Cup of Jones - May 20, 2019

[Personal] Good morning Jones! Long time listener, first time caller. I appreciate beyonds words the time you set aside for this schedule and has been the main driving factor in upping my Patreon continuously. How the hell do you manage your time? Do you have a calendar? Do you not sleep? Looking for advice out here. I am beyond in admiration in how you’ve managed to grow a successful business and now begin a family. How do you work on giving your all to a career while trying to grow a life with a partner? I believe I will get there but any words of wisdom for young adults trying to make there place in the world but also have a family life and deep personal connections?

SenttheProphet

Do you have an idea when will the E3 schedule for EZA be posted on easyallies.com? Just want to try to start planning my days around your coverage.

Steve S

Mysterious Monsters is an awesome show and I know it's Huber's and Ian's thing, but is it within the realms of possibility for you to realistically consider the potential possibility of maybe, wherever and whenever, even if it's in the far far future, producing a special episode in which Huber is not the host, but one of the participants?

darkPikachu

Hi Jones, what sort of writing software do you guys use when writing scripts? Congratulations to both of you, will the kid be named Brandon since you keep saying Junior or is that just an Indiana Jones thing? : D Sincerely Bjørnar F.

bjørnar haraldsvik

Safety post

Happy Gaming

Hey there Brandon, I posted this as a Love and Respect segment and thought I'd send it to you and get your personal thoughts. While a little under the radar, this summer will see the release of a retro gaming console called the Polymega. It's a console developed by developers from Insomniac, Bluepoint Games and other big name studios. With it, you'll be able to play and catalog your physical collection of games from a bunch of older systems, including the Playstation, Saturn, Turbographx 16, NES and Super NES, Genesis and more, upscaling them to 1080p. It uses a modular console design with attachment pieces that are all sold separately to play each respective console. This console also encourages building up your personal physical collection legally, as you're unable to save downloaded roms to your SD card, and need the physical game to be able to back it up. My question is about the historical appeal of this sort of hardware versus something like the Super Nintendo or Playstation Classic. While the Polymega would allow a collector like myself to build their library for systems they own and want to own, is it simply more appealing from a consumer perspective to have a box that has games already installed, even if it's not necessarily legally expandable? I personally admire the ability to venture into a Game Dude somewhere and pick out something I've never heard of, not just the top 20 games for the system someone picked out to come in the box. But I can also see how this could be intimidating and overwhelming for someone who just wants the most known games. What are your thoughts? Love and Respect Brian from Happy Gaming

Happy Gaming

Hi Brandon, Just wondering: have you heard the new arrangement of the "Opera: Maria and Draco" from Final Fantasy VI that was included in the new "Distant Worlds V" album? It's fantastic, and well worth a listen if you haven't -- even as I was listening to it, I thought of yourself and how it's right up your alley. Kind regards, Oleander PS. Searching for Friends is also a banging tune on that album.

Hi Brandon, I think you could do a better job of promoting your main podcast. Like few other patrons, I feel newcomers might find it’s length a bit intimidating. It’s not very tempting to click a 90 minute Youtube video if you don’t know exactly what it is about. Which is a shame because they are usually filled with funny moments and great commentary. So… Would it be a good idea to drop a 10 minute “teaser segment” a day or two before releasing the full podcast? Or just once or twice per month? It could be a jolly news segment, a passionate rant or anything in between. Now when everybody’s talking about Game of Thrones, I can’t think of a more perfect example than last week’s eight minute segment “George R. R. Martin & FromSoftware Rumor”. You might disagree, but I feel you would be killing two birds with one stone. Firstly, you would be promoting your podcast on Youtube and doing it in an appealing way. Secondly, you would get your commentary out there sooner. I know being first isn’t the most important thing but I think it matters. Especially when it comes into the news stuff.

the_finnish_ally

Which Super Mario Maker 2 additions are you most excited to try out when the game releases? Are there any level ideas you already have in mind after watching the latest Direct? I'm also wondering how well creating levels will work in docked vs handheld mode. Do you think using a controller in solo/co-op design mode will be good enough or will purchasing a stylus for handheld mode be essential for creating levels?

redskyy

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Rinney

Jones, is everything going to be ready for E3? Please tell me you guys are going to test out everything (switching between the studio and the streaming room, etc.) on an actual stream beforehand. Even if it's just testing it out on whoever happens to be in twitch chat, I think an audience perspective is important to catch things you guys might not be able to see/hear. I say this for two reasons: first, because I know E3 season is the best time to snag some new patrons and I want EZA putting their best foot forward, and second because frankly I'm tired of seeing so many gripes about how the studio hasn't changed anything and really REALLY don't want to witness the insufferable levels of smugness that would result from this year's E3 coverage being riddled with technical issues.

Rinney

Just want to comment on the fact that you keep shelving shows and when asked it's always "the people involved want to do something else or is figuring it out". That's all well and good, but it feels kind of demoralizing as a patron to hear that the Allies arent interested in doing my favorite shows anymore. What do they want to do? Give me something. Also when you get questions about other Allies' work, could you maybe ask them? Just saying that they're working on something helps, it just seems right now like this early access deal is getting worse all the time. And yeye sure i can unpledge, but I dont want to. I love you guys and you'll have my money now and forever. It's just a little frustrating. #bringbackbettingspecials

An embargo is basically a hold placed on coverage until a specific time. So if we see a game at a preview meeting or get a review copy, we're restricted from publishing certain information until the exact time the publisher specifies. Each situation can be different as well. So there may be multiple embargoes in place. There may be one date for when we're allowed to acknowledge that we have the game, another date for when we're allowed to stream for an hour or so, and a final date for when we can publish the review. Other times, we're restricted entirely from saying anything about the game until the embargo time. There are multiple reasons behind embargoes, some of which benefit the publisher and play into their strategies, but they also ensure a more even playing field. For instance, if I fly to Europe to see a game, I'll have the time I need to return home, write, and produce a video, rather than trying to compete with someone who can just publish their report while I'm still on a plane. Likewise reviews are less prone to having the person who finishes fastest get the most views. -Bloodworth

Easy Allies

Due to my notice period and my new job start date not quite meeting. I'm gonna have 2 weeks with naff all to do. Days Gone, or Rage 2?

Kif

What about a podcast "EZA After Dark" =)

JessieBlu

Hi Jones, I have a question about the phasing you use when referring to embargos. I've heard you use the term and though I know what an embargo is, what do you mean exactly when you say "glad I hit that embargo" or "stayed up late looking for embargos" or "we just missed that embargo"... do these mean different things? I am kind of new to the editorial/gaming discussion world and i would just like a little clarification on terminology usage. Thanks L&R JessieBlu

JessieBlu

Greetings Jones, Easy Livin will be coming up before we know it, and I was just wondering how you guys decide what games to play? Do all the allies pick a game or do you just get together as a group and pick the lineup? Would you ever consider letting the Patrons pick a game or two from a pre-determined list?

strawhatninja

Hi Jones, Not a question, just a comment - I've noticed that your defacto "not musical theater or video games" job for your child is marine biologist. Neither of my parents care for games or are particularly outdoorsy, but they were both musicians who very much love musical theater (met at conservatory and got MFAs before deciding they wanted to have kids and my dad made a career change away from starving artist). Their least musical child (me) is a marine biologist who loves video games/pop culture and we all get along just fine! Don't have much time for games these days because research is all-consuming, but just thought it was funny. I guess this is my way of saying that i appreciate the sentiment of hoping your son has his own interests, but also reassuring you that he can voltron your passions with his own. Cheers, Noam

Mr. Jones, Kyle brought up the awkwardness of the God of War sex mini games and got a mixed reaction from the audience. Is there room for mature conversations within EZA content? I think it would be a great thing because I enjoy popular media but feel it often lacks weight and importance. Perhaps by having balanced conversations and simultaneously engaging with the audience, EZA could address some real world issues that arise in the realm of video games. Conversely, if you choose to avoid this potential mine field entirely, I don't think anyone would blame you. Your thoughts? Respectfully, Morgan Mohalla

Morgan Mohalla

Hey Jones. In the last community comments you were wondering how the é in México affected the prununciation of the word. While the second one you used is how we say it over here, the pronunciation of the "x" is not affected by the accent. I was thinking of making a small video explaining it to you, but I found this one that I think does it better. https://youtu.be/hZr1YpxdcNA I hope that clarifies what the thing on the e of México means. Love & Respect. César Villa. Just realized, my name is another example like the one in the video. César is a name, cesar without the accent means to cease or stop. Same word, but the stress changes the meaning, but in Spanish we have those punctuanction rules that show us how to pronounce it. Again, Love & Respect, César.

César Villa

Hey Jones! Thoughts on the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood trailers? Did they have anything that exemplified what you like or don’t like to see in trailers for movies and games?

Andrew Burt

Hey Jones, I’ll just start by saying you can always ignore reading what I put in Parentheses (not sure for how long you will remember this, for the next time I have a question.. which is probably making this whole paragraph kind or pointless…but whatever), if you want (does not bother me if you do or not). The stuff I write in parentheses is just my internal thoughts/inner monologue (I hope I used that word right…) that I feel I also have to jot down, lol… plus when I have any questions I want the reading experience to be as smooth and flawless as possible (which I know is never going to happen, lol), so I try to splitting things this way. Anyway, onto my silly business question below. BUSENISS: This is just a short and most likely a silly question, but I was just wondering and was reminded that Blood does reviews also (watching the Observation review)… from my understanding he proof-reads all of EZA’s reviews (and I guess previews?). So the question is… who proof-reads… the proof-reader?

SoulCaster

Until the future of Tabletop Escapades has been decided for certain, I think removing it as goal would be a mistake, and potentially sends the wrong message. Not every Patron watches Cup of Jones, and if any of those Patrons return to the site and suddenly see that TTE has been removed as a goal, it may cause them to think that it has been permanently cancelled. I also don’t see any real issue with having it remain as a goal, as we currently have, and have had, other goals which are not necessarily produced monthly.

BeatenDownBrian

Hello Jones, have you ever thought about combining the Deus Ex and Dark Souls retro parts into one longer video each and then reposting? This would get you more eyes on each retro as well and many people would want to just watch them in one go. Seems like an easy way to have your old content you worked so hard on in front of more people

Garrett Kuenzi

[Personal] Ahoy, Jones! Congrats again on the upcoming mini-Troop/Jones. I remember going to my wife's first sonogram and being explained that the small white sphere was a baby, and then asking "Ok so what's that second dot?" and the nurse asking if twins ran in the family. Jump ahead 5 years later and our favorite holiday, Halloween, has become even better because it means we could project ourselves onto the twins with over the top Halloween costumes. They are getting to the age now where they are unfortunately starting to make their own decisions as far as costumes go, but so far we have been able to do: (Feel free to share on stream or just look personally, your call obviously!) Calvin & Hobbes - https://www.instagram.com/p/9gd7X3v5_Q/ Axl Rose & Slash (I was a groupie) - https://www.instagram.com/p/BMOkNW2jCT3/ Darth Vader & Luke Skywalker (I was Obi Wan) - https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba6df6fDEr7/ Mario & Link (I was Ness) - https://www.instagram.com/p/BpmIf9OBGRj/ Do you have a dream Halloween costume (For the baby and/or the family as a whole) that you just can't wait to experience? Thank you and good luck with all the E3 prep! -Professor Evandonuts

Justin B. Evans (Evandonuts)

Hi Jones! This week's theme is Stephen Schwartz. Which means: - Godspell - Pippin - Wicked (ps - I'm the one who sent the kids' books from Barnes & Noble from the group stream. The only option was to put a note on one of the gift receipts. The Haunted Mansion book is part of a series called Disney Park Presents. I thought you'd like it.)

Asbo Zappruder

I want to say how impressed I am by the professionalism of EZA's E3 coverage. I've been watching reaction videos from various outlets in the lead up to E3, and I'm always blown away by how knowledgable and well-researched you all are. You all constantly pick up on small details most others routinely miss. The infamous RE7 reaction is a great example--from seeing the word "Kitchen" at the beginning of the trailer, you all recognize that you're seeing an expanded version of a Capcom VR demo, and are able to narrow down the candidates of what's being shown accordingly. Many times you're able to discern what game is being shown from things like obscure sound effects, art styles, character animations, or even the distance of the camera from the protagonist. Other times it's due to being up to date on rumors and the going-ons of development studios. Your passion for games, and even more impressively, your preparedness, really shines through in these moments. It feels like actual "coverage" instead of just people filming themselves watching stuff. Something I think exemplifies everything I just mentioned is the suits you all wear. I think many find the idea of wearing suits to cover video game press conferences silly or overkill. I say that EZA, more than anyone else in the industry, justifies those suits. You justify them via your passion, knowledge, preparation, and professionalism; and by providing E3 coverage that is best in the biz. I didn't really have a question or feedback when I started writing this, but I guess I should ask given the topic: are you guys gonna rock the suits once again this year? If so, I think it would be cool if you could shoot some footage of each Ally "showing up" for E3 to include in the opening segment of your stream. Maybe something like a slow-mo of each Ally walking into the studio, suited up, with a lower third.

Selarmor

Personal Question Good Day Brandon, I come with three more movies to ask if they hold up or not. If you have not seen one or all of these movies it is fine. I figured I would put older super hero movies. Does Superman(78), Flash Gordon(80), and Batman(89) hold up or not?

Mr.V

Can we get the last episode's audio version, please?

With a distance of several weeks, what are your current reflections on the Mysterious Monster Mash? I don't mean the organization in the background, but purely what was presented on stage. (eg: How well does it compare to last year? How will the content of that show influence the content of next year's show?) Love & Respect, A guy selling snow cones on the carnival of the damned

Snowcone Guy

Hello Brandon (or Blood?). You’ve recently spoke about drawbacks of being a Twitch Partner like having to wait a day before uploading you streams on YouTube. So what are the benefits of being a Twitch Partner?

Alexander Zyryanov

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

Will the audio be posted for this one? The last one wasn't and neither was the most recent game of thrones. Sorry if I'm an outlier that prefers audio to video.

Trevor Lewis

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

And I'm still waiting for the last one to show up on my podcast feed :(

Jason Rumsey

I hope I have the correct Phantom Menace review... because I can't stop laughing. At the same point, the valid points he makes. Am I ever going to be able to watch it again? I think I fell asleep the last time I tried.

Hey Mr. Jones! In relation to having guests during E3, I was curious if the day prior or morning of said guest’s appearance, will EZA pull questions from the Community or Patrons for them? I can’t remember if EZA did this for guests last year, and I also was wondering if EZA will have a pre-planned topic for their guests (Like you did with Kinda Funny on Gamespot's stage about biggest news or best conference), or if it will be evergreen “catching-up” talking about the show as a whole. Thanks for taking my question and have a wonderful rest of your day! Cheers!

Brandon K Gann

Any thoughts about each ally doing a "what I'm playing now" once in a while ad-hoc show that doesn't follow any schedule or format? It could be Patreon exclusive if you don't want to show that kind of stuff on your regular format YouTube channel. I get interested and check out games that some allies mentioned they are playing for pleasure and not for work specifically.

Y. Win

John Wick 3 was awesome! If you've seen it! What do you think may happen in the next movie??

Sekiro505

Best episode ever

Varun Kachhwaha

Yeah quick episode. Incoming 5 hours of scoop of troop

Oh wow, thought Jones would take a day off considering he just did one on Friday. Definitely wouldn't have held it against him if he did.

Varun Kachhwaha