creating an Amazon wish list, it might be interesting to think of ways that Allies can donate on a one-time or irregular basis, since one of the disadvantages of Patreon is that it presents itself as a monthly financial commitment.

Ervin

Hey Brandon, have you guys considered creating a podcast sponsor tier for Frame Trap? As it is a bi-weekly show that gets around the same amount of views as the EZA podcast, I think $250-300 would be a good range.

Hey Brandon - Just watched the Switch unboxing video. Great use of the new camera and this definitely feels like a step up in production quality. I wanted to know if you use color correction in your post processing. If you don't, I'd highly recommend using it, especially if your primary platform is Adobe Premiere. There's a color correction functionality built in and it's super easy and quick to do if you check out some short videos. I think it would really help with the muted color tones on some of the more prestigiously produced pieces you guys seem to be pumping out now. Either way, really enjoying the step up in quality you guys are implementing. From one Editor to another, Love and Respect.

You might have already answered this but are there any downsides as to working from home?

Kian Jahromi

Brandon - I fell silly bringing up a game that just came and went like Mad Max but I am a fan of open world games as you are too and I am genuinely curious as to what you thought of the ending of the Mad Max story in the game. Several of my friends played the game but none of them finished it, I haven't been able to talk about the ending with anyone. What did you think of Chum Bucket's fate and Max's frame of mind at the end? (I thought it showed just how broken he is not wanting to let anyone in because of the losses he has endured and I thought that was truly tragic) One thing that I thought worked out well was that you could play this game to the end and roll right into Mad Max Fury Road and understand the visions Max keeps seeing of the little girl (I'm not sure this was the game makers intention though). I always thought it was strange that he was seeing a Girl when in the first film Max had a son. Thanks, Love and Respect.

Jason Walstrom

Can we see Pamela Horton again with you guys?

Angelo Torres

Hey Brandon, random thought, I was curious if there are names that you recognize both the alias and the real name of. Like how there are many real names on patreon but not really so much on twitter/twitch.

Tony

Also you don't have to bother pointing out in the video but my English class at NC State had us do s rhetorical analysis of a film trailer, and I picked rogue one, so I was just graded on a trailer analysis, and it got me thinking what grade you'd' have gotten. Lel Anyways LnR

Matt Currin

A little tidbit of information for you all. The NASCAR race out in Fontana is the weekend of March 24-26th so if you're heading out to California for the Easy Allies Meetup and looking for something to do. Head to the Auto Club 400 race at one of their best tracks of the year. That's what I will be doing. Can't wait.

Sorry if this has been answered recently, (I need to catch up on Cup of Jones) When the goal was hit for retros and game sleuth, I thought it was going to be a continuing production. I'm disappointed that only 2 of each were made and then it just came to a stand still. What should us as patrons expect in these projects?

Derek Allan

Great episode Brandon! No rush on the next one. Always a treat whenever they pop up!

Hey Brandon! Your diorama from the betting special looked great. Have you thought about making more art or doodling and uploading it?

I noticed on the Nioh review it started with 'review copy provided by Playstation' Is Playstation the only ones that provide review copies? It was the same as PSX. Have you established a relationship with any other publishers/developers?

Andreas Kleanthous

Hey Brandon, a couple of questions for you. Long comment warning lol. You mentioned streaming in this episode, specifically full play throughs, and I am wondering if you are planning to revamp the streaming lineup this year? Like perhaps asking for more suggestions or playing shorter games. I can imagine it's tough to balance because you want to play games you like but some of the full play through sessions are too long. If I'm not into AC or Red Dead (and I'm not...I'm so sorry lol) that could be weeks or months I don't watch streams. Or for some reason there's a lot of jrpg stuff happening. I love playing jrpgs but not so much the streams. I've tried to pop in on some of Ben's or Blood's but it doesn't grab me. So when I see added videos FE ep11, KH ep8, earthbound and tales of berseria...I feel like there should be a way to better diversify this. I think some genres are better for streaming, shorter to medium length games and preferably blind play throughs are the best. RE7 was great, one sitting, not too long and at least Bosman was completely blind. Until Dawn at GT was great too. I think, when possible, having at least two allies helps and maybe they could pass the sticks. Secondly, I'll be honest when I hear you saying the next step would be to hire someone new that makes me a bit nervous. I can see why that could be but I think a lot of us assume we are working towards everyone 40 hrs permanent in an office. If that isn't realistic or if the money does increase but some allies in particular are saying they don't/wouldn't have the time you may want to let us down gently ahead of time. I'm curious if it's an issue of needing more money so people can be full time or even if you have the money it's more of a commitment or time management issue. Thirdly, on the merchandise, anyway you guys could sell lanyards? I don't often wear tshirts personally and would like to represent you guys...and I always need something for my keys so just an idea. Preferably one in the gray/white/pink or gray/white/purple colors. Lastly, I just finished BSKM and I have to say the fact that you played two pokemon games to completion in less than a year is rough. I even needed to take a break playing through moon so I can only imagine. Thanks for doing that though they were fun shows. Please feel free to address as little or as much of this on the next cup of jones as you see fit. L&R

Bdun912

Hot Pepper Gaming has ended sadly...though I'm all for Kyle eating a pepper and then talking about a game

Bdun912

Dear Mr. Jones, i would like to ask if you ended up buying a PS4 Pro or not? If i remember correctly you were adamant about gettnig one, becouse it's your job, and you love having the newest, best version of tech gadgets. Also no Switch preorder? Its's like a New 3DS for BotW. :) I apologize if my English is broken, best wishes and a bucket of Love & Respect from Hungary, Andras

Hi Brandon, What's going on with Game Sleuth and Retrospectives? I had kind of assumed GS would be a monthly or bi-monthly show but it seems to have been completely forgotten about. I get Retrospectives take time but with the 30k goal including 'bringing Patrons into the process' I thought we might have heard something by now. I know these bigger productions take time but it feels like focus has been lost and these quality shows seem like the best way to push yourselves on to that 50k goal which I really want to see you guys hit.

Rhys Simons

Hi Brandon, How much do you bench?

Zen Davis

In regards to reviews for games from a franchise, do you think it makes more sense to have someone who is familiar with the previous games of that franchise to do the review, or would you rather have someone who has never played a game in that franchise, aka an "outsider", to review that game instead?

My opinion on presents: I agree with you that it's not ideal for attracting new fans to set that mentality of expecting presents on Tuesday streams. Most Youtubers/Twitch streamers have a specific video (non-live) called "Mailbox" or something similar. What if you put the presents at the end of the group stream, and "Closed" the stream like normal. You could upload the presents in a separate VOD/Clip on Easy Allies Plays as well. I understand its more work, and I enjoy presents a lot, but having presents in the middle of the stream can make it the peak of the night. The focus gets taken away from playing games, which is up to you whether you like that or not.

This is a question for Amanda: How do you feel about the Allies setting up base in the garage? Also, who's your favourite voice actor and why? Thanks Joneses

Dafydd Gape

I just wanna hug y'all.

Thanks Brandon, I always love an episode of Cup of Jones!

Jason Walstrom

Hey brandon, thanks for the vacation tips. But it's going to be a work and travel so maybe I ditch the pjs :) but definitely something cozy, good thinking. I'm not good at planing either, so I'm just going to see what happens and follow the stream. But to my question for the next episode. As a german I'm very fond of beer. How about you? Any favorite?? Ever tasted Kölsch? Its a special beer from my hometown cologne and there's a little pizza store in santa cruz CA which has santa cruz kölsch. If you happen to go there, taste it. Just stumbled on the place, biggest coincidence in my life

Tim Bechen

Hey Brandon, is there any Video (no matter if it is a recent one or from the GT days) where you expressed your opinions on The Witcher 3? I am playing it for the first time now with all DLCs and I would love to hear your view on the game.

So happy, you have a deal with GOG.com :) I love this website, i'm buying a lot of games there. Maybe in future you will have a deal also directly with CD Projekt as a owner of this brand :) Would be great to see you playing in Cyberpunk 2077 when it's coming

Hey brandon, when questioning the validity of gifts as opposed to money is there a way to gift a lump amount? As some weeks people may get holiday rates from work but not have the certainty to maintain a higher pledge. Could you do a 'working bee' marathon of games to raise a lump sum for Allies equipment perhaps?

Steven Beaumont

Thank you for answering two of my questions! Honestly I forgot that I had asked one of those questions awhile back. Can't wait for the one year anniversary, even if I can't make it myself

Dale Payne

Jones - nice to have another Cupa! I recently saw Amanda in a commercial while I was watching TV with a friend. I quickly explained to said friend who that was and why it was so awesome! It got me thinking... She's a game voice actor, you do VO... have you ever thought about doing voice acting for a game?

John Leitner

There is actually a PayPal donate button on the Easy Allies Twitch page. That's the only option I can think of at the moment. I hope you get this message, Matt. Love & Respect!

Brian "FriendlyMerlin" A.

That postcard is beautiful! I'm so glad I got to see it as well! Love & Respect from Massachusetts.

Brian "FriendlyMerlin" A.

These gifts are amazing and thoughtful! I also love to see your reactions to it. But sometimes I just can't help but think that instead of investing 100$ in a gift it could have also been a good idea to just increase the Patreon contribution by 5 bugs for the next 20 months. From that everyone would benefit. But then again I can totally understand the thrill of sending you a gift and being mentioned on the stream. Here is a thought. Is there a way to give recognition to allies that upped their contributions or just joined? I know mentioning of the names at end of a EZA podcast each month. But this can hardly be compared to the attention a gift gets on stream... L&R

Nice editorial. I have sent 2 packages and from my side, it is better than just donating. I get the excitement of picking stuff out with my wife and packaging it up. Working out what to write and getting my wife to write it as she has nice writing. Then the excitement of waiting for the stream where it shows up and then finally getting to see it opened. I love the comments made about it all as you open it and enjoy everything. Generally it lasts about 5 minutes and then you have to move onto the next gift. Most of December had the Space Raiders package in the background of podcasts and anything on the couch, which was lovely to see. I got a bit of joy each time I saw it. I have bookmarked both the package openings and I frequently rewatch them. EZA has replaced almost everything I watch now. I feel love towards you all and want to see it continue. You guys are genuinely my favourite people to keep up with. Keep up the great work. L&R

BeardedScotsman86

First off, I'd love to know more about this GOG deal. Tried the web address you mentioned, but it didn't bring anything up. Additionally, though I get that the gifts are weird, I doubt it's going to stop soon unless, you know, you specifically ask us to stop. I've had a rough few years (layoff/medical problems/friends moving). GT, there at the end, had become incredibly important to me. When it died, I had no idea where to go. I was watching old GT Time eps on repeat because I was incredibly depressed and my lifeline to your joyous crew had been severed. Then, you came back. Not only that, you came back as a Patreon-funded affair! Now I was granted the privilege of not just being a view and a like on a YouTube page, but of being able to financially invest in the Allies. I'm still not able to give as much as I'd like, but I get to feel like part of the Allies in a way I hadn't experienced with GT. I sent you that weirdo Ditto/Charmander plushie because I spend time almost every day watching the Allies in one form or another and it sometimes feels like I can't express how important your crew is to me. Selfishly, there's also a part of me that, after all the hours I've spent watching you, wanted my position as viewer to be acknowledged, even if only for a second. I think we'd lay off the gifts if you asked us to. It might also work as just a weird "when we have enough gifts to do it, we do a whole gift stream" thing. Unfortunately, without your specific direction, I think people are going to continue trying to express how important you are in their lives via whatever means they have. I don't have a lot of money, boosting my Patreon amount for a single month seems potentially weird, and the amount I'm sure I can give is definitely not enough, so when I have the money, sending gifts just seems like the thing to do.

Max Jahner

Oh man. Brandon, you made me so happy for showing the postcard! :) After a while I just wanted to know if you ever received it at all, no worries about it not being on a group stream. You're welcome, and also thank you! (In addition: that was a good and interesting editorial.)

Ville Ranto

Hey Mr. Jones! First, thank you for taking my question for this episode! For the next time you answer questions, mine is: You touched on how in your meeting with the other Allies the group's plans for 2017 and review of 2016, there were things EZA wouldn't do again. Are you willing to share one of those things? Thanks for taking my question if you do!

Brandon K Gann

I don't know if this is appropriate, but I'd like to ask you for an advice. When I'm editing video I watch every segment of it for many times. And after dozens of watches I start to see not my current edit but a memory of the last ones. Because of that I can't make improvements any more and have to go with what I've got. Do you have the same problem and if so, how do you deal with it?

Alexander Zyryanov

Also got to sleep

Matt Currin

Do you ever get bored of answering questions? It seems to be something the allies are all about in their shows, which I love, but does it ever get old for you? As for the event issue that seems to be consistent thorough out the comments, I understand the side you're coming from, but I think there's no harm done in just filming the whole thing and posting it onto YouTube. I can't imagine attendees will feel cheated as they still have the pleasure of interacting with you in ways that couldn't be shown or represented on video. But the "show" that you plan to put on sounds like a lot of fun, and as a college student whose spring break is not the 21st and whose pockets do not afford him the means to participate in such a great opportunity to convene with so many allies, I would still love to be able to see archived footage of it. Screw attack has done the same in the past with footage of their sgc panels and events, certainly not because they wanted all the money a two hour YouTube video would bring in, but in order that no g1 be left behind. At the end of the day, I personally feel that the attendees will still get a unique experience no one else will, and for those like myself whose attendance is simply not an option, I think giving us footage of the main events in order to share this great moment of the allies' achievements in a calendar year is a perfect way to spread around all the love and Respect. Sorry for rambling

Matt Currin

I dont think we should have to pay hundreds of dollars for plane tickets just to be able to view the event that all of your viewers and patrons helped get you guys to.

Blade Kasper

Jones I would say the fact that the people who come to the meet and greet get the exclusivity of actually meeting you guys. I dont think streaming it would take away from that at all. It just lets the people who dont have enough money or the means to travel still get to enjoy this 1 year celebration that we are all part of.

Blade Kasper

About opening gifts on live streams: If you think a newcomer would find that weird, have you considered maybe breaking out the gift opening into it's own separate video that you just post to Youtube? Maybe monthly or bi-weekly installments? Downside current gift givers may have an expectation to see it live on Twitch.

Matt Brookbank

About the Amazon Wishlist Question, some background: I thought of it because of this stream: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aoWkKqQfdk" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aoWkKqQfdk</a> Kyle says that your camera cannot get any clearer or focus anymore than it is, and I wondered how much a new and better streaming camera would cost, but realized I would not know which one to get and that it would be best for EZA to pick out the correct one that you would actually want. Then I remembered a local animal shelter has a public amazon wish list (for reference: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/?ie=UTF8&amp;cid=A6RNAH5BABL43)," rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/?ie=UTF8&amp;cid=A6RNAH5BABL43),</a> and thought it would be cool to buy a gift for EZA that would be useful. The nice thing about the list is that if someone else buys the item, it drops off the list, or if you decide to buy an item with EZA funds it would also drop off. You probably don't have as many consumable items like an animal shelter, but some cool gadget that could help enhance EZA shows but dose not fit into the normal budget would work well on a Wishlist (new streaming camera, projector, green screen, ect.). So sans a wishlist, if I wanted to gift a lump sum of cash since that is preferable, but not up my patron and have to remember to lower it; is there a place to do that? L&amp;R, -Matt

Matt Brookbank

You guys should absolutely record the one year event so all ur fans have a chance to celebrate the one year anniversary. Maybe put it up as a 1 dollar or more patreon so all the patreons have a chance to enjoy the celebration. Just my thoughts but i know i would be disappointed if i was left out because i couldn't be there

Kc Wright

Hey Jones Mad love and respect for what you guys do. You guys are the pros and I dont want to be a nuscence but I want to explain why I beleive the 1 year meet and greet shouldn't be view exclusive. Those who fly out there DEFINITLY deserve so much for the dedicated effort. However, EZA came into this world as a company streaming and producing content for those online and is supported by people all over the world. So while those at the meet and greet deserve the royal treatment, if this is THE celebration event, I think it should hit those online since that is how it started. For example, SGC for Screwattck is geared to those physically present but for their 5 and 10 year anniversary they did a crazy stream experience geared for the online. Whatever is decided, I know you guys will be husseling like crazy to make this special for everyone and I thank you for that in advance. L+R Todd Meeker

It makes me so fucking sad that I can never make it to public EZA events living on the east coast of Canada with just enough money to get by. We are going to California for our honeymoon after we get married next year though so hopefully there is a meet up or something at that time. I just love you guys so much and have watched you guys for so many years I would die to meet these amazing people! Stupid fatherhood making all my money have to go toward supporting my family :( lol if I were single I'd just be broke and homeless for a month to afford to go to a meet and greet haha

Thank you for all that you do Jones! Don't worry too much about getting all the presents, seeing all of you getting excited and happy is a gift in itself to us. I remember you saying on a Q&amp;A regarding how giving presents to kids is a great way to reignite the excitement of Christmas again, and that's how it feels for us as well haha When you said that you guys are needing to hire an editor, I remembered that you were trying to train Huber and/or Ben to edit. Have they given up? or do you need another video editor on top of them knowing how to edit? Just wondering why you guys would be looking for someone outside the group. Love and respect as always.

Nut Kon

That looks like a comfy office chair you have there Jones. May I ask what kind of chair it is?

Heyyo Jones! I just wanted your opinion on something. I know that games are coming out all the time (lately it feels like we have had more games than ever before). We always look forwards to what game are coming next that we almost forget to look back. But when would you considder a game "old"? when is it okey to talk about the story on a deeper level a.k.a spoilers, and when does a game count as retro in your eyes? Love and Respect!

Sebastian Hall

I think doing less reviews is the right move for you Mr. J. Also I think it's best for the brand if you record the meet and greet. The people that are there know it's special for being there and is better to be there than watch it on youtube. Please record the meet and greet. It think it's a big mistake to hire someone when that money can go to an ally. Using that money to teach an ally to edit is better for the brand.

Ibrahim Sozer

Jones, I know you've answered questions about collaborations before, but I'm disappointed none have happened yet. Please understand, I'm not putting this all on you but the other Allies too. Collaborations are a great way to extend the brand to new horizons and get new fans/patrons and, apart from the YouTube stuff with Keighley (which was great btw) there hasn't been anything. Get Elyse on the EZA Podcast, get Greg Miller on Frame Trap....get Kyle on Hot Pepper Gaming!. Let's get the EZA name out there in 2017 and let's get to $50k!

Adam Mullany

People should donate (more) money instead of gifts I feel. Their places are gonna fill up with so much stuff, yet they need the money to make EZA bigger..

Sven Van Lathem

Brandon please check out Green Man Gaming's content creator affiliate scheme. Would be helpful to both you guys and the community. <a href="https://www.greenmangaming.com/content-creator-affiliate-scheme/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.greenmangaming.com/content-creator-affiliate-scheme/</a>

Olf Himself

I think people just like sending gifts to have a simple, momentary connection with you guys. You make content we all love and gifts are just a "high five" in a box.

Persona retro would be amazing!

Hello there Jones, Im not sure if you or any of the other allies may have mentioned it on a stream since i dont catch those but is there a new retrospective on the way? It is one of my favorite things that you all as a team have produced and i would love to see some more. A Persona retrospective would be interesting. P.S Tell Ian to replace his CC, he used it to purchase a tea from one of my stores in Universal. Cracked cards and bad strips are the bane of us in hospitality. :D

Brandon, these conversations of yours, with us, are well worth the wait. I'm glad your workload has gotten to a more manageable level. Now go get some rest, man!