Cup of Jones - August 14, 2018

Hey Jones! Just a quick couple of questions. Any idea when the next Brandon Go will be? Do you think having a studio would allow you to do them more often? L&R, MistahShowtime

MistahShowtime

It's always specific to the Patreon. Money made from YouTube, Twitch, and other sources doesn't count toward that goal. It's small, comparatively. - Brandon

Easy Allies

Both were for technical reasons. Apologies. - Brandon

Easy Allies

Hello Jones, I love the new goals, and I had an idea of an interim goal until the big move date. I could see the timing of finding the perfect studio spot, working through the real estate logistics, etc. could take some time and isn't something you'd want to rush into. So I was wondering until the studio move happens, if the patreon is over 50K the allies would be willing to do the Full Playthrough Friday goal at 50k. I know its less convenient but they have been done before (RE7, Outlast 2, Evil Within 2, etc.), and could help keep the incentive alive and not feel a need to rush a move in this interim window. The downside would be potentially muddying the messaging of the goal rewards

Greg Kettering

Hello Jones. I love the new goals and I'm really looking forward to eventually watching Huberwood Squares. One thing I wanted to know though is will you ever add new reward tiers - perhaps somewhere between the 25 and 50 dollar tier? (totally not asking because that's where I'm at but have chosen a lower tier.)

Olf Himself

Hey Jones, my DHL Package with german sweets and Hubers new Jacket was written on the inside (top) of the box. But i am happy to see the jacket at Huber.

Hi Brandon, with the new goals, i see a lot of people that are upping their pledges, what do you think it takes for new people to start pledging? how to attract those folks that are just watching on youtube or twitch, which is not a bad thing, but as Blood once said, they need to drop a buck.

Daniel Garza Andrade

Hey Jones, what happened to the punishment for Ultima Brad losing the Betting Special?

WarmFeelings

There was one recently for his Arkham trilogy discussion with Jones, but doesn't appear to have been uploaded to youtube. Link: www.twitch.tv/videos/290401098

WarmFeelings

Hey Jones! The new Patreon tier “Full Game Fridays” seems to have potentially solved a lot of what many allies have been asking for- Games from the Hall of Greats being played by other Allies AND games that some of you have missed in their lifetimes that they “know they should’ve played” but aren’t necessarily the perfect storm for a show like “Brandon Plays Pokemon”. That being said, you should obviously all just play what you actually want to play. What I am curious about, however, are the general parameters of said Friday show. My assumption is that a JRPG wouldn’t be chosen because it isn’t going to be completed within Friday’s time limit, but would you start *any* game that has the potential to not be beaten outside of the ballpark stream “time limit”? Or, would you even start part-way through a game, similar to how Don had already previously made progress on Jurassic Park during Easy Livin’? Honestly, I’m just trying to think of any questions to learn more about Full Game Fridays, so feel free to just talk about it in general. P.S. I was catching up on a recent Cup of Jones, and I heard you guys put up my pixel art of “Brandon Plays Pokemon” on the wall and said nice things about it. Thank you for that, it truly means a lot!~

TAHK0

Question for you: Hello Brandon, my friends and I want to start making content of our own, we will likely start with podcasts because that doesn’t require us to get a camera right away. We have a few ideas for podcasts and we know that we want to do a few different series. I was wonder what podcast hosting service the Allies use as you have multiple podcasts all organized as separate shows on Podbean. It seems that most services will allow us to get our podcasts on GooglePlay an itunes, but I'm not sure how to get it on other platforms and podcast streaming services. For example do I have to use Podbean as my hosting platform to get it onto Podbean? If not how did you guys do it. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!

(name pronounced sicky) What happened to Talking Syndrome? I swear i remember a few months ago huber said he was gonna start doing it again on Saturdays but from what I can tell it never came back? Did it have to do with him getting married? thanks for everything u guys do, can't wait for the studio! love and respect! ❤️

Alec Dyer

Dan here again for another hypothetical: Buckle in, because one of your streams just got WILD! You were playing Final Fantasy 6; the part where Locke was navigating through South Figaro trying to avoid and sneak through the empirical occupation. As you continued through town, you were suddenly transported into the game and happened to just bump against Locke as he passed you. You are aware that you are in the world of Final Fantasy 6, in the town of South Figaro. What do you do? Do you move to Figaro castle? Narshe? Do you run after Locke and join the returners? Do you do some crazy grinding with those rabbits that horde cabbage? Do you attempt to prevent the World of Ruin from Happening? Or do you join Kefka? Become a psychopath just like him? The world is your oyster, Jones... a very very dangerous Oyster filled with Atma Weapons, A weird octopus named Ultros, and Espers!

Daniel Askew

Are we getting a retrospective this year? L&R

Mark Chaivasin

Hi Jones! I am a very serious and legitimate gripe with the work space of the Easy Allies. I think it is safe to say we all remember that Snoop Dogg interview Blood did. In that video, it shows that Blood got his picture taken with Snoop Dogg. So my very legitimate and very serious question is, why is that picture not on the wall in the background?

Parasitepaladin

We actually did promo the Octopath Traveler Spoiler Mode at the end of the review, so it is something we plan to continue doing when those episodes are in the works. -Bloodworth

Easy Allies

The loopy late-night mindset is part of what made the Porky game portion so great, I think!

Kirbu

Howdy, Jones. Easy Living was a blast, and I was rooting for you in the surprisingly exciting Sonic Fighters finals. Looking forward to hearing your takeaways from this year's event. Quick question this week: has there ever been any consideration to taking patron questions or comments for Spoiler Mode? They may be a bit much for last-minute multi-ally movie discussions, but when you have further-out shows like Octopath that are only manned by two of you, patrons could help get a few other opinions or new alleys to explore.

Kirbu

Hi Jones (and Bloodworth), I know sometimes you've had issues with extracting audio from Cup of Jones in the past. If I have the desire to download youtube videos and twitch streams, I use jdownloader (<a href="http://jdownloader.org/)." rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">http://jdownloader.org/).</a> With this download manager, you can automatically extract the audio track of videos, no matter how long, using its LinkGrabber tab and the pulldown menu on the Variant column. Its pretty straightforward, hopefully far more so than my instructions. Hope this helps, L&amp;R

Alpesh Varsani

Hi Jones, Loved Easy Livin'. Sad it's over for another year. Hoping that Full Playthrough goal gets hit soon. Just wanted to say, I know that while Easy Livin' is a blast for you as much as it is for us, streaming the twilight hours must be really tough for you all, and you MAY be tempted next time to take a break from streaming for a few hours in night just to recharge everyone a bit more. Please don't do that. Easy Livin' is the only opportunity that I have as a Brit to watch Group Streams live with everyone on Twitch, most of the time Group Streams start at 12am at the earliest my time, which is impossible for me to watch when I work a 9 to 5 job. While you're certainly not obligated to make up for the way timezones work, I really appreciate having the chance to be a part of that live experience during Easy Livin'. It's one of my highlights of the year and being there live is a part of that :) Ta'.

Harrison Holt-McHale

Hey Jones, just want to say I absolutely loved Easy Living this year. When it ended I felt a lot like when I'm on my last day of a vacation; happy but in a bittersweet way. Last year I asked you if there were things you felt like you could do better with the next Easy Living and I definitely noticed some of those changes for the better. Everyone seemed better rested and in a better mood through the streams overall. So I'll ask it again for this go around, is there anything you want to keep in mind to do differently next year? I'll be counting down the days to the next time the Allies hit the beach. L&amp;R

Kate Bishop

You are on your quest to gather all the infinity stones. Who of the 8 alleys do you sacrifice?

Regarding self promotion and Patreon exclusive content, In recent episodes you’ve talked about how you don’t want to clutter your Youtube channel with various promo videos. But since you have over 170 000 subscribers, Youtube seems to be the most efficient way to promote your Patreon exclusive content (e.g. Spoiler Mode). I don’t know if this has come up already but here’s my suggestion on how to solve this. At the moment, you guys have the same Patreon promo at the end of each review: “EZA reviews are made possible by generous viewers just like you..” wouldn’t it be a good idea to record a different promo for games that are going to get their own Spoiler Mode episode? Like a 40 second version of your “Welcome to Easy Allies” promo that you can use over and over again with different VO - if you wish: “Thank you for watching our Spider Man review. We have 60 minute spoiler discussion coming up in the next couple of days. This is what our Patreon page looks like and here’s where you can find our exclusive content like Cup of Jones and AFTR. And if you're haven't already, please check out our free weekly and bi-weekly gaming podcasts…“ Or something like that :) This way anyone who is interesterd in Spider Man and clicks your review also gets to see that you have this thing called Spoiler Mode and tons of other content elsewhere. Your Youtube channel doesn’t get cluttered and your Patreon page gets much more awareness. And since these promos would only appear in 1-2 videos per month, I don't think the majority would find them obtrusive at all. Reviews of Tomb Raider, Spider Man, Life is Strange 2 and Red Dead 2 are probably going to get at least 50 000 - 100 000 views each. So if you're planning to do Spoiler Modes for these games, I urge you to give this a try. Thoughts?

the_finnish_ally

Hello Jones. I don't know if this question was answered earlier but here it goes: when you are announcing during cup of Jones (or Blood writes a post about it) that a 50k goal is reached for past month, do you also include Twitch subscriptions into the amount earned for that month, or is this goal specific for Patreon platform?

Mornin' Jones! I've been thinking about it recently, and I was wondering if the allies had put any thought into having a community/social media manager? I know the EZA discord became unofficial because of being unable to manage it, and it seems that the regular avenues of social media is spread out between the allies. It feels like notifications or just general update tweets about goings on, from gaming events to EZA specific events, isn't covered as much as other outlets like yourself. Most times I'm finding out news second hand from friends telling me about it. I don't mean to come across as rude or pushy but Easy Allies is supported through patreon and twitch (and youtube). I can't think of a single gaming outlet that doesn't have a STRONG social media presence. Whether it's the creators pushing their content on their personal accounts or behind an account made for their content specifically. I know you folks are smaller than some, but I feel like this is the biggest hurdle I've faced in myself getting involved in your content and also sharing EZA with friends. Like I said, I've been thinking about it recently and it feels like every way around it comes down to having a community/social media manager. I just wanted to know if some thoughts gone into this, because it's seemed like so in the past, only to have things continue in the same manner as before. Love and Respect, Kit Snow

Kit Snow

When will you stream a Yoshi game?

GmanSir

Jones, How hard is it to find a house on the beach that is owned by someone who is okay with having their property streamed live on the internet for 50 hours straight, that also has a strong enough internet connection to support Easy Living? For that matter, how weird is it to explain to a potential renter exactly what their house is going to be used for? The social anxiety part of me has a panic attack at the mere thought of trying to explain to someone the basic idea of renting their house for the purposes of Easy Living. Andy

Andy Goergen

Hey Jones, Do people ever call you, “BJ”? Just curious, now on to my real question and I don’t know if you want to share. What’s the drunkest you’ve ever been? Care to share the story?

NotYourMom

Hey Jones - can't help but notice that PSX 2018 has not been announced yet. Does this give you any pause?

DaleBastion

Hi Jones. Sorry in advance for my grammar. I have long been wondering, "What are each allies situation logistically?" Im not talking about exact addresses, but what are the guys individually traveling time from the persons home to your garage? And is it something you guys have in the consideration when choosing your new studio?. Like trying to center it as much as possible.

Hey Jones! Random curiosity. Do you ever get recognized while in public? Also, how do you feel about that possibly becoming more frequent as Easy Allies grows?

Corey Swafford

What happened to this showing up in the early access audio rss feed? I've been a supporter for months and the last two weeks Cup of Jones has been MIA from my feed.

Hey Jones since you played Spider-Man I figured your the best to ask, you said the game felt busy and urgent in the story, does this make the game feel to chaotic? I love walking around in open world games and just breathing in the world. Does the urgency ruin that at all?

Megan Linart

Hi, Brandon. I’ve got an impression that Red Dead Redemption 2 is a very special game for you. If so, I don’t understand why do you want to review it. Playing for a review will force you to try stuff you are not interested in and make unwanted story decisions just for the sake of variety. Also you may need to redo something multiple times to get a perfect shot and then rush forward through the story to hit a review deadline. In short, instead of playing game for the fun you’ll be playing it for the work which surely tampers your experience. Why do you want to turn something so dear and near into another job? I know that many of us want to hear your impressions, but I’m sure we can wait a couple of weeks while you have the time of your life.

Alexander Zyryanov

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Scott A. Ford

Two PSVR recommendations for yourself, Kyle, or anyone else interested. 1) Megaton Rainfall: I haven't played it myself but from what I've seen it looks like you're flying around a Google Earth map while fighting off alien invaders with cosmic superpowers. 2) Apex Construct: Almost looks like a Metroid Prime style adventure game in a post-apocalyptic envrionment where you fight off robots with a bow. Good be some fun streams! L&amp;R - Scott

Scott A. Ford

Personal Q: For a second, pretend that GT and EZA never existed. Without these professional environments, which three allies do you think you would most likely have become friends with in a solely personal capacity?

Brandon, I have a new show idea for you (because I know you are ALWAYS looking to do more of those). Indie and the Jones: a show where Brandon Jones plays an hour of a new indie game (that just released that week). Moment-to-moment impressions are given during said hour of gameplay. You finish with a summary of what you liked, and didn't like, about the game. Every segment ends with a rant about snakes (video game snakes to keep it pertinent). [replying to your reply, not necessarily something that needs to be replied to, unless you desperately want to] For the record, I knew I screwed up with the whole "masterful whip control" thing a day after posting my question. I then, unfortunately, forgot about my comment. I was genuinely surprised when my question came up in the new Cup of Jones (I also genuinely cringed when it got to the whip control stuff). Richter's slide kick, shoulder tackle, uppercut, and cross item crash are still present in Smash, though, so A LOT was still taken from Richter. Still, I cannot deny it, you got me dead to rights, Jones. Also, I am glad to hear that you played through Rondo of Blood. I had no idea you were as invested in the franchise as you are. Maybe you will be the man to get a Castlevania game into the Hall of Greats.

James Kennedy

I believe he's answered this before. If I recall, it is because the Youtube version uploads automatically, and includes the "Cup of Jones will begin soon" segment, which is cut from the audio version. Because of that, he'd have to calculate two different sets of timestamps.

Nicholas Bobbie

You have fewer questions than normally, AND there was no audio version last week... I WOULD LIKE TO SUGGEST that the two are linked!!! I know I missed last episode completely and only just now realized it. Mayhaps I only point out the obvious, but there it is. No question, keep up the good work and give YouTube what for with that Jazzy receipt!

Matt Brookbank

Personal Question: I really wanna hear your thoughts on Deep Down! What was your first impression of the game when it was announced and what would you like to see from the game if it gets re-revealed?

Swet T.

Mr. Jones, As summer winds down I wanted to ask, what is your favorite season or time of year and what makes it special? For me, Autumn-early winter is the best by far. This is because of cooling temperatures, leaves changing colors, seasonal drinks (PSL and Butterbeer), all the Holidays (Halloween, Thanksgiving, and The lead up to Christmas and New Years), Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals for video games. It also helps that I have a few important birthdays and my anniversary in this time. I am sincerely getting hyped just thinking about it. Respectfully, Morgan Mohalla

Morgan Mohalla

Might be delayed because of Easy Living, but they are pretty good to put it out by two days later.

Morgan Mohalla

Audio version this week?

Dan Allen

Good Day Brandon, I am writing this on Tuesday, but this is for after easy living. How do you think it when? What do you think went well, and what do you think can be improved? What was your favorite moment or moments from easy living?

Mr.V

Hey Brandon, just wanted to thank you for taking the time last episode to give me some advice on criticism. It was a "gum wrapper" of a comment I had received that had no value, and your perspective on the situation definitely made me feel better about it. Its probably something I'll probably go back and listen to again from time to time when stuff like this happens, as a reminder of what's worth taking in and what should just be laughed off. I really appreciate it :)

Eric Mitchell

About my edit challenge suggestion I see I phrased it more like a competition but thinking about it what I was interested in wasn't really who would win but more the discussion and comparison between the edits. More like a Trailer Jones mindset discussing the results and compare choices. I could be wrong but I don't think the difference in skills makes it impossible for you to make something interesting that could be the basis of discussion between you 3. Or it could be just Ian and Don if you really don't want to :) Like someone in chat said watching Ians edit EZup walkthrough with Huber was awesome and showed an inkling of the potential of a show like this. Maybe it'd be a good opportunity to learn something from them if nothing else? :)

Benny Samuelsson

Hi Jones, if you need more questions I'm happy to help. When an office is aquired by Easy Allies will you guys still do some of the usual office stuff like get name plates for everyone even though you all already know who each other are. Complain because the people before you didn't put paper in the copy machine? Have office parties to celebrate the holidays? Settle HR disputes between Kyle and Damiani? Or most important immediately put down that floor mat you talked about just putting in your old office the day you found out Gametrailers was going to be closed? Thanks, Bryan.

NowHoldOnaMinute

I haven't run into getting locked out of stuff like that, you sure? Can't test it right now How about you consider that the bill you got for the beginning of August was for the billing period of July - basically Patreon is just charging you at the end of the term and not the beginning

VGJunky

Jones, What is your go to type of coffee? Small, Medium, Large? and who does the best coffee in your area? I am cappuccino type of guy and venture far and wide for the perfect brew.

Jordan Buitendyk

Hey Jones, don't know if this has been convered before or not but wanted to mention it. For those who go from an early access tier ($5 and up) down to $1, those changes reflect in Pateron immediately as opposed to waiting to the first of the next month, which they should in my opinion. I recently ran into this and felt like it was wrong for the simple fact that I had already paid for the month of August early access, but because of the way it works on Pateron, if you switch your pledge you immediately lose access for the reminder on the month and I just don't feel like that's the right way to operate. Would love to get your thoughts and if I'm mistaken I'm happy to be corrected. thanks for all that you do!

Jared Barzee

Hey Mr. Jones! In the Patreon posts for the podcast, why are there timestamps on the audio version, but not the video version? Is it because the YouTube notes have the timestamps? Just a little difference I’ve always wondered about, and because I watch the podcast directly through the Patreon post, not through YouTube itself, I’ve relied on the audio Patreon post for the timestamps, which prompted this question. Thanks for taking my question and have a great day! Cheers!

Brandon K Gann

That sounds like a challenge, Mr Jones. In that case... With the studio goal slowly becoming a reality, how do plan to handle all the supplemental tasks involved with an office space? I'm referring to things such as IT support, cleaning staff, not to mention all the added bills of business internet, utilities, etc. Having spent the past 3 years working in a very small company, I have had to become familiar with such things and have had my share of going beyond my "skills" to help out.

Professor Metal Gear