The fact that you guys have been producing daily or near-daily content for _13 1/2 years?!_ Is an utter testament to your dedication to the channel and putting out the best you can, but at the same time? Hearing that utterly terrified me! LOL I couldn't imagine how much pressure has been on you for so long! I'm very excited to see what you guys are doing next, but I also really hope the change in schedule allows you guys to find time to really, truly relax and rest !
As for your questions: 1) Usually VODs from streams, if I can't catch them live, or otherwise highly extended (as in 2+ hour long) episodic lets plays. But I also really enjoy folks doing deep-dives into their favorite series, the "whats" and "whys," whether from a technical gameplay perspective or a more thematic story one! 2) Probably not the most helpful comment haha, but genuinely? Whatever you guys are passionate about and really want to try next, I'm very curious for! What do YOU want to do? What's something you had flitting around in the back of your minds that maybe you felt was too experimental to try at the time? It sounds like you guys already have a few ideas already, and that alone piqued my interest Ultimately, though, whatever you end up doing next in your creative journey, from one artist to another, I hope it comes from a place of true enjoyment and not purely because someone wants you to make it. You aren't "content machines" churning out videos for people to "consume", you're a regular human being like everyone. You should only do what YOU want and what YOU feel comfortable doing!
Honestly you guys have a lot of advantages that can help with more algorithm friendly content from what I see. 1) You guys just have more knowledge about video games than even the average UA-camr. It would be fun to see video essays from y’all about games like Earthbound, talk about its development, marketing, your experiences. In terms of long form content, recently video essays have reigned supreme. You can even do a more casual version like maybe a Drunk History style video where Hayley explains the plot Xenogears. 2) Your GIANT backlog of content. Traditional LPs have sort of been replaced by the long-form LP where it is all the content of a series edited into one multi-hour video. It could be fun to see your old series be edited into like an hour long highlight reel.
I feel like this would give Stephen a different kind of creative outlet, too. He’s extremely knowledgeable about video games, and could put effort into the script part of a video essay while letting Dan find and piece together relative footage for the background?
To be honest, this is the only let's play/gaming channel I watch. So I'm not 1000% sure how much insightful input I could have. But as a fan, I will say my favorite parts of this channel is the "Stephen and Friends" and the videos adjacent to the S&F content. I think a channel dedicated to friends just vibing with a thing they love goes a long way to maintaining and expanding the community y'all have built up. And as an absolute wild card idea; Hayley had a throw away line in an old S&F video (think it was Golf with your friends) where she joked about starting a podcast.. but honestly y'all all collectively have the larger than life personalities that a podcast about gaming news, ye ol college days, the occasional sketch or in-joke type of game, & just slice of life stories with the chaos y'all provide would really be a wild ride! Granted that isn't gaming content by trade; but they're popular right now, & I don't see that format dying anytime soon. And above all, keep being you. You're personality is what keeps long time viewers like myself around forever. I look forward to whatevers in store
Oh hey, are you me? StephenPlays is also basically the last big gaming channel I'm subscribed to, and also Stephen & Friends is easily my favorite type of video on this channel. I don't have a huge friend group with whom to play games with, so S&F is kind of fun to watch to just observe the dynamic shifts between the people. Actually, my favorite not-And Friends let's play is the Super Mario 3D World one with Alex and Hayley, which is kind of cheating but it still has the same energy with four people with four strong personalities causing chaos in a game. (We got a more recent taste of the same dynamic with the Overcooked streams.) I imagine that this would be a difficult thing to do too much more of, though, since the rest of the And Friends have "actual jobs" and such. It's one thing to have them show up on the vlog because Stephen happens to film when they're in the same room together, or to show up here and there for Breakfast Stream or whatever; it's another to set time aside and do something super regularly as part of a second job.
My biggest issue with your current format, if you can call it that, is that because a lot of your videos have long vods on the vod channel, I am much less likely to watch your normal videos, which sucks. Back when your channel still had a schedule in its banner, I watched almost daily. This is my personal experience, so I’m not sure if it applies to everyone. I do love the livestreams and vods, and the interaction that comes from them, but I miss the old structured format, even if that may not work on UA-cam anymore. No matter how you change your content, I can guarantee that I will be watching you even if not all the time because I love your content and your personalities and everything about you guys. Thank you.
Good point on the lack of structure! Like, why wait an unspecified amount of time for each next episode, when I can already watch 3-4 episodes' worth of content immediately elsewhere? Counterargument to this would be, Dan edits down and embellishes VoDs, so videos on this channel give a more 'curated' experience. But, not all viewers value that 'curated' experience (myself included: in fact, this is the bigger reason I've shifted to watching StephenVOD in the past 1-2 years).
I’ve grownup with y’all and it’s so sad that LPs are on the decline but I’m glad you guys are still around. Not many of the channels I followed from back then are still as active as you are, keep it up! I’m here for the long haul
I know First20 probably doesn't do great on the channel, but I'd love to see it come back - it was great for exposing me to a lot of cool indie games while it was a regular feature. More indies on the channel in general would be nice to see - or even regular First20 indie streams on Twitch. Other than that, more Stephen & Friends content would be great - that there's only 1 video of that a week is criminal. (Especially if 1KBWC can ever make a comeback, that series has been dearly missed.)
I loved watching First20 every Friday, it was a fun time and managed to introduce me to games I might not have tried out otherwise. I've missed it ever since.
Agreed!! I learned about so many cool indie games via this channel 10 years ago. What with the current indie boom that's happening, I would love to see Stephen and/or Mal try out indie games to share with the audience and give a spotlight to some overlooked gems perhaps
Same. I wouldn't have played Cross Code otherwise and it's probably up there as my one of my favorite indie games of all time. I also got Staxel because of First 20.
I presently watch primarily TheRunawayGuys, Chuggaaconroy, and RTGame when it comes to gaming content. I love your channel, I really do, but I kinda fell away once the content became all Twitch. I loved Morning Mario and Gaming Garage and I was honestly sad when they disappeared. I still go back and watch your old Morning Mario vidoes and I've lost count of how many times I've gone back and watched Twilight Princess, and, embarassingly, Chulip. I wish you the best in the future and I'm excited to see what you have in store.
i struggle with watching full several-hour livestreams specifically but i love when one stream or multiple streams are condensed into one singular 30 minute-2 hour video. its still a commitment, but not as much as watching 30 different videos or one 8 hour stream, and its something i can always rewatch with ease. rtgame is one example of this i really like, where he can condense a mario 64 ds livestream series into one cohesive 2 hour youtube video.
This! Maybe edit down the UA-cam purposed videos down even more, and keep the streams going while making videos here “better” by showcasing more progress all at once? This makes me think of SmallAnt’s content and I think changes like that would help here a lot.
RTGame's video style has definitely become one of my favorite ways of watching gameplay. And I love that I then have the option of seeing more of the gameplay on a VOD channel.
So proud of you Stephen and Mal and the whole team. I've been watching your channel since I was a little girl - I'm 21 years old now. Your content has been a massive part of my childhood and teenhood. You guys really are like chicken noodle soup to me. Just nothing but good stuff to love. And you're all so genuine, you really deserve to be on this platform more prevalently and widespread. Love from England ❤
I mainly watch VODs now. I love watching the whole playthrough, even the "boring" bits. I also like the interaction between chat or others playing the games. I know they are not realistic for most games, but I loved your "versus" games with Mal. Like Link's Awakening and Pokémon. I've watched those through many times. Watching you play the same game side by side, but in your own way is unique, and something you don't see very often.
I love the versus stuff too! Heck, the first LP I ever watched on this channel was Mario Kart. I think the most recent versus thing they did was the EarthBound race, if I'm not mistaken, and I'd love to see that continue.
It's a real shame let's plays aren't performing as well as they used to because the sincerity, simplicity and reliability of your content as always been what's kept me coming back, and I'm sure many others feel the same, so I hope it doesn't dissapear completely. Another type of gaming content I like which also seems to do quite well these days is long-for video essay type stuff, I don't know if that's something you'd be interested in but I think it would definitely suit your style. Honestly I mostly watch gaming content for the creators rather than the actual content, so I have every confidence that whatever you do next will ber great as long as you stay true to yourselves and enjoy making it. Good luck to you all!
I personally still like Let's Play style videos. Its what got me into UA-cam so it lets me feel nostalgic while watching. I love Twitch streams but I have gotten busier and dont have time for that long of a video so having them cut down into shorter episodes is super helpful for me. Plus a long video (1+hr) gives me anxiety and I am less likely to watch it As for what I want to see from you, I cant think of anything specific right now. What I do know is I've been watching you for almost 10 years now so whatever you put out ill be watching. Best of luck to the team! It will be rough at time but I know you all will make it work, just as you always have. Keep up the great work!
I think what might be a really great video for you guys to produce would be a deep dive into the lore of the Mother series, sort of like an iceberg if your familiar with those videos. You and Mal, have such a unique history surrounding those games and are effectively experts on them.
To answer your direct questions, here is what I watch and why: "Stephen and Friends" I specifically watch those videos because I like dynamic. While there is a thought to "is this good television," it's never lost the root of being just a recording of what you were doing on Saturday anyway. I enjoy the dynamic between the participants because I know you guys parasocially. "Cracking the Cryptic" One day UA-cam recommended a breakout video from these guys and I've been following them every day for six months. They do variant Sudoku puzzles. I don't actively seek out other channels but will watch one if it pops up. Actual Play: This is the big one for me right now. I'm working through the archive of Dimension 20. Which leads me to a suggestion. You've mentioned enjoying D&D before. Several in the Raleigh Collective already play. That's a gaming option for you. It covers the group dynamic I'm enjoying and taps into a currently popular market. What I think would be more fitting to your brand is board and card games. There are a lot of vlogs, usually when you have out of town guests, where you tell us the results of a game but show very little of the gameplay itself. And you made the table top setup for streaming. The challenge I see there is making sure the viewers understand enough about the rules to enjoy the game, and giving us a good enough view of the table to follow along. But your surrounded by clever people, ya'll will figure it out. Speaking to the algorithm, I had a friend who did a bunch of stealth experimentation with it. He would modify his output and see what a month of results were, the tell us in a video later "I did a test, here's what a found." From what he has told me, I'm wondering if your release schedule is part of the problem. Not the daily content, but *what* is the content. Looking at the last week I see Zelda and Metroid alternating days. If someone is only watching one series but not the other, the algorithm thinks your viewers are only interested in half of your content. It stops showing up in recommendations for your subscribers, which means it never hits recommended for non-subs. It's the same problem the channel partner highlighted when you had to cut Moring Mario, Grandpa's Game Garage, and spun off the VODs and shorts to their own channels. You might have to focus in on one series at a time on StephenPlays. Keep streaming like you are, that seems to be working for you.
I normally avoid commenting on videos, but your content used to be something I loved. I still love the energy and vibes that your channel has, but... I just don't really watch it anymore. And I feel that the format is part of that. I recently rewatched two series of yours: Until Dawn and The Quarry and I had a great time, however there were some pain points in terms of format for me. So to answer the questions: 1. Long form, edited streams is the main type of content that I watch. Long streams where the editing done is to remove any downtime, unnecessary content that interrupts the flow. I put on a edited stream, and I have it going in the background while doing other things. To use the series I rewatched as an example: The main pain point was the constant interruption of having an intro every 20 minutes. It interrupts the flow, and I think more importantly - it gives people a really good stopping point. And while stopping points are good in a way... it also means that there are many opportunities for me to just.. stop watching the series. And for the topic of why long form videos (1-3 hours).. Your zelda playthrough is... intimidating. It is 200 episodes long, and it has been going for over a year. I am unlikely to be interested in the same game for 1 year, especially a single player game. Zelda playthroughs were exciting when the game released, but 1 year of the same game is a bit too much for me. I love just having a game playthrough in a long video (and even multiple long videos is fine to an extent), because it gives the feeling that I am just relaxing with someone playing a game while having some laughs. And on the note of question 2, following on that I would love to see you try said long format videos. I saw that you've been streaming some subnautica- I think that would be a great opportunity to try something like that.
I think its for the best you move off the daily upload schedule. I dont know about everyone else, but I know what happens with me is I will start watching a series, but since I follow a number of other channels or something in real life comes up, and it becomes hard to keep up with the series and its daily updates. Now I am behind. I hit watch later on the episode to catch up later and remember where I was at, so I do not miss a moment or watch something out of order, and then it sits unwatched. Spacing uploads out longer than daily means it becomes much easier for someone like me to keep up and keep watching as they are released as I now have more of a time cushion to keep up and keep it from falling into "watch later" hell. In terms of what I watch, I always love the Stephen and Friends plays. Small enough to be enjoyed on its own, so I do not have to worry about keeping up or staying current (i.e. catching up) and always a joy to watch
Touche, 'Watch Later hell' is so real...and that's coming from someone who often doesn't keep up with channels that post more than once every 2 weeks, let alone daily! Now if you add livestreams and StephenVlog on top of that...
the Stephen and friends playlist is by far my favorite stuff you release and it's different from anything else you do but I feel like it's not exactly easy to find. like, it's literally 11 rows down from the top. I think it could be scooted up a little bit to show off that different content a bit better. As for gaming content I watch, This might shock you but I watch a lot of group gaming stuff. stuff with lots of personalities clashing or causing chaos together. So more Stephen and friends thanks :P one thing I have a tiny problem with on your channel is if you don't like watching a certain game, say tears of the kingdom and metroid, that is like 90% of your content for the past 4 months. I think it would be better if you had more shorter gameplays that mixed it up to go along side the long let's plays like TotK. but whatever works. Ps Screw the algorithm!
The thing no one likes to talk about the algorithm is that it’s a reflection of the audience’s current interests. The death of the traditional LP format is a reflection of the format becoming stale to most people in comparison to new innovations over the past decade. Same reason you don’t see quirky funny haha game review channels take off after 2018. This platform is just super competitive now than it was 10 years ago. Can’t just rely on a single, stagnating format forever. I think the best strategy you can do is just take time out of your day to browse UA-cam, take inspiration, and make videos you wanna watch, videos that you know others would want to watch too, but that video just doesn’t exist yet. I got that piece of advice from SmallAnt when I was still new, and as simple as it sounds, it was genuinely the best advice a creator has ever given me. Just taking time to watch more UA-cam can give you a great direction on what you want to do. In terms of channel formats I think would fit your style well, I would recommend checking out Choctopus, Alpharad, and Party Crashers for inspiration. But that’s just my personal tastes currently. Browsing UA-cam and taking inspiration from your own personal tastes is ultimately more useful than any advice your audience can give.
Solid advice! I'll add that when browsing UA-cam, you can also get an idea of what audiences form around certain types of videos, briefly skimming the comments. You might also notice differences in viewer-to-viewer discussions, and viewer-to-creator interactions between different types of videos. Stephen may benefit from finding and taking cues from videos that foster similar audiences/viewerbases to his current (or formerly larger) one.
This, tied with the report that YT gaming viewership is down 21% kinda shows something's going wrong... It's so bizarre that YT never once thought that "Let's Plays", something that's at the core of YT's history, was never considered to be a 'genre' they should be pushing at all times. It keeps getting to that point, ppl are just not seeing the content, or clicking through for 1 reason or another. I personally still watch let's plays from other channels (game grumps) , highlights (lythero, Vanoss, etc.), and gaming/tech news. Hope this helps, and ya'll can keep going at it! Really sucks that the future of some channels are being determined by YT's oversight on an entire branch of their website.
Ugh. All of this is so very familiar to me, but no less hard to hear. But I applaud your optimism and ability to adapt. It wasn't something I was able to do myself, hah. I wish you and Mal all of the luck on the long road ahead!
on the topic of the daily content decline, i might have an idea as to why this has happened. from a viewer standpoint, missing one or two uploads in a series can create a sense of needing to catch up, and daily content expedites this feeling, so many viewers may drop off from watching a series as they feel like there's a lot they need to pick back up on if they aren't able to keep up for a few days. having that buffer in between allows for viewers to keep up a bit easier and can help to mitigate the dropoff when they miss a few days
As a long time fan since the first chuggaaconroy vlog that got me hooked on you and Mal, I’ve often stayed in the shadows watching like a proud parent from afar. Not really commenting, contributing to patreon, but simply watching the people and the group I’ve loved since 2012 when I was a teenager!! I’ve loved StephenCorp (haha) for a long time! I appreciate you being vulnerable here Stephen and informing us on the situation! Without being a snob, it is clear to see the decline in views not because of your work ethic or anything personal, just the way UA-cam has evolved. We appreciate your transparency:) To answer your question: I myself seek out more loose gaming content (game grumps, caseoh, are a few) and the games they play, wheel of fortune, supermarket simulator, wildly different stuff! Your content to me has mostly been to inform people! I don’t personally find the group to be insanely funny (aside from Alex) but perhaps I’ve outgrown the humor or don’t connect with it, but always found you guys to be a real concrete presence that’s fun, light hearted, but still has a clear goal! The vlogs do this but I think the style of Scott the Woz would be really cool to see from you! Specially what your opinions are on a variety of games, consoles, etc instead of getting them once in a blue moon from the vlogs. This style to me adds more to your informed style of let’s plays! Would be cool to see just your thoughts on individual games. Simply talking about them would be so nice to hear and watch! I hope this helps! I’ll always come back to chulip, cat world, tropical freeze, returns, pikmin, because these are my childhood memories in a way 🤍 thank you for always being you!!!
I mainly consume retrospective/video essay type content (KingK, Any Austin, Internet Pitstop) and longer "Movie" playthroughs which are condensed ~1hour+ long standalone or series of videos (RTGame). Hope this helps and am excited where you guys take the channel!
I still enjoy LP’s. You and Mal’s especially. Your chemistry and love of games really shines and is always a joy to watch. And mustn’t forget about “Stephen and Friends”. You all are hilarious together As for other gaming content, I enjoy gaming retrospectives and essays. Maybe on games/ series you feel very passionate about?
The gaming content I consume most nowadays are long form full playthroughs of games, reminiscent of podcasts in a way but they're let's plays of smaller games, or edited down long playthroughs
yes this. i commented trying to figure out what term to describe it as, and i came up with personality based lets plays. i love podcast style commentary for a lets play. like you dont even have to talk about the game. like tell me about something hilarious that happened in your 20s or about something funny your dog did.
"Edited down streams of short games" is a great description of what I find myself watching most nowadays. RTGame's videos (especially his Balatro runs) are a great example. When I started watching Stephen and Mal during the Twilight Princess days, I was working about 35 hours a week, so longer series were fine. Nowadays, I'm averaging 45-55 depending on the time of year, so shortened formats are easier for me to keep up with. If they still wanted to cover longer games (and I have no doubt they do) a format like that could be sort of "splashed in" once a week or so.
Same here. Majority of video game content I watch are well-edited long form content (old, long videos of GTA online are probably the closest thing to this). RTGame and Alpharad Live are my most watched gaming creators currently (alongside Stephenplays/VOD). Only traditional Let's plays I watch anymore alongside Stephen are from PlayFrame, because of their insight into animation, but even then I only pick the games I'm interested in. New video game content creators I find either through collabs with familiar creators, extremely funny short clips, or if they are doing well-edited, interesting challenges of familiar games (most recently Don Shnack and Sample). This is just me rambling as a brand designer, but so much of the charm of StephenPlays to me these days is Stephen+Mal and Stephen&Friends rather than JUST Stephen, maybe try marketing your content with this angle??? (couples gaming is a thing that pops up in my feed every now and then)
@@EveonaVits so weird finding people describing what i (used to) watch (about a year ago), i haven’t seen Playframe or Stephen in a while despite loving the channels cause yeah its a lot to keep up with, and sometimes the schedule got clogged for a while with a couple of games i wasnt interested in etc, i feel really sad for falling out and im thinking of starting again it got hard because i have so many more responsibilities now that classes are fucked up levels of hard that i really need to come home to some dumb hour long vinesauce/vargskelethor video where i pay no attention to anything and just laugh at funi max FOV* or a swedish dude screaming about UFOO P0RNOooOoOo, theyre great entertainers but i miss the days where i sat and watched the whole Pikmin series and chilled at the calm yet chaotic playthrough (personal fav series), where i learnt about earthbound and a dude’s passion for the game or saw what a hidden gem like psychonauts had to offer and hearing about its development (series that got me into playframe) I just wanna be able to relax and truly immerse myself again without worrying about life instead of scrambling for a background laugh, i could try to watch these like that but its not the same *(seriously look up the vinny fov clip, idk if its called max or 900 or something fov, there are two clips and the one where he puts up a weird accent is gold)
I rarely comment on things here on yt, but totally agree with the initial commenter here. I LOVE long form playthrough content and find myself seeking those out often (I regularly rewatch your Fallout 4 series and am working through your Starfield series).
It is quite an accomplishment to be doing daily for so long, but I think stepping back and taking more time with the videos and expanding your styles is gonna be so great! I've been watching you guys for years, I can't wait to see what you do next! In terms of gaming content I watch now, I much prefer edited gaming videos (stuff like supercuts or highlights from a long playthrough) verses vod-style videos (even broken up into different episodes) I actually go back one a year to watch your Chulip playthrough also, and I think the reason why is the passion Mal has for explaining pieces of the game history and quirks - that might be something to keep in mind for other styles of game-related content! Talking about the history of maybe lesser known games or just ones that you're passionate about! Can't wait to tune in and see the new stuff :)
@@jackmeowmeowmeow2177 To be fair I would like to see that too. I'm not saying that I want them to stop playing Jackbox or GTA (although I'm not a huge fan of GTA tbh) but it would be nice to see them playing other games.
1. Aside from old-school let's plays like what you guys do, I watch quite a bit of videogame retrospective and story-analysing videos. 2. I am open for any ideas you guys would come up with, but talking about obscure videogame facts would be interesting. Also, maybe videos about your game collections?
Doing a bit more with the physical game collection is a great idea, I agree! Stephen has a library of old/retro games not many have access to, why not show them off? Heck, content doesn't even have to be about games themselves, it could just be about the surrounding materials (e.g. game guides/manuals, controller peripherals)! Or some interesting stories about how he got certain games/items in the collection!
I've been subscribed to y'all for almost 10yrs now, and I hope there's something you guys find that works well for the channel! Change is terrifying, but it can be so exciting and get those creative juices flowing. In terms of what I watch, regarding video games, I watch a lot of video essays about obscure games or game histories, game ranking videos, reviews on new games, and long-form play-thrus of games (often the ones ppl post from their twitch streams and edit down a lil for YT) Hope this helps, wishing you the best of luck!!
I don’t like daily content. I like weekly content. Long playthroughs. That’s what I actively watch. I do not like twitch streams. I like playthroughs played and made specifically for UA-cam. I watch them the whole way through multiple times lol I still go back to your old playthroughs. Right now I’m watching the Zeldudes play ocarina of time lol I love your channel and i hope you thrive lol
As someone who was WAY late to the Let’s Play party - both as a viewer and a creator: This is equal parts disappointing and completely understandable. I didn’t know what a let’s play was until I enlisted in the Army in 2016. I was doing dumb infantry things, trying to find ways to keep my spirits up in an unfamiliar place and found your Skyrim LP. The medium quickly became a huge source of comfort and your channel specifically was always on. I had friends over, we’d watch an episode or two. I met my wife, we’d binge entire series. It became such a significant part of my life that you ended up inspiring me to create as well, and for the last three years I have to some amount of success. It’s a part time job at this point for me, but I’ve fallen so in love with the format that I donate time to moderate the LetsPlay subreddit, answering questions, teaching people, and inspiring people much like you inspired me. Ultimately, it is a business, and the traditional LP format is unreliable. So I complete get the need to experiment and diversify. With that in mind, here are the things I watch and the things I think would be worth entertaining: - educational content: people want to know HOW to do something. You’ve got a wealth of knowledge to share. - more reactionary content. You’re a good improv actor and understand how to deliver important information. Whether this is reviews or breaking news, it’s right up your alley. - Collaborations. Okay, selfish plug, maybe, but even outside of standard gaming collabs, your channel would do well hosting interviews. You already have a base format for it with Breakfast Stream, but a natural iteration of that into a panel hosting other creators, developers, industry experts, etc could do well. - A semi scripted show. Think GMM but gaming-centric. A perma-co-host, a topic of the day, a game, a guest, and a gimmick. Ultimately, I’m rooting for you dude. Like I’ve said, you’ve been a huge inspiration to me and many others. People tell me that I inspire them, and I would have never started without you. Whatever comes next, I know you’ll succeed.
Love these ideas too much. BTW love your content LP and have always wanted you and Stephen to simply sit in a room for 5 minutes. I'd likely be on the floor laughing after 3 minutes 😅
Long form content, and I’m talking like an hour plus, is usually how I consume UA-cam now as it’s usually something that I have playing in my ear while I’m at work. Love ya’ll, been watching for years
1) Gaming content I actively watch now: your channel (basically all Stephen + Friends content, and any let’s plays of games that fit in one of the 3 categories: - I have already played it, so there are no spoilers - I haven’t played it, but the game is hard to find these days, so I’ll unlikely would ever play it (like Chulip) - There are no potential for big spoilers (party games, Mario games, shovelware). I also watch Alpharad + Friends content, so not really their main channel stuff, but more side channel stuff like Alpharad Replay. That, and TRG Colo peeps occasionally. 2) My suggestions on what to try: I’d love to see your take on the trending “replayable” games, I’m just thinking back to how much I enjoyed watching you play Among Us. Like Suika Game and Phasmophobia. Also, I’ve been quietly waiting for the Okage and League of Legends let’s plays ever since you’ve mentioned them :p I love this channel and think it deserves so many more views. Hopefully the new format will work out, best of luck.
Long time watcher, but never subscribed (until today). I’ve watched a few of your other channel videos, but primarily Stephen Plays. I realized early on that you were spread way too thin to adequately cover a serious play through (might not be your thing anyway) and those are the channels I prefer and subscribe to. I stuck around because I liked the short format and enjoy the chemistry of you and Mal. As a 70 y/o crazy grandma I’m sure I have a different perspective and don’t really have any suggestions for you moving forward, but I’m going to go along for the ride and enjoy watching the channel grow!
I love commentary style videos about specific aspects of games as well as longer play throughs of games-I find myself watching more vod channel videos because I like seeing the in between antics from stream even if I can’t catch it live. Im also a huge fan of the Stephen and friends series!! I still rewatch broken picture phone and 1kbwc videos to this day :) i think getting away from daily content will be a good move-im excited to see what kind of stuff you release when you can spend more time crafting a video. I’m so excited to see what you guys do with the channel!
As a viewer I must admit my response to question 1 is not one that is algorithm friendly. I honestly prefer and seek out old school let’s play style videos as in this new UA-cam age of over edited hyper attention grabbing videos that all feel the same, old school let’s plays where they still exist feel like and remind me of the UA-cam I enjoyed and what made me try it as a hobby in the 1st place. While I am a little happy that daily videos are ending ( it’s just hard to keep up and all) I am sad that the classic style of lp just isn’t able to work out ( that for god for the vod channel keeping that style somewhat alive) as I ( as a viewer) don’t really have a response for question B. All that aside I’m hopeful for the future to bring great things and I’ll still stay subscribed till the heat death of the universe… or whenever Google finally pulls the plug on UA-cam. Whatever is more likely to happen in the next 10 years.
Same, same on the preference for old school, less edited down LPs. Yes, it may take longer to watch through, and I may lose interest before finishing a series, but I'd rather that than be rushed from one high point to the next with a blinding flurry of zooms and flashing text in between.
I'm a long term watcher of all your content, and as much as I have loved it over the years, recently I've gravitated away from the multi-video length letsplays because I knew I was missing out on extra funny moments from the VODs. However the VODs were always a very long video to dedicate myself to watching in order to see the entire letsplay. Because of this, on UA-cam I've really liked the long 1 video letsplays, where the entire series is edited down into a 1-3 hour long video containing all the important story beats, funny moments etc (similar vibes to fan favourites videos but without the submissions). Also I always loved watching you and Mal compete against each other such as your Mario Kart series. Those videos feel very lively and fun to watch as an audience! I'm sorry to hear that you've been struggling these past few years, but I'm excited to see what you come up with, and I'll still be watching regardless of what happens! (I've watched you since I was young and currently I'm at uni, you've always been my comfort UA-camr!)
I've watched both you guys and Chugga for the past decade, and y'all have been a constant throughout my life with just feel good chill content. While it's upsetting to learn about this side of the channel, I love the positive mentality and the push to keep going. To answer your questions 1. I've always had a soft spot for let's play ever since I found you a decade ago. However, I've also liked video essay style videos recently but for games. Opinionated, or lore videos about a specific game or franchise. I can't really answer question 2 since I'm not the best when it comes to ideas. However I will watch a love whatever you guys make. I can't wait to see this next evolution of the StephenPlays channel!
I mainly spend most of my time watching Let's Plays or walkthroughs of games, but occasionally the rabbit hole will feed me vids like "Where do the Rivers in Hyrule actually go?" or "Where did the bombs actually hit in Fallout 4?". These videos really grab my attention, and the viewer retention on those types of videos are very high in my household.
some gaming content i've found myself enjoying recently is long form/minimal editing long form playthroughs, relaxing longplays of games like acnh or minecraft, and modded playthroughs of classics, plus video essays if you count that ! i've been watching y'all for years and adore your personalities (literally watching old videos to spark joy amidst literal homelessness at this point in my life) and i'm excited to see how you grow
First off I'd like to start by saying holy crap it's been far longer than I realized since I had started watching you. I watched a TON of let's players back when I was younger and in school, but I think that in general the type of audience you had has grown past the ability to continue consuming that type of content in mass. Your fans are the same, but they've grown, and as such I feel you need to adapt to suit their needs better, which would include shorter form content. Funnily enough, I started seeing you pop up in my UA-cam feed again about two weeks ago! In particular the short of Mal just waltzing through the blades in Clanker's Cavern. It made me realize I haven't actively watched you guys in YEARS, and I went through and watched a ton of your shorts afterwards, I seriously have missed watching! That is to say I've moved on to different types of creators. Typically the type of video I watch is akin to the "UA-cam Essay" where someone writes a script and then talks over a heavily edited video. This tends to be the gaming variety, and my most watched channel nowadays is probably Alpharad, who tends to play a game on twitch, upload it to his vods channel, heavily edit it down, write a script, and then upload it to his main channel, he also has a channel dedicated to cutting videos into smaller more Let's Play style chunks where they edit more interesting bits from the streams into a more natural chunk with less dead time. You have pretty much the exact same setup, but are not executing it the same, and while it may be shameless to tell you to copy that format, I think it might be your path forward. What I'd expect to see from a modern successful StephenPlays would be a weekly, biweekly, or even monthly video in which you have edited down a particular project you decided would make a good video. It can be anything, but it would definitely require more forethought, and bigger playthroughs would likely have to remain off StephenPlays and be shunted off to the Vods channel. I think overall Dan would have just as much work if not more from you guys in terms of how you reorganize, and overall you would likely still be putting the same amount of effort into content creation you are now, but you can give yourself more frequent breaks depending on what project you decide to tackle. Some will be simpler than others. I have missed watching you guys though, and am definitely going to poke my head around here more often because I want you guys to succeed. You've always been awesome. Best of luck!
If I may throw an idea to the wall, maybe altering how let's plays that are adapted from streams are done on the channel may be an idea. Perhaps having episodes be much longer in length, more edited though less frequent may be an idea. If I may pose a suggestion as a reference point, creators like RTGame do videos which are far longer, some even hours long, but cover large chunks of a game, which is especially handy if you're playing a long game. Again, throwing ideas at the wall, hoping you find a good one that can stick. Have loved your content for the past 13 years of StephenPlays, looking forward to the future!
One of the things that might be a gold mine for content honestly is the fact that you have a entire wii library to use for gaming, it doesn't have to be a full let's play of them or a long video but maybe a review or a video about the game that people might not know about could entice some viewers. My husband also pointed out that with let's play's sometimes people fear that they're behind on them if they're just jumping into like the current episode like episode 125 etc of TOTK or see how long a series is going for and be like "oh I'm way behind if i want to catch up, so i'm not even gonna bother etc" even editing out the number of the video and just making it a single series video might help out.
Good luck man, I've had to ask myself many of the same questions over the last few years. It's rough, but I've learned so much, had the courage to go a little further out of my comfort zone, and figure out other types of content that I enjoy making. As for what I watch, I love deep dives into a specific series that the creator knows WAY too much about, and challenge or 100% runs cut down into a 1-2 hour video, both of which tend to do very well right now!
So first off yall are troopers and have so much respect for the work and dedication yall have made to the channel and this community. Im an adult now but ive been watching stephen plays since i was a kid! Now to give you the feedback a specific type of video game videos that i ALWAYS watch and love from content creators i follow are Pokemon nuzlockes and/or randomizer, and seeing as stephens leafgreen letsplay is one my favorites (seriously all my Bulbasaur's are Gregj and Pikachu's are Jitters now) i feel like you guys could really pull off that genre of games. You guys are great and i love y'all's videos!!
This probably isn’t a very useful answer to your question, but the gaming content I seek out on UA-cam are just vanilla, blind playthroughs of games. I’m so sad that the UA-cam algorithm is making it harder to find this stuff because that is all I want to watch. I would of course like to see what you could experiment with though. You could always do challenge runs of some sort, or even try making casual tier lists. For example, ranking all Pikmin enemies by how much pain they have caused you in the past. Whatever you decide to do, I’m looking forward to it.
I could see ranking videos doing extremely well. I feel like so many channels over the years have devolved (not necessarily negatively) into ranking-structure content. See: Joshua Weissman, Binging with Babish (especially recently) or Good Mythical Morning (although that style has gone well for them for a long time now).
I think something to heavily consider for new content that may help with keeping variety has a part of the channel identity is to highlight you and your personality more! Video essays is one big way, and you have a lot of knowledge of so many games that I think people would love to hear. One thing I'm almost surprised that isn't on the channel is a video walkthrough of your HUGE video game collection! Something else to consider are quick bite-size game reviews. Great example is the Advance Wars reboot, with an off the cuff review existing on the vlog channel, but not here. As for things that I actively consume it gears more to challenges, quick reviews, guides, casual/competitive content, and video essays where people just talk about something they really love. Some specific creators would be like Max Dood, Shortcat, Pointless Hub, Core-A Gaming, and Cosmonaut Variety Hour. Things I would like to see on the channel besides everything above, is seeing you and the crew play TF2! Half-Life, Portal 1/2, and L4D are all here, we just need TF2 lol.
It definitely blows to hear that you’re struggling right now, but I just know that you’ll be able to push through! Ever since I was introduced to your content through your Stray LP 2 years ago, I’ve loved watching your stuff on Twitch and here on StephenPlays, so I’ll always have your back! And to answer your questions: 1. I’m an avid watcher of the Hermitcraft SMP, which is quite literally a big group of friends playing Minecraft together. That group includes some of the best Minecraft builders and redstoners on the platform, but the main draw for me is their sense of camraderie and how they really feel like friends whenever they interact and play together, kind of like with Stephen & Friends! So for me at least, I really do enjoy when big groups of friends hang out and do stuff together. Edit: Adding to Question 1: I also like watching edited videos where someone just talks about stuff in the game since that is surprisingly intriguing, whether it's a full-blown video essay, or a smaller discussion. For example, as an avid Splatoon 3 enjoyer, I love watching ProChara's analysis of the game's meta and guides on how to play certain weapons. I feel like this style of video could be excellent for you to start experimenting in! 2. On that note, more multiplayer stuff with S&F could be fun, though I do understand if that may be inconvenient for the others to have to come together more times in the week. Maybe once Super Mario Party Jamboree releases this week, you guys can give it a whirl!
Stephen, The love we all have for you and your channel!! I have checked it almost daily for 9 years. #1 I watch expert content - someone 100% a game, someone sharing unknown details or nuances that I wouldn’t find myself an example is Chugga. I’ve usually stuck to your more popular game installments and the attitude it what keeps me here. You are kind, funny and genuinely invested -more so than anyone else I watch. #2 I would love to see more videography like the silly pikmin video you made or your short films. I’d also love to see more nuanced information - an example is I loved to see Mal run you through Chullip and a tighter genre of games (which goes against everything I loved about this channel for so many years!!)
I still watch Let's Play's from time to time as they're comforting to me and bring me back to when UA-cam was different then it is now. But now I mostly like to watch modded gaming content, like rom hacks, randomizers and such where games that I'm familiar with are played with a completely new light. I think randomizers in particular would work really well for the channel, and something else I'd like to suggest is to try a test stream on UA-cam and see if it's something you'd want to consider doing more of in the future. I wish you, Mal and everyone the best of luck moving forward!
Agreed with this one on the idea of randomizers, not only is it a new fresh experience, but they're highly replayable too, which caters to that idea to stick with one or two games that the partner suggested.
As a long-time supporter from the shadows - I genuinely am so supportive of the changes you want to do !! I am excited to see them and am very hopeful that good things head your way! Things I watch on UA-cam are typically longer videos about player's experiences with games (think JaidenAnimations, Alpharad), reactions to different types of content (think ur internet mom ash, Ajay Deluxe), and, I am a huge fan of video essays (think Mike's Mic, Izzzyzz). Seeing you make longer content (outside of lifestreams on Twitch) would be great! I think also, if you tackled any of these formats in videos would be amazing, considering you have so much lore (hehe) and a wonderful community to back you and everyone else in the crew.
ALGORITHM Just scrolled through my subscription list and it's y'all and like. Scishow, cooking shows, Bernadette Banner, etc. 99% educational (ish) content and GeorgCorp. Just happy to still be watching 12(!) years later.
Hey! I'm a very long time viewer, of the channel (started in 2014), and in the past couple years organically grew a small channel off of molding my livestreams into content. In my opinion, it would be really cool to see you try combining an entire past LP into a few hour long recap, and maybe add in behind the scenes tidbits throughout. Very long videos like that can do really well and you have a huge back catalog to work from. GL on your channel, you've been a huge inspiration for me
Love the variety gaming channels but definitely watch long form content (streams, long gaming videos like 1 hr +) but will watch anything from you guys
I'm glad that y'all aren't letting this get you down!! I've been a viewer since the college days, mainly lurking around, y'know how it is. It'll be sad to see the old reliable format go away, but I'm also excited about what it'll bring!! In terms of gaming content (aside from the couple let's play channels I still watch), I mainly frequent things like stream VODS, challenges and video essays. VODS have the fun of the stream, but the convenience of a video, challenges let people show off their knowledge and skills at a particular game(s) and video essays allow for people who are passionate about a subject to just yap about it, and I enjoy that!! Smaller videos that talk about fun gaming tidbits, trivia, backgrounds, collections, etc are also on my radar when they appear, and I think that's something that you'd be particularly good at, Stephen. You have so many games and so much knowledge and experience with gaming as a whole that, along with you and Dan's stellar filming and editing skills, I think this form of content would work really well over here. These kinds of videos take a while to make sometimes, don't get me wrong, but it might be worth trying since you're looking (being forced to, really) to branch out!! Whatever you all decide to do, I feel like it'll lead into a brighter future for the channel. Good luck!!
I find myself watching your VODs on StephenVOD lately because I like watching very long form content and the vibe you, Mal and chat make, but other than that I usually gravitate to watching content based on who makes it and not necessarily watching it because of the topic, I've noticed that my feed has lately been pushing more "educational" content, either STEM, videogames or sports, usually being in a documentary series style (e.i. Bobby Broccoli). Thank you Stephen for all you and your team do for making exceptional content.
I like seeing a lot of the games you play specifically with Mal. Seeing you game together as husband and wife is my joy. In terms of other gaming content I watch it tends to just fluctuate with the newer games coming out that I may not have a console for.
Agreed! It might be fun to see a “Stephen VS. Mal” type of discussion video or something where they have different opinions on a video game or an aspect of it and then they each plead their case lol OR one of them could try to explain the lore of a game to the other who has no idea about it
Question 1: Challenge supercuts and video essays are typically what I watch the most. In terms of watching you specifically, though, I do consistently watch let's plays and VODs and I do so probably more regularly than the average person due to the fact that I always put them on autoplay at night. I need background noise to sleep, and I always watch something before I go to bed. So what I end up doing is playing an episode or VOD I left off on every night, and then it just plays from there overnight. The next day I'll go back to the last episode or segment I remember actively paying attention to and let it play from there. Rinse and repeat until I finish actively watching a whole series. I've watched all of Pikmin 4 and all the Metroid games by doing this in the last month or so, so you may have noticed a small but consistent increase in views on those series in particular over the last few months. I'm probably part of the reason why! Question 2: As far as what I'd like to see you, Mal, and the whole & Friends crew do? As you said, sky's the limit. Personally, I think it'd be really interesting to see you revisit some of the games that mean the most to you and spice it up with a new challenge or perspective. The EarthBound boogie tent race with Mal from a few years back is a good example. It's always fun to see you do new things with games I already deeply associate you with.
We might be the same person lol. But also I want to second the idea of things like the Earthbound race because that was so unique and so fun, I still rewatch it 😂
I have been watching this channel since 2013 when I was 11 and pretty much grew up with y'all. I actually watch the vlogs more now than the gaming and see that the subs and views are catching up to stephenplays! This might be a good thing in the grander scheme since it might have a higher ceiling for UA-cam? But on the topic of what gaming content I watch, I really just watch edited down, but still long form, vods from twitch streams with newer 'hot" and trending games like, recently, disco Elysium. I know you guys show games you enjoy but I do agree with another commenter that said sometimes there are just too many episodes in a series. For example nearly 184 in tears of kingdom, more than 200 in botw, and even 69 in starfield. I love you guys but I'm a young adult zoomer and in 2024 I feel my attentions span and how much time I can dedicate makes a new year long let's play unfeasible for practically any game. This is just my opinion and like I said I am a huge fan and have been for 9 years. I probably have spent more time on your UA-cam videos than studying for school tests and I just graduated college. Cheers.
I only use my sub feed and my home feed. I love the more freeform games you do, like Codenames and tabletop simulator stuff (especially 1000 Blank White Cards)
I am saddened the format is changing, but I'm glad you're keeping a positive attitude! It's gonna be a little difficult to adjust for sure, but I can't wait to see the new ideas! You asked what I like to watch gaming related, and I'm into and longer format videos, like an entire playthrough of a game condensed into one video. I also like challenge runs, where you play a game with a restriction to make it harder. I don't expect these ideas to actually come to the channel, but it's food for thought. I'm excited for what direction you decide to take this channel, but no rush! Keep experimenting!
Stephen, your channels got me through my teen years. As I've gotten older I have less and less free time and watch a lot less youtube now, but I always come back and check in with you to see how things are going. I was always worried that the algorithim changes would be detrimental to your channels, but have been really glad to see you've been keeping it up this long, and are still adapting and changing to continue your content. Not all of my favorite channels survived the Great Purge, so I wish you the continued best of luck in all your endeavors. Now, to answer your two questions: 1) I really don't watch much gaming content anymore, but there is 1 channel who has his own format and way of doing things that I watch very consistently and that's videogamedunkey. In addition to his humor, one of the main reasons for this is that his videos are usually under 10 minutes. For me, the length of videos might be the most important aspect. I used to love binging your 40 minute episodes of Skyrim when I was a teenager, but as an adult, I just don't have that kind of time anymore. The other thing I look for usually is if a group of friends are playing, which is why I'll still tune in for things like your GTA online videos. The community of friends is a fun and wholesome thing to watch. And lastly, I suppose I prioritize newer games. GTA is timeless, but it would be fun to see you and your friends take on newer games together, like Helldivers 2 or Space Marine 2, just to name some multiplayer games that are popular as I write this comment. It would've been great to see you guys do Lethal Company when that was hot! 2) I guess the only idea I have would be short, concise video game reviews (I'm thinking like 5-10 minute videos). If you get early access to a game, and can play it for a bit and put out a review before or around the time the game comes out, that is 100% something I would be interested in, and would watch. Regardless, I'll be staying tuned, and excited to see what it is you put out. I've never seen a UA-camr work as hard as you do, so I know you'll find a way to make things work. Sending all my love to you, Mal, the rest of the Georg family, Dan, and everyone else who's apart of making your videos. Thanks again for all the memories, and here's to all the ones yet to come 🍻
It's sad you have to change but I love the mentality you are taking into it. The gaming content I consume most regularly is usually trying something different with games (speed running, modding, challenges, stuff along that line). I think that's why I cling onto the Mario 64 vs Nuggets video you did. The more unique the idea, the better I've seen it do on the platform. (I know thats very vague but its all I have).
a long time lurker, I finally break my silent ways to help answer your question of "what gaming content do you seek?" I absolutely love finding reviews/video essays/short let's plays of games I have never heard of, especially cult classics (I learned so much about Earthbound from you/this channel) or just different/fun videos of more well-known games that give them a breath of fresh air. I would love to see a return of First 20, and more things like the Boogey Tent Race or the unique setup of your Link's Awakening LP! I hope this info helps, and I really hope this channel finds a way to thrive!
These days aside from your streams I’m watching a lot of game retrospectives and reviews like NitroRad or Ceave Perspective, though I know the algorithm doesn’t particularly favour this style either, but your bonus video showing off the secrets and hints of Outlaws was a great taste of your style of that kind of breakdown analysis and I’d love to see more! I’ve really appreciated everything you guys make, and have fond memories of stuff like Uncle Stephen’s Egg Collect. If this change means more unique fun and new content from your team, I’m totally on board.
I gotta say, my viewing habits have changed almost entirely. I watch zero LetsPlays at this point, including livestreams. But this channel is I literally the only one I still come back to and watch regularly. Usually for the stuff like Stephen + Friends that’s more self contained. The video game videos I watch at this point are pretty much all one off challenges (Skyrim and BG3 mostly), sometimes video essay-ish formats, and occasionally general tutorials. I’m generally willing to sit through a 15-40 minute self contained video that has some kind of story holding it together. No matter what you do, I’m excited to see it. Been watching here and the vlog for 10-ish years and I’m planning to stick around regardless of what changes!
Personally i like to watch more chaotic gaming videos. randomizers, challenges, things where chat controls the game, weird ways to play games. I also absolutely enjoy very long heavily edited videos where someone just plays through a whole game just all put into one videos that highlights the best and their favorite moments and any story bits.
definitely excited. i rewatch chulip so many times a year it’s not even funny, i’m glad that helps a little bit lmao. y’all are the only lets players i still actively watch, but video essays are my primary source of gaming content. i think it might be really cool to see you guys do that! your massive catalogue of games might be useful in that
I’ve been watching game video essays recently (ThaRixer, Liam Triforce, Razbuten, Sunmoning Salt). I find that sometimes those types of videos from smaller creators show up on my feed more regularly than episodic content. I feel like you could do similar things on your channel. I’m not sure if the increased production costs/time would be worth it for you though. Looking forward to the new types of content. I haven’t watched in a while because you’ve been playing games I wish to play in the future and I don’t want to spoil myself. My wife and I really enjoyed your Moon play through though. I also have enjoyed the q&a shorts you’ve been doing on the vlog channel. Hope things change for the better for you guys :)
My main gaming content consumption tends to be: 1) let’s plays split into parts, additional preference for blind/first playthroughs but those are hard to find 2) ‘challenges’, usually the highlights of them but I don’t mind watching long form stuff. 3) stream highlights of playthroughs, such as how RTgame does.
Oh my gosh - I had no idea StephenVOD existed. I'm heading over there right now. Thoughtful story or atmospheric playthroughs are the only gaming content I watch. The daily uploads are an achievement. I support their retirement, too. Content oversaturation is crazy and when I fall behind, it makes me feel like I could never catch up!
Much love to both you and Mal ,>; (I'd watch the heck out of that! So much shenanigan's you guys could get up to!) Plus it would feel very reminiscent of your Fallout and Skyrim playthroughs. AND (one last thing, I swear lol) Patch 7 just recently came out and that's gonna be the last major content update for the game, so you'd be getting the full experience as well as the audience of people who have a renewed interest bc of said updates. B) That's my two cents! Idk how much will be helpful, but I hope it helps add to your data! o7
There are pretty much three kinds of gaming content I watch here on UA-cam: long-form video essays, challenge runs, and social play. I love Stephen And Friends and watch it every week, but I honestly can't remember the last time I watched a Let's Play from anyone.
Doing something different on this channel is definitely the way to go, since I think that most people, myself included, would rather watch the stream vods instead of edited-down playthroughs, despite how good Dan's editing is. I'm super excited for what's coming here in the future! As for you two questions, the gaming content I watch on UA-cam is mainly let's plays, still, weather they are blind or detailed. I grew up watching them, and seeing the format declining over the past few years has been heartbreaking. I also like videos that talk about obscure old games, their history, and why it's important to remember them, no matter their quality. I'm sure you have quite a bit of those in your collection, and I'd love to see you make some videos like these. Whatever happens on this channel, I'll be here to see it! Thank you for all the content you continue to put out, and I hope that we find a way to make this channel profitable for you again :D
I watch a lot of randomizer content (mainly Zelda), as well as a lot of challenge runs (Dark Souls, Pokemon Nuzlockes). These videos can kind of feel like an evolutions of Lets Plays to me. I would also like to see longer form video essay-type videos from you guys, just based on the kind of games I've watched you talk about over the years. Best of luck to you both!
Stephen, I realize this kind of goes against what you’re going to try now, but might I suggest creating a brand new long term Minecraft survival mode LP? The old one was a beta-to-full release playthrough, while a new one would be within the context of all the new updates that we’ve gotten since, such as the up and coming Pale Forest. I’m not saying go full Minecraft channel, I know you’d hate that. Just throwing the idea on the table.
As a frequent viewer who has been around since the early 2010s, here's some things I would love to see from StephenPlays going forward. More than anything, Dungeons and Dragons (or other TTRPG) content! I know you spoke of it a fair while ago and unless I missed it, I'm not sure anything came of it yet. Perhaps you were always working on it, but in general, that's something I'd love to see. Whether a full campaign, clips from play, one shots, etc. I would love a return of First20, or something similar. It was very good short form content which someone could watch in a low commitment way. Some people may not watch an LP because it's a time and content commitment, so small content like this could be good. In terms of the things I normally watch actively these days on UA-cam, it would be DND (mainly Critical Role) and full Skyrim playthroughs (usually vods of entire playthroughs). So I do appreciate long form content more than most, but that's the honest answer.
It's been a bad move from UA-cam. Gaming brought UA-cam into the mainstream, which in turn, made many more gamers. Why are gaming UA-camrs being punished for continuing to do what made the platform great? Why was it great? Well, I used to do Let's plays and had about 300 subscribers. Some of those people became close friends of mine, but I stopped because there was pretty much no growth to justify the time it took to produce videos. Anyway, best of luck with the changes, been a fan for a long LONG time and I look forward to the new content and "wild ideas"! You know, over the last decade or so, I've introduced so many friends to your channel. For any newer fans of Stephen, check out the Twilight Princess playthrough they did, it's brilliant! Another couple LPs I still re-watch at least once a year from Stephen and Mal are the Skyrim LP, Chulip of course, GTA V is another banger!
First, I'm glad you guys still make content after all these years. I don't watch everything like I use to, but I always go back to some series when I need comfort and I get to see games I've never got to play. As far as game content, I love card games, and even though there's some shake-up in one of the formats right now, Magic the Gathering is one I watch commonly. But right now seems to be a good age of the trading card game. I'd suggest looking into that.
First things first: I find it incredibly admirable that you stuck to a regular content upload schedule for as long as you did despite UA-cam making it more and more difficult for you to carve out a meaningful niche, to me that says an incredible deal about how you cared for your existing audience, their expectations, and the qualities that ought to be expected in content creation. This is not my first time posting on one of these channel updates, as I know I left a long message on the last one, but my sentiments are largely the same. I am not afraid of your taking new license with how you produce gaming content because your voice as a creator is strong and driven towards creativity, levity, and quality (a rarity on the internet today). I did not see that voice change after the last channel update, and I expect that it won’t change after this one. To answer your questions, I originally started watching in 2013 with the Pokemon Leaf Green series (I believe while it was still releasing in its original run). I was a teenager then, and am now 27. Today, the amount of gaming content I consume has winnowed significantly because I am busier, but the one thing, and I mean the ONE THING that keeps me using UA-cam more than anything else, and practically the only gaming content I still watch, is the “&Friends” Series. I will watch new episodes as they come out, and I often rewatch old episodes of my favorite games (Jackbox, BrokenPicturephone, 1KBWC, Golf With Your Friends, GTA Online). In my opinion, this is the regular-style of gaming content where you have something really unique to offer: well produced multiplayer gameplay videos that shows how many of these games can be fully utilized, and games that showcase the astonishing creativity and humor of you and your group of friends. The other advantage, I would imagine, is that while it’s very difficult to record or produce content like this for a stream, it still makes sense on UA-cam because it’s much easier to show multiple perspectives or cut out long set up times. It’s much easier to play a game myself rather than watch someone play it now, but I can’t replicate the easy rapport that you and your friends have, and the unique style each person brings. If StephenPlays were just &Friends 2-3 times a week and whatever new stuff you care to try, I would not complain. I still occasionally watch/re-watch classic Let’s Plays, and some newer ones if the game interests me, but that is more often the exception, and while I may mourn the decline of the format on UA-cam, I do feel like longer video game playthroughs make more sense on Twitch, and you have done excellent work making that format feel familiar and fresh. While I may not be the type of highly active internet user to which you may want to reshape your content to fit, I hope my thoughts prove helpful, and I know you will continue to do interesting things ❤
The biggest thing that made me watch less let's plays in general, not only yours, is having less time to do so as I've grown older and my focus switching towards more informative content. I've glossed over the vlogs to stay in the loop, and tried to watch extra life when I could. I wish you the best, I see many UA-camrs struggling at the whims of the algorithms. Pivoting to livestreams and making VOD highlights seems to be the solution that works well for most.
There are two sides to what I watch from your channel in particular: 1) games I've never seen before - the first let's play I watched from you was The Shape shifting Detective, and then went back and checked out stuff like Chulip 2) Stephen & Friends - the pleasant vibes and mix of humour are fun From other channels, I'm mostly lost media or small technical details (basically short video essays). I used to watch a lot more Let's Plays, but as I've gotten older I can't dedicate each night to catching up on 4 or more different series.
i cant wait to see what all you have brewing, i think its going to usher in a new era for the channel! and to answer your questions: 1. I usually seek out more intimate gaming videos from series I like where they talk a lot about the game in question in great detail, things like reviews, retrospectives, mysteries & obscure trivia, development histories, and especially accounts and stories of people playing these games, and their experiences with them (a good hypothetical example were if you were to make some sort of Earthbound retrospective, or a video talking about how much the series means to you, and how it's shaped your life as it is now). 2. i could answer this by just saying the exact type of video i described in my first answer, but to give you some variety: I would love to see more of first20!! it was my favorite series, and I especially loved the sillier ones (like the photoshop first20 and minesweeper first20), but i also think it would be really cool for you to showcase some lesser known indie games, exploring uncharted territory sounds fun to watch, and leaves your viewers with some really cool game recommendations! (bonus answer: i really enjoyed the puzzles in real time series, i know it was an april fools joke that took probably way more effort than it was worth, but it was AMAZING, more weird and unheard of stuff, especially bits and skits like that would totally be a hit with me too!!)
So to answer your two questions as a fan for over a decade. Bear in mind I am now 30 and may not be the target demographic anymore. 1 - I enjoy video essays about video games. Things that are around that 20 - 60 minute length and cover topics (off the top of my head) like "Why Zelda has a long lasting appeal". Stuff that is opinionated but researched. You and Mal have a very interesting and varied taste in games. Let's hear some more opinions maybe? I know that type of content has been done a lot on here, but it's for good reason! Especially from you guys as I consider you and Mal to be veterans of UA-cam gaming at this point. 2 - As well as what I mentioned before, what about trying some videos pertaining to Gaming and UA-cam. For example, a well edited and informative video by you guys discussing or detailing the history of the Let's Play? Or maybe topics that speak about games that got big through UA-cam? Just a couple of ideas. Also, I know it's been done to death, but some ranking, tier list and top 10 videos would be fun. They usually have high viewer retention (good for the evil algorithm!) and can be easier to produce in-between longer projects? One last suggestion is something I absolutely love watching, deep diving into a new game or series etc. "I played every Pokemon game in existence" for a crude example. The issue again would be the staggering amount of work needed to document, play, record and produce such videos but if one of those videos got pushed out by the algorithm, who knows what it could do to your channel! Sorry for the long comment, hopefully it doesn't get lost in the comment section. I'm a huge fan of you guys and as an older viewer, I might have a slightly different perspective. I hope you get to read this and share your own thoughts. :) (Ps, use social media a little more! I don't always get your videos in my subscription box but I'm always on Instagram, seeing you and Mal pop up there a little more often would remind me and others to check in on you!)
I found you because of an Assassin's Creed: Revelations DLC let's play video; I think I can say no one else has found you like that and stuck around, haha. But I like let's plays on UA-cam. I ADORE the Twitch streams and it's why I've stuck around, and plus I found the vlogs. But I like it better than the highlights, because it's not skipping things, no matter how much I enjoy Dan's editing. But I will always stick around, and I look forward to what innovations are coming!
i’m sorry you guys are being put in this position :( your videos have been with me from middle school till my university years, and it makes me sad that things have to change because of youtube’s weird algorithm…. but i know this isn’t the end for the channel or the content, and it is exciting that you can start to experiment more and see what new things you can come up with :) i hope things will get better, and i hope you can make it work with something that still reflects the heart of the channel!!! you and mal are my favorite creators, and that will never change
Hey Stephen! I really want to see this channel continue so here’s my answers to your questions. 1. Right now I watch 4 main types of gaming content. video essays, reaction/commentary videos (sometimes these are also video essays), playthroughs, and funny multiplayer games (usually longform twitch vods). I see a ton of growth in the video essay/commentary genres at least when it comes to what gets recommended to me. Some gaming and gaming-adjacent creators that ive found through youtube recommendations in the past couple years: Izzzyzzz, supereyepatch wolf and regular eyepatchwolf, Li Speaks, liss the lass, lilsimsie. Maybe the formats they are doing helps, no idea 2. Would love to see a video essay from you and i think you would do it well, even if its just a tier list of favorite games. i listen to stuff like that all day like a podcast. Or a video covering some niche topic on a game i’ve never heard of, a chulip video essay that someone could watch in an hour and learn about the game would probably grow faster than the lets play these days. I always get excited seeing IRL content on stephenplays too because i know it will be something interesting. Maybe a funny tour of your collection? playing the weirdest games in your library? Stephenplays and the rest of the stephencorp channels are really special to me, I hope things only go up from here.
I think the type of gaming content that I personally most often gravitate towards what I'd call "gaming analytical" content, the stuff like Pannenkoek2012, Bismuth, SummoningSalt, Kosmic, or Adef would produce that takes a gaming idea, theme, concept, or speedrun or category, and condenses it to make it digestible to someone either loosely familiar or unfamiliar with the topic. The kind of "video essay" stuff related to game content that ranges from short to long depending on the topic and level of depth. I read another comment that said you could do a dive into the lore of the Mother series and I think that's probably a great example of this kind of content that I think might work pretty well for you. I also think that this style of content has a higher chance of going viral, though I'd say it does so less often or to a lesser scale than non-gaming related video essays.
To add onto this, even now one of my recommended videos to watch next is "TAS Explained: Super Mario Bros. 3 in 0.2 seconds" which is only a matter of time before I inevitably click it, it's the exact style of video I'm referring to here.
You're the main "LPer" channel I watch. I've been watching the channel since Portal/Minecraft season! I love seeing the growth of the channel from this baby to what it is now! I'm not sure how I would feel about it changing, but I know it will obviously, but just something we all kinda grew together with and it's just a weird time. But for your questions, in general- 1. I just like watching gaming content. (i.e. oxhorn for fallout lore videos I use sometimes as sleep aid). I enjoy watching CJUGames as the style he makes his videos. I like watching videos as in Retro Game Corps as his tech videos for emulation and emulators. 2.i personally would like to see some "BTS" of some let's plays from the past or maybe some "Lore" type series that someone like me could use as sleep aid cause just something about the way someone is talking in "a lore video" is just somehow calming for me. Or release some mash ups of "greatest ofs".. example "greatest laughter moments of staphenplays Skyrim" or something like that. I enjoy just hearing y'all talk and some lore type videos would make my inner child of fan would be happy. But also some form of podcast would be amazing to listen to at work.
That's a good point. Jerod has found a way to do both simultaneously with both chats on screen, it might not work as well for Stephen's content but might be worth exploring.
this! I much prefer watching youtube streams because I have a premium sub (no ads without having to subscribe to individual streamers hell yeah) and I like being able to rewind and fast forward
That’s one way of handling it ; but that’s not _quite_ what I meant @@BlameThande. There’s one channel I watch who does *most* of her content on Twitch, but she live streams _Fallout_ exclusively on UA-cam on Sundays. Don’t know how that works for her channel(s). But it’s a suggestion.
@BlameThande Probably Restream? I know people have used that but idk about Jerod specifically. But I'd definitely watch more streams from Stephen if he also streamed on UA-cam because I have UA-cam Premium so no ads for me. Twitch ads are just awful.
If you subscribe to the channel on Twitch you don’t get ads@@zacharyw213. I am not a subscriber to his twitch channel, but I do follow. There’s another twitch channel that has his ads set to the very minimum possible & you still get preroll ads & then ads 5 minutes later. I think Stephen has his twitch channel set to the *maximum* possible because of the number of ads twitch puts in per break. That’s a little overboard. Although I get it, he’s using streaming as a business where as the other guy is not. On UA-cam you can skip the ads if you’re afraid you’ll miss too much of the stream, but Twitch makes you suffer through them & just wonder what you are missing.
I absolutely love watching your content. You all do an amazing job with every video you produce. You and Mal are so much fun to watch, no matter what game you play through. Some of my favorite content, though, is the Stephen and Friends content. You all are hilarious in those videos. I really enjoy Broken Picturephone and 1000 Blank White Cards. I also really love watching you and Mal play through older games, as well as rewatching the older videos where you tried board games together. Sometimes your most random ideas for videos are the most interesting to watch, such as your April Fools’ Day videos. I do enjoy the idea that was shared in one of your golf videos about starting a podcast, I think that would be very interesting to listen to. Lastly, I think you could do something almost along the lines of First20, where you could try short multiplayer games with your friends. All in all, you guys do absolutely amazing work and you are by far my favorite channel to watch.
To answer the question, as a long time viewer (having also introduced you guys to my husband, who is from Ohio, and have you been the teachers of America to a British viewer) I watch long series[so, series like Skyrim and Chulip], short videos on games [would kinda wanna see you do Fireworks Mania with Mal for the fun], and group playing content [Golf With Your Friends is an example i can think of] so basically what you already do. My husband and I binge your content when we can, and watching anything you produce has been a wonderous joy. I'm working to be a content creator myself, and I've learned so much from you and Mal, and your other friends. I'm excited to see this new evolution to the channel, i also just hope you don't mind my husband and I watching old series that have always been so fun to watch.
The fact that you guys have been producing daily or near-daily content for _13 1/2 years?!_ Is an utter testament to your dedication to the channel and putting out the best you can, but at the same time? Hearing that utterly terrified me! LOL I couldn't imagine how much pressure has been on you for so long! I'm very excited to see what you guys are doing next, but I also really hope the change in schedule allows you guys to find time to really, truly relax and rest !
As for your questions:
1) Usually VODs from streams, if I can't catch them live, or otherwise highly extended (as in 2+ hour long) episodic lets plays. But I also really enjoy folks doing deep-dives into their favorite series, the "whats" and "whys," whether from a technical gameplay perspective or a more thematic story one!
2) Probably not the most helpful comment haha, but genuinely? Whatever you guys are passionate about and really want to try next, I'm very curious for! What do YOU want to do? What's something you had flitting around in the back of your minds that maybe you felt was too experimental to try at the time? It sounds like you guys already have a few ideas already, and that alone piqued my interest
Ultimately, though, whatever you end up doing next in your creative journey, from one artist to another, I hope it comes from a place of true enjoyment and not purely because someone wants you to make it. You aren't "content machines" churning out videos for people to "consume", you're a regular human being like everyone. You should only do what YOU want and what YOU feel comfortable doing!
Honestly you guys have a lot of advantages that can help with more algorithm friendly content from what I see.
1) You guys just have more knowledge about video games than even the average UA-camr. It would be fun to see video essays from y’all about games like Earthbound, talk about its development, marketing, your experiences. In terms of long form content, recently video essays have reigned supreme. You can even do a more casual version like maybe a Drunk History style video where Hayley explains the plot Xenogears.
2) Your GIANT backlog of content. Traditional LPs have sort of been replaced by the long-form LP where it is all the content of a series edited into one multi-hour video. It could be fun to see your old series be edited into like an hour long highlight reel.
I feel like this would give Stephen a different kind of creative outlet, too. He’s extremely knowledgeable about video games, and could put effort into the script part of a video essay while letting Dan find and piece together relative footage for the background?
I think even just a whole supercut as well so you don't have to watch multiple videos!
Vide game essays are actually a really good idea. Just gotta keep in mind about other youtubers doing essays on the same game or something like that
i also ran to the comments to suggest video essays! the only smaller, new channels i follow that are growing are video essay channels.
@@MinatoAriyeah I have recently really gotten into Supercuts and love to watch them whether 2 hours or 24 hours lol
To be honest, this is the only let's play/gaming channel I watch. So I'm not 1000% sure how much insightful input I could have. But as a fan, I will say my favorite parts of this channel is the "Stephen and Friends" and the videos adjacent to the S&F content.
I think a channel dedicated to friends just vibing with a thing they love goes a long way to maintaining and expanding the community y'all have built up.
And as an absolute wild card idea; Hayley had a throw away line in an old S&F video (think it was Golf with your friends) where she joked about starting a podcast.. but honestly y'all all collectively have the larger than life personalities that a podcast about gaming news, ye ol college days, the occasional sketch or in-joke type of game, & just slice of life stories with the chaos y'all provide would really be a wild ride! Granted that isn't gaming content by trade; but they're popular right now, & I don't see that format dying anytime soon.
And above all, keep being you. You're personality is what keeps long time viewers like myself around forever. I look forward to whatevers in store
disc only podcast has stephen in it right? so they already have that
Oh hey, are you me? StephenPlays is also basically the last big gaming channel I'm subscribed to, and also Stephen & Friends is easily my favorite type of video on this channel. I don't have a huge friend group with whom to play games with, so S&F is kind of fun to watch to just observe the dynamic shifts between the people. Actually, my favorite not-And Friends let's play is the Super Mario 3D World one with Alex and Hayley, which is kind of cheating but it still has the same energy with four people with four strong personalities causing chaos in a game. (We got a more recent taste of the same dynamic with the Overcooked streams.)
I imagine that this would be a difficult thing to do too much more of, though, since the rest of the And Friends have "actual jobs" and such. It's one thing to have them show up on the vlog because Stephen happens to film when they're in the same room together, or to show up here and there for Breakfast Stream or whatever; it's another to set time aside and do something super regularly as part of a second job.
I second the podcast idea, yes, Disc Only already exists, but the dynamic Stephen and his friends have is so great, I think there's room for both.👍
Absolutely. A podcast may be a better platform for some of your friends content.l that was traditionally put on UA-cam.
My biggest issue with your current format, if you can call it that, is that because a lot of your videos have long vods on the vod channel, I am much less likely to watch your normal videos, which sucks. Back when your channel still had a schedule in its banner, I watched almost daily. This is my personal experience, so I’m not sure if it applies to everyone. I do love the livestreams and vods, and the interaction that comes from them, but I miss the old structured format, even if that may not work on UA-cam anymore. No matter how you change your content, I can guarantee that I will be watching you even if not all the time because I love your content and your personalities and everything about you guys. Thank you.
Good point on the lack of structure! Like, why wait an unspecified amount of time for each next episode, when I can already watch 3-4 episodes' worth of content immediately elsewhere?
Counterargument to this would be, Dan edits down and embellishes VoDs, so videos on this channel give a more 'curated' experience.
But, not all viewers value that 'curated' experience (myself included: in fact, this is the bigger reason I've shifted to watching StephenVOD in the past 1-2 years).
I’ve grownup with y’all and it’s so sad that LPs are on the decline but I’m glad you guys are still around. Not many of the channels I followed from back then are still as active as you are, keep it up! I’m here for the long haul
I know First20 probably doesn't do great on the channel, but I'd love to see it come back - it was great for exposing me to a lot of cool indie games while it was a regular feature. More indies on the channel in general would be nice to see - or even regular First20 indie streams on Twitch. Other than that, more Stephen & Friends content would be great - that there's only 1 video of that a week is criminal. (Especially if 1KBWC can ever make a comeback, that series has been dearly missed.)
First20 was always one of my favorite series on this channel
I loved watching First20 every Friday, it was a fun time and managed to introduce me to games I might not have tried out otherwise. I've missed it ever since.
Agreed!! I learned about so many cool indie games via this channel 10 years ago. What with the current indie boom that's happening, I would love to see Stephen and/or Mal try out indie games to share with the audience and give a spotlight to some overlooked gems perhaps
Same. I wouldn't have played Cross Code otherwise and it's probably up there as my one of my favorite indie games of all time. I also got Staxel because of First 20.
Couldn’t agree more. It was such a cool series and it’s a shame that UA-cam doesn’t work for that form of content.
I've been watching you since the days of Argyl and Skyrim and you switched from PC to Xbox 360 😂. I'm gonna keep watching no matter what
Remember argyle the lizard wizard running around with an arrow to the face
I presently watch primarily TheRunawayGuys, Chuggaaconroy, and RTGame when it comes to gaming content. I love your channel, I really do, but I kinda fell away once the content became all Twitch. I loved Morning Mario and Gaming Garage and I was honestly sad when they disappeared. I still go back and watch your old Morning Mario vidoes and I've lost count of how many times I've gone back and watched Twilight Princess, and, embarassingly, Chulip. I wish you the best in the future and I'm excited to see what you have in store.
I dont wanna loose this channel its a hidden gem and i hope things start going up soon
i struggle with watching full several-hour livestreams specifically but i love when one stream or multiple streams are condensed into one singular 30 minute-2 hour video. its still a commitment, but not as much as watching 30 different videos or one 8 hour stream, and its something i can always rewatch with ease. rtgame is one example of this i really like, where he can condense a mario 64 ds livestream series into one cohesive 2 hour youtube video.
This! Maybe edit down the UA-cam purposed videos down even more, and keep the streams going while making videos here “better” by showcasing more progress all at once? This makes me think of SmallAnt’s content and I think changes like that would help here a lot.
RTGame's video style has definitely become one of my favorite ways of watching gameplay. And I love that I then have the option of seeing more of the gameplay on a VOD channel.
So proud of you Stephen and Mal and the whole team. I've been watching your channel since I was a little girl - I'm 21 years old now. Your content has been a massive part of my childhood and teenhood. You guys really are like chicken noodle soup to me. Just nothing but good stuff to love. And you're all so genuine, you really deserve to be on this platform more prevalently and widespread.
Love from England ❤
I mainly watch VODs now. I love watching the whole playthrough, even the "boring" bits. I also like the interaction between chat or others playing the games.
I know they are not realistic for most games, but I loved your "versus" games with Mal. Like Link's Awakening and Pokémon. I've watched those through many times. Watching you play the same game side by side, but in your own way is unique, and something you don't see very often.
I love the versus stuff too! Heck, the first LP I ever watched on this channel was Mario Kart. I think the most recent versus thing they did was the EarthBound race, if I'm not mistaken, and I'd love to see that continue.
HGSS Versus sounds fire ngl
This exactly! I rarely actually watch videos on this channel because I prefer to watch the VODs, so Im more active on StephenVods, so seconding that!
@@QueenslayerSora Or, consider: Mal playing Pokémon Crystal while Stephen picks Vietnamese Crystal back up. 😂
It's a real shame let's plays aren't performing as well as they used to because the sincerity, simplicity and reliability of your content as always been what's kept me coming back, and I'm sure many others feel the same, so I hope it doesn't dissapear completely. Another type of gaming content I like which also seems to do quite well these days is long-for video essay type stuff, I don't know if that's something you'd be interested in but I think it would definitely suit your style. Honestly I mostly watch gaming content for the creators rather than the actual content, so I have every confidence that whatever you do next will ber great as long as you stay true to yourselves and enjoy making it. Good luck to you all!
I personally still like Let's Play style videos. Its what got me into UA-cam so it lets me feel nostalgic while watching. I love Twitch streams but I have gotten busier and dont have time for that long of a video so having them cut down into shorter episodes is super helpful for me. Plus a long video (1+hr) gives me anxiety and I am less likely to watch it
As for what I want to see from you, I cant think of anything specific right now. What I do know is I've been watching you for almost 10 years now so whatever you put out ill be watching.
Best of luck to the team! It will be rough at time but I know you all will make it work, just as you always have. Keep up the great work!
I think what might be a really great video for you guys to produce would be a deep dive into the lore of the Mother series, sort of like an iceberg if your familiar with those videos. You and Mal, have such a unique history surrounding those games and are effectively experts on them.
good point, there's almost no one more qualified to make that video than Grandpa and Grandma here! I second the motion
I think something similar to Chaz's Mole Playing Rough video would be interesting to see.
THIS! i would love a video from them like this!
Both the lore of the games, and even some of the big stuff in the fan community
To answer your direct questions, here is what I watch and why:
"Stephen and Friends" I specifically watch those videos because I like dynamic. While there is a thought to "is this good television," it's never lost the root of being just a recording of what you were doing on Saturday anyway. I enjoy the dynamic between the participants because I know you guys parasocially.
"Cracking the Cryptic" One day UA-cam recommended a breakout video from these guys and I've been following them every day for six months. They do variant Sudoku puzzles. I don't actively seek out other channels but will watch one if it pops up.
Actual Play: This is the big one for me right now. I'm working through the archive of Dimension 20.
Which leads me to a suggestion. You've mentioned enjoying D&D before. Several in the Raleigh Collective already play. That's a gaming option for you. It covers the group dynamic I'm enjoying and taps into a currently popular market.
What I think would be more fitting to your brand is board and card games. There are a lot of vlogs, usually when you have out of town guests, where you tell us the results of a game but show very little of the gameplay itself. And you made the table top setup for streaming. The challenge I see there is making sure the viewers understand enough about the rules to enjoy the game, and giving us a good enough view of the table to follow along. But your surrounded by clever people, ya'll will figure it out.
Speaking to the algorithm, I had a friend who did a bunch of stealth experimentation with it. He would modify his output and see what a month of results were, the tell us in a video later "I did a test, here's what a found." From what he has told me, I'm wondering if your release schedule is part of the problem. Not the daily content, but *what* is the content. Looking at the last week I see Zelda and Metroid alternating days. If someone is only watching one series but not the other, the algorithm thinks your viewers are only interested in half of your content. It stops showing up in recommendations for your subscribers, which means it never hits recommended for non-subs. It's the same problem the channel partner highlighted when you had to cut Moring Mario, Grandpa's Game Garage, and spun off the VODs and shorts to their own channels. You might have to focus in on one series at a time on StephenPlays. Keep streaming like you are, that seems to be working for you.
I normally avoid commenting on videos, but your content used to be something I loved. I still love the energy and vibes that your channel has, but... I just don't really watch it anymore. And I feel that the format is part of that. I recently rewatched two series of yours: Until Dawn and The Quarry and I had a great time, however there were some pain points in terms of format for me. So to answer the questions:
1. Long form, edited streams is the main type of content that I watch. Long streams where the editing done is to remove any downtime, unnecessary content that interrupts the flow. I put on a edited stream, and I have it going in the background while doing other things. To use the series I rewatched as an example: The main pain point was the constant interruption of having an intro every 20 minutes. It interrupts the flow, and I think more importantly - it gives people a really good stopping point. And while stopping points are good in a way... it also means that there are many opportunities for me to just.. stop watching the series.
And for the topic of why long form videos (1-3 hours).. Your zelda playthrough is... intimidating. It is 200 episodes long, and it has been going for over a year. I am unlikely to be interested in the same game for 1 year, especially a single player game. Zelda playthroughs were exciting when the game released, but 1 year of the same game is a bit too much for me. I love just having a game playthrough in a long video (and even multiple long videos is fine to an extent), because it gives the feeling that I am just relaxing with someone playing a game while having some laughs.
And on the note of question 2, following on that I would love to see you try said long format videos. I saw that you've been streaming some subnautica- I think that would be a great opportunity to try something like that.
I think its for the best you move off the daily upload schedule. I dont know about everyone else, but I know what happens with me is I will start watching a series, but since I follow a number of other channels or something in real life comes up, and it becomes hard to keep up with the series and its daily updates. Now I am behind. I hit watch later on the episode to catch up later and remember where I was at, so I do not miss a moment or watch something out of order, and then it sits unwatched. Spacing uploads out longer than daily means it becomes much easier for someone like me to keep up and keep watching as they are released as I now have more of a time cushion to keep up and keep it from falling into "watch later" hell.
In terms of what I watch, I always love the Stephen and Friends plays. Small enough to be enjoyed on its own, so I do not have to worry about keeping up or staying current (i.e. catching up) and always a joy to watch
Touche, 'Watch Later hell' is so real...and that's coming from someone who often doesn't keep up with channels that post more than once every 2 weeks, let alone daily! Now if you add livestreams and StephenVlog on top of that...
the Stephen and friends playlist is by far my favorite stuff you release and it's different from anything else you do but I feel like it's not exactly easy to find. like, it's literally 11 rows down from the top. I think it could be scooted up a little bit to show off that different content a bit better.
As for gaming content I watch, This might shock you but I watch a lot of group gaming stuff. stuff with lots of personalities clashing or causing chaos together. So more Stephen and friends thanks :P
one thing I have a tiny problem with on your channel is if you don't like watching a certain game, say tears of the kingdom and metroid, that is like 90% of your content for the past 4 months. I think it would be better if you had more shorter gameplays that mixed it up to go along side the long let's plays like TotK. but whatever works.
Ps Screw the algorithm!
The thing no one likes to talk about the algorithm is that it’s a reflection of the audience’s current interests. The death of the traditional LP format is a reflection of the format becoming stale to most people in comparison to new innovations over the past decade. Same reason you don’t see quirky funny haha game review channels take off after 2018. This platform is just super competitive now than it was 10 years ago. Can’t just rely on a single, stagnating format forever.
I think the best strategy you can do is just take time out of your day to browse UA-cam, take inspiration, and make videos you wanna watch, videos that you know others would want to watch too, but that video just doesn’t exist yet. I got that piece of advice from SmallAnt when I was still new, and as simple as it sounds, it was genuinely the best advice a creator has ever given me. Just taking time to watch more UA-cam can give you a great direction on what you want to do.
In terms of channel formats I think would fit your style well, I would recommend checking out Choctopus, Alpharad, and Party Crashers for inspiration. But that’s just my personal tastes currently. Browsing UA-cam and taking inspiration from your own personal tastes is ultimately more useful than any advice your audience can give.
Solid advice! I'll add that when browsing UA-cam, you can also get an idea of what audiences form around certain types of videos, briefly skimming the comments. You might also notice differences in viewer-to-viewer discussions, and viewer-to-creator interactions between different types of videos.
Stephen may benefit from finding and taking cues from videos that foster similar audiences/viewerbases to his current (or formerly larger) one.
This, tied with the report that YT gaming viewership is down 21% kinda shows something's going wrong... It's so bizarre that YT never once thought that "Let's Plays", something that's at the core of YT's history, was never considered to be a 'genre' they should be pushing at all times. It keeps getting to that point, ppl are just not seeing the content, or clicking through for 1 reason or another. I personally still watch let's plays from other channels (game grumps) , highlights (lythero, Vanoss, etc.), and gaming/tech news. Hope this helps, and ya'll can keep going at it! Really sucks that the future of some channels are being determined by YT's oversight on an entire branch of their website.
Ugh. All of this is so very familiar to me, but no less hard to hear. But I applaud your optimism and ability to adapt. It wasn't something I was able to do myself, hah.
I wish you and Mal all of the luck on the long road ahead!
on the topic of the daily content decline, i might have an idea as to why this has happened. from a viewer standpoint, missing one or two uploads in a series can create a sense of needing to catch up, and daily content expedites this feeling, so many viewers may drop off from watching a series as they feel like there's a lot they need to pick back up on if they aren't able to keep up for a few days. having that buffer in between allows for viewers to keep up a bit easier and can help to mitigate the dropoff when they miss a few days
As a long time fan since the first chuggaaconroy vlog that got me hooked on you and Mal, I’ve often stayed in the shadows watching like a proud parent from afar. Not really commenting, contributing to patreon, but simply watching the people and the group I’ve loved since 2012 when I was a teenager!! I’ve loved StephenCorp (haha) for a long time!
I appreciate you being vulnerable here Stephen and informing us on the situation! Without being a snob, it is clear to see the decline in views not because of your work ethic or anything personal, just the way UA-cam has evolved. We appreciate your transparency:)
To answer your question: I myself seek out more loose gaming content (game grumps, caseoh, are a few) and the games they play, wheel of fortune, supermarket simulator, wildly different stuff! Your content to me has mostly been to inform people! I don’t personally find the group to be insanely funny (aside from Alex) but perhaps I’ve outgrown the humor or don’t connect with it, but always found you guys to be a real concrete presence that’s fun, light hearted, but still has a clear goal!
The vlogs do this but I think the style of Scott the Woz would be really cool to see from you! Specially what your opinions are on a variety of games, consoles, etc instead of getting them once in a blue moon from the vlogs. This style to me adds more to your informed style of let’s plays! Would be cool to see just your thoughts on individual games. Simply talking about them would be so nice to hear and watch!
I hope this helps! I’ll always come back to chulip, cat world, tropical freeze, returns, pikmin, because these are my childhood memories in a way 🤍 thank you for always being you!!!
I mainly consume retrospective/video essay type content (KingK, Any Austin, Internet Pitstop) and longer "Movie" playthroughs which are condensed ~1hour+ long standalone or series of videos (RTGame). Hope this helps and am excited where you guys take the channel!
I still enjoy LP’s. You and Mal’s especially. Your chemistry and love of games really shines and is always a joy to watch. And mustn’t forget about “Stephen and Friends”. You all are hilarious together
As for other gaming content, I enjoy gaming retrospectives and essays. Maybe on games/ series you feel very passionate about?
The gaming content I consume most nowadays are long form full playthroughs of games, reminiscent of podcasts in a way but they're let's plays of smaller games, or edited down long playthroughs
yes this. i commented trying to figure out what term to describe it as, and i came up with personality based lets plays. i love podcast style commentary for a lets play. like you dont even have to talk about the game. like tell me about something hilarious that happened in your 20s or about something funny your dog did.
"Edited down streams of short games" is a great description of what I find myself watching most nowadays. RTGame's videos (especially his Balatro runs) are a great example. When I started watching Stephen and Mal during the Twilight Princess days, I was working about 35 hours a week, so longer series were fine. Nowadays, I'm averaging 45-55 depending on the time of year, so shortened formats are easier for me to keep up with. If they still wanted to cover longer games (and I have no doubt they do) a format like that could be sort of "splashed in" once a week or so.
Same here. Majority of video game content I watch are well-edited long form content (old, long videos of GTA online are probably the closest thing to this). RTGame and Alpharad Live are my most watched gaming creators currently (alongside Stephenplays/VOD). Only traditional Let's plays I watch anymore alongside Stephen are from PlayFrame, because of their insight into animation, but even then I only pick the games I'm interested in.
New video game content creators I find either through collabs with familiar creators, extremely funny short clips, or if they are doing well-edited, interesting challenges of familiar games (most recently Don Shnack and Sample).
This is just me rambling as a brand designer, but so much of the charm of StephenPlays to me these days is Stephen+Mal and Stephen&Friends rather than JUST Stephen, maybe try marketing your content with this angle??? (couples gaming is a thing that pops up in my feed every now and then)
@@EveonaVits so weird finding people describing what i (used to) watch (about a year ago), i haven’t seen Playframe or Stephen in a while despite loving the channels cause yeah its a lot to keep up with, and sometimes the schedule got clogged for a while with a couple of games i wasnt interested in etc, i feel really sad for falling out and im thinking of starting again it got hard because i have so many more responsibilities now that classes are fucked up levels of hard that i really need to come home to some dumb hour long vinesauce/vargskelethor video where i pay no attention to anything and just laugh at funi max FOV* or a swedish dude screaming about UFOO P0RNOooOoOo, theyre great entertainers but i miss the days where i sat and watched the whole Pikmin series and chilled at the calm yet chaotic playthrough (personal fav series), where i learnt about earthbound and a dude’s passion for the game or saw what a hidden gem like psychonauts had to offer and hearing about its development (series that got me into playframe)
I just wanna be able to relax and truly immerse myself again without worrying about life instead of scrambling for a background laugh, i could try to watch these like that but its not the same
*(seriously look up the vinny fov clip, idk if its called max or 900 or something fov, there are two clips and the one where he puts up a weird accent is gold)
I rarely comment on things here on yt, but totally agree with the initial commenter here. I LOVE long form playthrough content and find myself seeking those out often (I regularly rewatch your Fallout 4 series and am working through your Starfield series).
It is quite an accomplishment to be doing daily for so long, but I think stepping back and taking more time with the videos and expanding your styles is gonna be so great! I've been watching you guys for years, I can't wait to see what you do next!
In terms of gaming content I watch now, I much prefer edited gaming videos (stuff like supercuts or highlights from a long playthrough) verses vod-style videos (even broken up into different episodes)
I actually go back one a year to watch your Chulip playthrough also, and I think the reason why is the passion Mal has for explaining pieces of the game history and quirks - that might be something to keep in mind for other styles of game-related content! Talking about the history of maybe lesser known games or just ones that you're passionate about! Can't wait to tune in and see the new stuff :)
Multiplier games like plate up or mario party because I like the chaos of people working together or fighing each other
So basically more games than GTA and Jackbox for Stephen and Friends?
@@ShadowdaHedgie11 honestly yeah.
Mario party jamboree comes out soon
@@jackmeowmeowmeow2177 To be fair I would like to see that too. I'm not saying that I want them to stop playing Jackbox or GTA (although I'm not a huge fan of GTA tbh) but it would be nice to see them playing other games.
Ooo yeah! Like weird Mario Party challenges such as Escort Mode would be fun!
1. Aside from old-school let's plays like what you guys do, I watch quite a bit of videogame retrospective and story-analysing videos.
2. I am open for any ideas you guys would come up with, but talking about obscure videogame facts would be interesting. Also, maybe videos about your game collections?
Doing a bit more with the physical game collection is a great idea, I agree! Stephen has a library of old/retro games not many have access to, why not show them off?
Heck, content doesn't even have to be about games themselves, it could just be about the surrounding materials (e.g. game guides/manuals, controller peripherals)! Or some interesting stories about how he got certain games/items in the collection!
I've been subscribed to y'all for almost 10yrs now, and I hope there's something you guys find that works well for the channel! Change is terrifying, but it can be so exciting and get those creative juices flowing.
In terms of what I watch, regarding video games, I watch a lot of video essays about obscure games or game histories, game ranking videos, reviews on new games, and long-form play-thrus of games (often the ones ppl post from their twitch streams and edit down a lil for YT) Hope this helps, wishing you the best of luck!!
I don’t like daily content. I like weekly content. Long playthroughs. That’s what I actively watch. I do not like twitch streams. I like playthroughs played and made specifically for UA-cam. I watch them the whole way through multiple times lol I still go back to your old playthroughs. Right now I’m watching the Zeldudes play ocarina of time lol
I love your channel and i hope you thrive lol
I second this!!
I’m wicked excited for the experimentation! I know whatever you guys come up with will be awesome :)
As someone who was WAY late to the Let’s Play party - both as a viewer and a creator: This is equal parts disappointing and completely understandable.
I didn’t know what a let’s play was until I enlisted in the Army in 2016. I was doing dumb infantry things, trying to find ways to keep my spirits up in an unfamiliar place and found your Skyrim LP.
The medium quickly became a huge source of comfort and your channel specifically was always on. I had friends over, we’d watch an episode or two. I met my wife, we’d binge entire series.
It became such a significant part of my life that you ended up inspiring me to create as well, and for the last three years I have to some amount of success. It’s a part time job at this point for me, but I’ve fallen so in love with the format that I donate time to moderate the LetsPlay subreddit, answering questions, teaching people, and inspiring people much like you inspired me.
Ultimately, it is a business, and the traditional LP format is unreliable. So I complete get the need to experiment and diversify.
With that in mind, here are the things I watch and the things I think would be worth entertaining:
- educational content: people want to know HOW to do something. You’ve got a wealth of knowledge to share.
- more reactionary content. You’re a good improv actor and understand how to deliver important information. Whether this is reviews or breaking news, it’s right up your alley.
- Collaborations. Okay, selfish plug, maybe, but even outside of standard gaming collabs, your channel would do well hosting interviews. You already have a base format for it with Breakfast Stream, but a natural iteration of that into a panel hosting other creators, developers, industry experts, etc could do well.
- A semi scripted show. Think GMM but gaming-centric. A perma-co-host, a topic of the day, a game, a guest, and a gimmick.
Ultimately, I’m rooting for you dude. Like I’ve said, you’ve been a huge inspiration to me and many others. People tell me that I inspire them, and I would have never started without you.
Whatever comes next, I know you’ll succeed.
Love these ideas too much. BTW love your content LP and have always wanted you and Stephen to simply sit in a room for 5 minutes. I'd likely be on the floor laughing after 3 minutes 😅
Long form content, and I’m talking like an hour plus, is usually how I consume UA-cam now as it’s usually something that I have playing in my ear while I’m at work. Love ya’ll, been watching for years
1) Gaming content I actively watch now: your channel (basically all Stephen + Friends content, and any let’s plays of games that fit in one of the 3 categories:
- I have already played it, so there are no spoilers
- I haven’t played it, but the game is hard to find these days, so I’ll unlikely would ever play it (like Chulip)
- There are no potential for big spoilers (party games, Mario games, shovelware).
I also watch Alpharad + Friends content, so not really their main channel stuff, but more side channel stuff like Alpharad Replay. That, and TRG Colo peeps occasionally.
2) My suggestions on what to try: I’d love to see your take on the trending “replayable” games, I’m just thinking back to how much I enjoyed watching you play Among Us. Like Suika Game and Phasmophobia. Also, I’ve been quietly waiting for the Okage and League of Legends let’s plays ever since you’ve mentioned them :p
I love this channel and think it deserves so many more views. Hopefully the new format will work out, best of luck.
Long time watcher, but never subscribed (until today). I’ve watched a few of your other channel videos, but primarily Stephen Plays. I realized early on that you were spread way too thin to adequately cover a serious play through (might not be your thing anyway) and those are the channels I prefer and subscribe to. I stuck around because I liked the short format and enjoy the chemistry of you and Mal. As a 70 y/o crazy grandma I’m sure I have a different perspective and don’t really have any suggestions for you moving forward, but I’m going to go along for the ride and enjoy watching the channel grow!
I love commentary style videos about specific aspects of games as well as longer play throughs of games-I find myself watching more vod channel videos because I like seeing the in between antics from stream even if I can’t catch it live. Im also a huge fan of the Stephen and friends series!! I still rewatch broken picture phone and 1kbwc videos to this day :) i think getting away from daily content will be a good move-im excited to see what kind of stuff you release when you can spend more time crafting a video. I’m so excited to see what you guys do with the channel!
Stephen and friends play Mario party jamboree would be fun
As a viewer I must admit my response to question 1 is not one that is algorithm friendly. I honestly prefer and seek out old school let’s play style videos as in this new UA-cam age of over edited hyper attention grabbing videos that all feel the same, old school let’s plays where they still exist feel like and remind me of the UA-cam I enjoyed and what made me try it as a hobby in the 1st place.
While I am a little happy that daily videos are ending ( it’s just hard to keep up and all) I am sad that the classic style of lp just isn’t able to work out ( that for god for the vod channel keeping that style somewhat alive) as I ( as a viewer) don’t really have a response for question B.
All that aside I’m hopeful for the future to bring great things and I’ll still stay subscribed till the heat death of the universe… or whenever Google finally pulls the plug on UA-cam. Whatever is more likely to happen in the next 10 years.
Same, same on the preference for old school, less edited down LPs. Yes, it may take longer to watch through, and I may lose interest before finishing a series, but I'd rather that than be rushed from one high point to the next with a blinding flurry of zooms and flashing text in between.
I'm a long term watcher of all your content, and as much as I have loved it over the years, recently I've gravitated away from the multi-video length letsplays because I knew I was missing out on extra funny moments from the VODs. However the VODs were always a very long video to dedicate myself to watching in order to see the entire letsplay. Because of this, on UA-cam I've really liked the long 1 video letsplays, where the entire series is edited down into a 1-3 hour long video containing all the important story beats, funny moments etc (similar vibes to fan favourites videos but without the submissions). Also I always loved watching you and Mal compete against each other such as your Mario Kart series. Those videos feel very lively and fun to watch as an audience!
I'm sorry to hear that you've been struggling these past few years, but I'm excited to see what you come up with, and I'll still be watching regardless of what happens! (I've watched you since I was young and currently I'm at uni, you've always been my comfort UA-camr!)
I've watched both you guys and Chugga for the past decade, and y'all have been a constant throughout my life with just feel good chill content. While it's upsetting to learn about this side of the channel, I love the positive mentality and the push to keep going. To answer your questions
1. I've always had a soft spot for let's play ever since I found you a decade ago. However, I've also liked video essay style videos recently but for games. Opinionated, or lore videos about a specific game or franchise.
I can't really answer question 2 since I'm not the best when it comes to ideas. However I will watch a love whatever you guys make. I can't wait to see this next evolution of the StephenPlays channel!
I mainly spend most of my time watching Let's Plays or walkthroughs of games, but occasionally the rabbit hole will feed me vids like "Where do the Rivers in Hyrule actually go?" or "Where did the bombs actually hit in Fallout 4?". These videos really grab my attention, and the viewer retention on those types of videos are very high in my household.
some gaming content i've found myself enjoying recently is long form/minimal editing long form playthroughs, relaxing longplays of games like acnh or minecraft, and modded playthroughs of classics, plus video essays if you count that !
i've been watching y'all for years and adore your personalities (literally watching old videos to spark joy amidst literal homelessness at this point in my life) and i'm excited to see how you grow
First off I'd like to start by saying holy crap it's been far longer than I realized since I had started watching you.
I watched a TON of let's players back when I was younger and in school, but I think that in general the type of audience you had has grown past the ability to continue consuming that type of content in mass. Your fans are the same, but they've grown, and as such I feel you need to adapt to suit their needs better, which would include shorter form content.
Funnily enough, I started seeing you pop up in my UA-cam feed again about two weeks ago! In particular the short of Mal just waltzing through the blades in Clanker's Cavern. It made me realize I haven't actively watched you guys in YEARS, and I went through and watched a ton of your shorts afterwards, I seriously have missed watching!
That is to say I've moved on to different types of creators. Typically the type of video I watch is akin to the "UA-cam Essay" where someone writes a script and then talks over a heavily edited video. This tends to be the gaming variety, and my most watched channel nowadays is probably Alpharad, who tends to play a game on twitch, upload it to his vods channel, heavily edit it down, write a script, and then upload it to his main channel, he also has a channel dedicated to cutting videos into smaller more Let's Play style chunks where they edit more interesting bits from the streams into a more natural chunk with less dead time. You have pretty much the exact same setup, but are not executing it the same, and while it may be shameless to tell you to copy that format, I think it might be your path forward. What I'd expect to see from a modern successful StephenPlays would be a weekly, biweekly, or even monthly video in which you have edited down a particular project you decided would make a good video. It can be anything, but it would definitely require more forethought, and bigger playthroughs would likely have to remain off StephenPlays and be shunted off to the Vods channel. I think overall Dan would have just as much work if not more from you guys in terms of how you reorganize, and overall you would likely still be putting the same amount of effort into content creation you are now, but you can give yourself more frequent breaks depending on what project you decide to tackle. Some will be simpler than others.
I have missed watching you guys though, and am definitely going to poke my head around here more often because I want you guys to succeed. You've always been awesome. Best of luck!
If I may throw an idea to the wall, maybe altering how let's plays that are adapted from streams are done on the channel may be an idea. Perhaps having episodes be much longer in length, more edited though less frequent may be an idea. If I may pose a suggestion as a reference point, creators like RTGame do videos which are far longer, some even hours long, but cover large chunks of a game, which is especially handy if you're playing a long game.
Again, throwing ideas at the wall, hoping you find a good one that can stick. Have loved your content for the past 13 years of StephenPlays, looking forward to the future!
One of the things that might be a gold mine for content honestly is the fact that you have a entire wii library to use for gaming, it doesn't have to be a full let's play of them or a long video but maybe a review or a video about the game that people might not know about could entice some viewers.
My husband also pointed out that with let's play's sometimes people fear that they're behind on them if they're just jumping into like the current episode like episode 125 etc of TOTK or see how long a series is going for and be like "oh I'm way behind if i want to catch up, so i'm not even gonna bother etc" even editing out the number of the video and just making it a single series video might help out.
Good luck man, I've had to ask myself many of the same questions over the last few years. It's rough, but I've learned so much, had the courage to go a little further out of my comfort zone, and figure out other types of content that I enjoy making.
As for what I watch, I love deep dives into a specific series that the creator knows WAY too much about, and challenge or 100% runs cut down into a 1-2 hour video, both of which tend to do very well right now!
So first off yall are troopers and have so much respect for the work and dedication yall have made to the channel and this community. Im an adult now but ive been watching stephen plays since i was a kid! Now to give you the feedback a specific type of video game videos that i ALWAYS watch and love from content creators i follow are Pokemon nuzlockes and/or randomizer, and seeing as stephens leafgreen letsplay is one my favorites (seriously all my Bulbasaur's are Gregj and Pikachu's are Jitters now) i feel like you guys could really pull off that genre of games. You guys are great and i love y'all's videos!!
This probably isn’t a very useful answer to your question, but the gaming content I seek out on UA-cam are just vanilla, blind playthroughs of games. I’m so sad that the UA-cam algorithm is making it harder to find this stuff because that is all I want to watch. I would of course like to see what you could experiment with though. You could always do challenge runs of some sort, or even try making casual tier lists. For example, ranking all Pikmin enemies by how much pain they have caused you in the past. Whatever you decide to do, I’m looking forward to it.
I never thought about tier lists! Oh man, that's a great idea.
So the wraith from Pikmin 2 would be in its own tier, right?
@@adrianporter5749 yes, I’m guessing it would get its own tier. Not a creature, but I think water might be the highest on the list
I could see ranking videos doing extremely well. I feel like so many channels over the years have devolved (not necessarily negatively) into ranking-structure content. See: Joshua Weissman, Binging with Babish (especially recently) or Good Mythical Morning (although that style has gone well for them for a long time now).
I think something to heavily consider for new content that may help with keeping variety has a part of the channel identity is to highlight you and your personality more! Video essays is one big way, and you have a lot of knowledge of so many games that I think people would love to hear. One thing I'm almost surprised that isn't on the channel is a video walkthrough of your HUGE video game collection! Something else to consider are quick bite-size game reviews. Great example is the Advance Wars reboot, with an off the cuff review existing on the vlog channel, but not here.
As for things that I actively consume it gears more to challenges, quick reviews, guides, casual/competitive content, and video essays where people just talk about something they really love. Some specific creators would be like Max Dood, Shortcat, Pointless Hub, Core-A Gaming, and Cosmonaut Variety Hour.
Things I would like to see on the channel besides everything above, is seeing you and the crew play TF2! Half-Life, Portal 1/2, and L4D are all here, we just need TF2 lol.
It definitely blows to hear that you’re struggling right now, but I just know that you’ll be able to push through! Ever since I was introduced to your content through your Stray LP 2 years ago, I’ve loved watching your stuff on Twitch and here on StephenPlays, so I’ll always have your back!
And to answer your questions:
1. I’m an avid watcher of the Hermitcraft SMP, which is quite literally a big group of friends playing Minecraft together. That group includes some of the best Minecraft builders and redstoners on the platform, but the main draw for me is their sense of camraderie and how they really feel like friends whenever they interact and play together, kind of like with Stephen & Friends! So for me at least, I really do enjoy when big groups of friends hang out and do stuff together.
Edit: Adding to Question 1: I also like watching edited videos where someone just talks about stuff in the game since that is surprisingly intriguing, whether it's a full-blown video essay, or a smaller discussion. For example, as an avid Splatoon 3 enjoyer, I love watching ProChara's analysis of the game's meta and guides on how to play certain weapons. I feel like this style of video could be excellent for you to start experimenting in!
2. On that note, more multiplayer stuff with S&F could be fun, though I do understand if that may be inconvenient for the others to have to come together more times in the week. Maybe once Super Mario Party Jamboree releases this week, you guys can give it a whirl!
Stephen,
The love we all have for you and your channel!! I have checked it almost daily for 9 years.
#1 I watch expert content - someone 100% a game, someone sharing unknown details or nuances that I wouldn’t find myself an example is Chugga.
I’ve usually stuck to your more popular game installments and the attitude it what keeps me here. You are kind, funny and genuinely invested -more so than anyone else I watch.
#2 I would love to see more videography like the silly pikmin video you made or your short films. I’d also love to see more nuanced information - an example is I loved to see Mal run you through Chullip and a tighter genre of games (which goes against everything I loved about this channel for so many years!!)
I still watch Let's Play's from time to time as they're comforting to me and bring me back to when UA-cam was different then it is now. But now I mostly like to watch modded gaming content, like rom hacks, randomizers and such where games that I'm familiar with are played with a completely new light. I think randomizers in particular would work really well for the channel, and something else I'd like to suggest is to try a test stream on UA-cam and see if it's something you'd want to consider doing more of in the future. I wish you, Mal and everyone the best of luck moving forward!
Agreed with this one on the idea of randomizers, not only is it a new fresh experience, but they're highly replayable too, which caters to that idea to stick with one or two games that the partner suggested.
As a long-time supporter from the shadows - I genuinely am so supportive of the changes you want to do !! I am excited to see them and am very hopeful that good things head your way!
Things I watch on UA-cam are typically longer videos about player's experiences with games (think JaidenAnimations, Alpharad), reactions to different types of content (think ur internet mom ash, Ajay Deluxe), and, I am a huge fan of video essays (think Mike's Mic, Izzzyzz). Seeing you make longer content (outside of lifestreams on Twitch) would be great! I think also, if you tackled any of these formats in videos would be amazing, considering you have so much lore (hehe) and a wonderful community to back you and everyone else in the crew.
ALGORITHM
Just scrolled through my subscription list and it's y'all and like. Scishow, cooking shows, Bernadette Banner, etc. 99% educational (ish) content and GeorgCorp. Just happy to still be watching 12(!) years later.
waow... 479001600 years...
@@npenplzlove some stats humor
Hey! I'm a very long time viewer, of the channel (started in 2014), and in the past couple years organically grew a small channel off of molding my livestreams into content. In my opinion, it would be really cool to see you try combining an entire past LP into a few hour long recap, and maybe add in behind the scenes tidbits throughout. Very long videos like that can do really well and you have a huge back catalog to work from. GL on your channel, you've been a huge inspiration for me
Love the variety gaming channels but definitely watch long form content (streams, long gaming videos like 1 hr +) but will watch anything from you guys
I'm glad that y'all aren't letting this get you down!! I've been a viewer since the college days, mainly lurking around, y'know how it is. It'll be sad to see the old reliable format go away, but I'm also excited about what it'll bring!!
In terms of gaming content (aside from the couple let's play channels I still watch), I mainly frequent things like stream VODS, challenges and video essays. VODS have the fun of the stream, but the convenience of a video, challenges let people show off their knowledge and skills at a particular game(s) and video essays allow for people who are passionate about a subject to just yap about it, and I enjoy that!! Smaller videos that talk about fun gaming tidbits, trivia, backgrounds, collections, etc are also on my radar when they appear, and I think that's something that you'd be particularly good at, Stephen. You have so many games and so much knowledge and experience with gaming as a whole that, along with you and Dan's stellar filming and editing skills, I think this form of content would work really well over here. These kinds of videos take a while to make sometimes, don't get me wrong, but it might be worth trying since you're looking (being forced to, really) to branch out!!
Whatever you all decide to do, I feel like it'll lead into a brighter future for the channel. Good luck!!
I find myself watching your VODs on StephenVOD lately because I like watching very long form content and the vibe you, Mal and chat make, but other than that I usually gravitate to watching content based on who makes it and not necessarily watching it because of the topic, I've noticed that my feed has lately been pushing more "educational" content, either STEM, videogames or sports, usually being in a documentary series style (e.i. Bobby Broccoli).
Thank you Stephen for all you and your team do for making exceptional content.
I like seeing a lot of the games you play specifically with Mal. Seeing you game together as husband and wife is my joy. In terms of other gaming content I watch it tends to just fluctuate with the newer games coming out that I may not have a console for.
Agreed! It might be fun to see a “Stephen VS. Mal” type of discussion video or something where they have different opinions on a video game or an aspect of it and then they each plead their case lol
OR one of them could try to explain the lore of a game to the other who has no idea about it
Question 1: Challenge supercuts and video essays are typically what I watch the most. In terms of watching you specifically, though, I do consistently watch let's plays and VODs and I do so probably more regularly than the average person due to the fact that I always put them on autoplay at night. I need background noise to sleep, and I always watch something before I go to bed. So what I end up doing is playing an episode or VOD I left off on every night, and then it just plays from there overnight. The next day I'll go back to the last episode or segment I remember actively paying attention to and let it play from there. Rinse and repeat until I finish actively watching a whole series. I've watched all of Pikmin 4 and all the Metroid games by doing this in the last month or so, so you may have noticed a small but consistent increase in views on those series in particular over the last few months. I'm probably part of the reason why!
Question 2: As far as what I'd like to see you, Mal, and the whole & Friends crew do? As you said, sky's the limit. Personally, I think it'd be really interesting to see you revisit some of the games that mean the most to you and spice it up with a new challenge or perspective. The EarthBound boogie tent race with Mal from a few years back is a good example. It's always fun to see you do new things with games I already deeply associate you with.
We might be the same person lol. But also I want to second the idea of things like the Earthbound race because that was so unique and so fun, I still rewatch it 😂
Very excited for experiments and new things, looking at the positives and wish you the best of luck
Video game content I watch besides let's plays:
1. Video essays on games
2. Challenge runs on games
3. Reviews of interesting looking games
I have been watching this channel since 2013 when I was 11 and pretty much grew up with y'all. I actually watch the vlogs more now than the gaming and see that the subs and views are catching up to stephenplays! This might be a good thing in the grander scheme since it might have a higher ceiling for UA-cam?
But on the topic of what gaming content I watch, I really just watch edited down, but still long form, vods from twitch streams with newer 'hot" and trending games like, recently, disco Elysium. I know you guys show games you enjoy but I do agree with another commenter that said sometimes there are just too many episodes in a series. For example nearly 184 in tears of kingdom, more than 200 in botw, and even 69 in starfield. I love you guys but I'm a young adult zoomer and in 2024 I feel my attentions span and how much time I can dedicate makes a new year long let's play unfeasible for practically any game.
This is just my opinion and like I said I am a huge fan and have been for 9 years. I probably have spent more time on your UA-cam videos than studying for school tests and I just graduated college.
Cheers.
I only use my sub feed and my home feed. I love the more freeform games you do, like Codenames and tabletop simulator stuff (especially 1000 Blank White Cards)
I am saddened the format is changing, but I'm glad you're keeping a positive attitude! It's gonna be a little difficult to adjust for sure, but I can't wait to see the new ideas! You asked what I like to watch gaming related, and I'm into and longer format videos, like an entire playthrough of a game condensed into one video. I also like challenge runs, where you play a game with a restriction to make it harder. I don't expect these ideas to actually come to the channel, but it's food for thought. I'm excited for what direction you decide to take this channel, but no rush! Keep experimenting!
I like to watch randomizers and rom hacks of classic games. I'd love to see you take on a oot randomizer.
Stephen, your channels got me through my teen years. As I've gotten older I have less and less free time and watch a lot less youtube now, but I always come back and check in with you to see how things are going. I was always worried that the algorithim changes would be detrimental to your channels, but have been really glad to see you've been keeping it up this long, and are still adapting and changing to continue your content. Not all of my favorite channels survived the Great Purge, so I wish you the continued best of luck in all your endeavors. Now, to answer your two questions:
1) I really don't watch much gaming content anymore, but there is 1 channel who has his own format and way of doing things that I watch very consistently and that's videogamedunkey. In addition to his humor, one of the main reasons for this is that his videos are usually under 10 minutes. For me, the length of videos might be the most important aspect. I used to love binging your 40 minute episodes of Skyrim when I was a teenager, but as an adult, I just don't have that kind of time anymore. The other thing I look for usually is if a group of friends are playing, which is why I'll still tune in for things like your GTA online videos. The community of friends is a fun and wholesome thing to watch. And lastly, I suppose I prioritize newer games. GTA is timeless, but it would be fun to see you and your friends take on newer games together, like Helldivers 2 or Space Marine 2, just to name some multiplayer games that are popular as I write this comment. It would've been great to see you guys do Lethal Company when that was hot!
2) I guess the only idea I have would be short, concise video game reviews (I'm thinking like 5-10 minute videos). If you get early access to a game, and can play it for a bit and put out a review before or around the time the game comes out, that is 100% something I would be interested in, and would watch.
Regardless, I'll be staying tuned, and excited to see what it is you put out. I've never seen a UA-camr work as hard as you do, so I know you'll find a way to make things work. Sending all my love to you, Mal, the rest of the Georg family, Dan, and everyone else who's apart of making your videos. Thanks again for all the memories, and here's to all the ones yet to come 🍻
It's sad you have to change but I love the mentality you are taking into it. The gaming content I consume most regularly is usually trying something different with games (speed running, modding, challenges, stuff along that line). I think that's why I cling onto the Mario 64 vs Nuggets video you did. The more unique the idea, the better I've seen it do on the platform. (I know thats very vague but its all I have).
a long time lurker, I finally break my silent ways to help answer your question of "what gaming content do you seek?" I absolutely love finding reviews/video essays/short let's plays of games I have never heard of, especially cult classics (I learned so much about Earthbound from you/this channel) or just different/fun videos of more well-known games that give them a breath of fresh air. I would love to see a return of First 20, and more things like the Boogey Tent Race or the unique setup of your Link's Awakening LP! I hope this info helps, and I really hope this channel finds a way to thrive!
These days aside from your streams I’m watching a lot of game retrospectives and reviews like NitroRad or Ceave Perspective, though I know the algorithm doesn’t particularly favour this style either, but your bonus video showing off the secrets and hints of Outlaws was a great taste of your style of that kind of breakdown analysis and I’d love to see more! I’ve really appreciated everything you guys make, and have fond memories of stuff like Uncle Stephen’s Egg Collect. If this change means more unique fun and new content from your team, I’m totally on board.
Hell yeah on Nitro Rad
I gotta say, my viewing habits have changed almost entirely. I watch zero LetsPlays at this point, including livestreams. But this channel is I literally the only one I still come back to and watch regularly. Usually for the stuff like Stephen + Friends that’s more self contained.
The video game videos I watch at this point are pretty much all one off challenges (Skyrim and BG3 mostly), sometimes video essay-ish formats, and occasionally general tutorials. I’m generally willing to sit through a 15-40 minute self contained video that has some kind of story holding it together.
No matter what you do, I’m excited to see it. Been watching here and the vlog for 10-ish years and I’m planning to stick around regardless of what changes!
Personally i like to watch more chaotic gaming videos. randomizers, challenges, things where chat controls the game, weird ways to play games. I also absolutely enjoy very long heavily edited videos where someone just plays through a whole game just all put into one videos that highlights the best and their favorite moments and any story bits.
definitely excited. i rewatch chulip so many times a year it’s not even funny, i’m glad that helps a little bit lmao. y’all are the only lets players i still actively watch, but video essays are my primary source of gaming content. i think it might be really cool to see you guys do that! your massive catalogue of games might be useful in that
I’ve been watching game video essays recently (ThaRixer, Liam Triforce, Razbuten, Sunmoning Salt). I find that sometimes those types of videos from smaller creators show up on my feed more regularly than episodic content. I feel like you could do similar things on your channel. I’m not sure if the increased production costs/time would be worth it for you though. Looking forward to the new types of content. I haven’t watched in a while because you’ve been playing games I wish to play in the future and I don’t want to spoil myself. My wife and I really enjoyed your Moon play through though. I also have enjoyed the q&a shorts you’ve been doing on the vlog channel. Hope things change for the better for you guys :)
Same. Love to see Stephen and Mal do video game essays
My main gaming content consumption tends to be:
1) let’s plays split into parts, additional preference for blind/first playthroughs but those are hard to find
2) ‘challenges’, usually the highlights of them but I don’t mind watching long form stuff.
3) stream highlights of playthroughs, such as how RTgame does.
Oh my gosh - I had no idea StephenVOD existed. I'm heading over there right now. Thoughtful story or atmospheric playthroughs are the only gaming content I watch.
The daily uploads are an achievement. I support their retirement, too. Content oversaturation is crazy and when I fall behind, it makes me feel like I could never catch up!
Much love to both you and Mal ,>; (I'd watch the heck out of that! So much shenanigan's you guys could get up to!) Plus it would feel very reminiscent of your Fallout and Skyrim playthroughs. AND (one last thing, I swear lol) Patch 7 just recently came out and that's gonna be the last major content update for the game, so you'd be getting the full experience as well as the audience of people who have a renewed interest bc of said updates. B)
That's my two cents! Idk how much will be helpful, but I hope it helps add to your data! o7
Do more skits with games I loved it when you make little skits
There are pretty much three kinds of gaming content I watch here on UA-cam: long-form video essays, challenge runs, and social play. I love Stephen And Friends and watch it every week, but I honestly can't remember the last time I watched a Let's Play from anyone.
Doing something different on this channel is definitely the way to go, since I think that most people, myself included, would rather watch the stream vods instead of edited-down playthroughs, despite how good Dan's editing is. I'm super excited for what's coming here in the future!
As for you two questions, the gaming content I watch on UA-cam is mainly let's plays, still, weather they are blind or detailed. I grew up watching them, and seeing the format declining over the past few years has been heartbreaking. I also like videos that talk about obscure old games, their history, and why it's important to remember them, no matter their quality. I'm sure you have quite a bit of those in your collection, and I'd love to see you make some videos like these.
Whatever happens on this channel, I'll be here to see it! Thank you for all the content you continue to put out, and I hope that we find a way to make this channel profitable for you again :D
I watch a lot of randomizer content (mainly Zelda), as well as a lot of challenge runs (Dark Souls, Pokemon Nuzlockes). These videos can kind of feel like an evolutions of Lets Plays to me. I would also like to see longer form video essay-type videos from you guys, just based on the kind of games I've watched you talk about over the years. Best of luck to you both!
Stephen, I realize this kind of goes against what you’re going to try now, but might I suggest creating a brand new long term Minecraft survival mode LP?
The old one was a beta-to-full release playthrough, while a new one would be within the context of all the new updates that we’ve gotten since, such as the up and coming Pale Forest.
I’m not saying go full Minecraft channel, I know you’d hate that. Just throwing the idea on the table.
As a frequent viewer who has been around since the early 2010s, here's some things I would love to see from StephenPlays going forward.
More than anything, Dungeons and Dragons (or other TTRPG) content! I know you spoke of it a fair while ago and unless I missed it, I'm not sure anything came of it yet. Perhaps you were always working on it, but in general, that's something I'd love to see. Whether a full campaign, clips from play, one shots, etc.
I would love a return of First20, or something similar. It was very good short form content which someone could watch in a low commitment way. Some people may not watch an LP because it's a time and content commitment, so small content like this could be good.
In terms of the things I normally watch actively these days on UA-cam, it would be DND (mainly Critical Role) and full Skyrim playthroughs (usually vods of entire playthroughs). So I do appreciate long form content more than most, but that's the honest answer.
It's been a bad move from UA-cam. Gaming brought UA-cam into the mainstream, which in turn, made many more gamers. Why are gaming UA-camrs being punished for continuing to do what made the platform great?
Why was it great? Well, I used to do Let's plays and had about 300 subscribers. Some of those people became close friends of mine, but I stopped because there was pretty much no growth to justify the time it took to produce videos.
Anyway, best of luck with the changes, been a fan for a long LONG time and I look forward to the new content and "wild ideas"!
You know, over the last decade or so, I've introduced so many friends to your channel. For any newer fans of Stephen, check out the Twilight Princess playthrough they did, it's brilliant! Another couple LPs I still re-watch at least once a year from Stephen and Mal are the Skyrim LP, Chulip of course, GTA V is another banger!
Because they are pedos like mr beast or miniladd
First, I'm glad you guys still make content after all these years. I don't watch everything like I use to, but I always go back to some series when I need comfort and I get to see games I've never got to play.
As far as game content, I love card games, and even though there's some shake-up in one of the formats right now, Magic the Gathering is one I watch commonly. But right now seems to be a good age of the trading card game. I'd suggest looking into that.
First things first: I find it incredibly admirable that you stuck to a regular content upload schedule for as long as you did despite UA-cam making it more and more difficult for you to carve out a meaningful niche, to me that says an incredible deal about how you cared for your existing audience, their expectations, and the qualities that ought to be expected in content creation.
This is not my first time posting on one of these channel updates, as I know I left a long message on the last one, but my sentiments are largely the same. I am not afraid of your taking new license with how you produce gaming content because your voice as a creator is strong and driven towards creativity, levity, and quality (a rarity on the internet today). I did not see that voice change after the last channel update, and I expect that it won’t change after this one.
To answer your questions, I originally started watching in 2013 with the Pokemon Leaf Green series (I believe while it was still releasing in its original run). I was a teenager then, and am now 27. Today, the amount of gaming content I consume has winnowed significantly because I am busier, but the one thing, and I mean the ONE THING that keeps me using UA-cam more than anything else, and practically the only gaming content I still watch, is the “&Friends” Series. I will watch new episodes as they come out, and I often rewatch old episodes of my favorite games (Jackbox, BrokenPicturephone, 1KBWC, Golf With Your Friends, GTA Online). In my opinion, this is the regular-style of gaming content where you have something really unique to offer: well produced multiplayer gameplay videos that shows how many of these games can be fully utilized, and games that showcase the astonishing creativity and humor of you and your group of friends. The other advantage, I would imagine, is that while it’s very difficult to record or produce content like this for a stream, it still makes sense on UA-cam because it’s much easier to show multiple perspectives or cut out long set up times. It’s much easier to play a game myself rather than watch someone play it now, but I can’t replicate the easy rapport that you and your friends have, and the unique style each person brings. If StephenPlays were just &Friends 2-3 times a week and whatever new stuff you care to try, I would not complain.
I still occasionally watch/re-watch classic Let’s Plays, and some newer ones if the game interests me, but that is more often the exception, and while I may mourn the decline of the format on UA-cam, I do feel like longer video game playthroughs make more sense on Twitch, and you have done excellent work making that format feel familiar and fresh.
While I may not be the type of highly active internet user to which you may want to reshape your content to fit, I hope my thoughts prove helpful, and I know you will continue to do interesting things ❤
The biggest thing that made me watch less let's plays in general, not only yours, is having less time to do so as I've grown older and my focus switching towards more informative content.
I've glossed over the vlogs to stay in the loop, and tried to watch extra life when I could.
I wish you the best, I see many UA-camrs struggling at the whims of the algorithms. Pivoting to livestreams and making VOD highlights seems to be the solution that works well for most.
There are two sides to what I watch from your channel in particular:
1) games I've never seen before - the first let's play I watched from you was The Shape shifting Detective, and then went back and checked out stuff like Chulip
2) Stephen & Friends - the pleasant vibes and mix of humour are fun
From other channels, I'm mostly lost media or small technical details (basically short video essays). I used to watch a lot more Let's Plays, but as I've gotten older I can't dedicate each night to catching up on 4 or more different series.
i cant wait to see what all you have brewing, i think its going to usher in a new era for the channel!
and to answer your questions:
1. I usually seek out more intimate gaming videos from series I like where they talk a lot about the game in question in great detail, things like reviews, retrospectives, mysteries & obscure trivia, development histories, and especially accounts and stories of people playing these games, and their experiences with them (a good hypothetical example were if you were to make some sort of Earthbound retrospective, or a video talking about how much the series means to you, and how it's shaped your life as it is now).
2. i could answer this by just saying the exact type of video i described in my first answer, but to give you some variety: I would love to see more of first20!! it was my favorite series, and I especially loved the sillier ones (like the photoshop first20 and minesweeper first20), but i also think it would be really cool for you to showcase some lesser known indie games, exploring uncharted territory sounds fun to watch, and leaves your viewers with some really cool game recommendations!
(bonus answer: i really enjoyed the puzzles in real time series, i know it was an april fools joke that took probably way more effort than it was worth, but it was AMAZING, more weird and unheard of stuff, especially bits and skits like that would totally be a hit with me too!!)
So to answer your two questions as a fan for over a decade. Bear in mind I am now 30 and may not be the target demographic anymore.
1 - I enjoy video essays about video games. Things that are around that 20 - 60 minute length and cover topics (off the top of my head) like "Why Zelda has a long lasting appeal". Stuff that is opinionated but researched. You and Mal have a very interesting and varied taste in games. Let's hear some more opinions maybe? I know that type of content has been done a lot on here, but it's for good reason! Especially from you guys as I consider you and Mal to be veterans of UA-cam gaming at this point.
2 - As well as what I mentioned before, what about trying some videos pertaining to Gaming and UA-cam. For example, a well edited and informative video by you guys discussing or detailing the history of the Let's Play? Or maybe topics that speak about games that got big through UA-cam? Just a couple of ideas.
Also, I know it's been done to death, but some ranking, tier list and top 10 videos would be fun. They usually have high viewer retention (good for the evil algorithm!) and can be easier to produce in-between longer projects? One last suggestion is something I absolutely love watching, deep diving into a new game or series etc. "I played every Pokemon game in existence" for a crude example. The issue again would be the staggering amount of work needed to document, play, record and produce such videos but if one of those videos got pushed out by the algorithm, who knows what it could do to your channel!
Sorry for the long comment, hopefully it doesn't get lost in the comment section. I'm a huge fan of you guys and as an older viewer, I might have a slightly different perspective. I hope you get to read this and share your own thoughts. :)
(Ps, use social media a little more! I don't always get your videos in my subscription box but I'm always on Instagram, seeing you and Mal pop up there a little more often would remind me and others to check in on you!)
I found you because of an Assassin's Creed: Revelations DLC let's play video; I think I can say no one else has found you like that and stuck around, haha. But I like let's plays on UA-cam. I ADORE the Twitch streams and it's why I've stuck around, and plus I found the vlogs. But I like it better than the highlights, because it's not skipping things, no matter how much I enjoy Dan's editing.
But I will always stick around, and I look forward to what innovations are coming!
i’m sorry you guys are being put in this position :( your videos have been with me from middle school till my university years, and it makes me sad that things have to change because of youtube’s weird algorithm…. but i know this isn’t the end for the channel or the content, and it is exciting that you can start to experiment more and see what new things you can come up with :) i hope things will get better, and i hope you can make it work with something that still reflects the heart of the channel!!! you and mal are my favorite creators, and that will never change
Hey Stephen! I really want to see this channel continue so here’s my answers to your questions.
1. Right now I watch 4 main types of gaming content. video essays, reaction/commentary videos (sometimes these are also video essays), playthroughs, and funny multiplayer games (usually longform twitch vods). I see a ton of growth in the video essay/commentary genres at least when it comes to what gets recommended to me. Some gaming and gaming-adjacent creators that ive found through youtube recommendations in the past couple years: Izzzyzzz, supereyepatch wolf and regular eyepatchwolf, Li Speaks, liss the lass, lilsimsie. Maybe the formats they are doing helps, no idea
2. Would love to see a video essay from you and i think you would do it well, even if its just a tier list of favorite games. i listen to stuff like that all day like a podcast. Or a video covering some niche topic on a game i’ve never heard of, a chulip video essay that someone could watch in an hour and learn about the game would probably grow faster than the lets play these days. I always get excited seeing IRL content on stephenplays too because i know it will be something interesting. Maybe a funny tour of your collection? playing the weirdest games in your library? Stephenplays and the rest of the stephencorp channels are really special to me, I hope things only go up from here.
I think the type of gaming content that I personally most often gravitate towards what I'd call "gaming analytical" content, the stuff like Pannenkoek2012, Bismuth, SummoningSalt, Kosmic, or Adef would produce that takes a gaming idea, theme, concept, or speedrun or category, and condenses it to make it digestible to someone either loosely familiar or unfamiliar with the topic. The kind of "video essay" stuff related to game content that ranges from short to long depending on the topic and level of depth. I read another comment that said you could do a dive into the lore of the Mother series and I think that's probably a great example of this kind of content that I think might work pretty well for you. I also think that this style of content has a higher chance of going viral, though I'd say it does so less often or to a lesser scale than non-gaming related video essays.
To add onto this, even now one of my recommended videos to watch next is "TAS Explained: Super Mario Bros. 3 in 0.2 seconds" which is only a matter of time before I inevitably click it, it's the exact style of video I'm referring to here.
You're the main "LPer" channel I watch. I've been watching the channel since Portal/Minecraft season! I love seeing the growth of the channel from this baby to what it is now! I'm not sure how I would feel about it changing, but I know it will obviously, but just something we all kinda grew together with and it's just a weird time.
But for your questions, in general-
1. I just like watching gaming content. (i.e. oxhorn for fallout lore videos I use sometimes as sleep aid). I enjoy watching CJUGames as the style he makes his videos. I like watching videos as in Retro Game Corps as his tech videos for emulation and emulators.
2.i personally would like to see some "BTS" of some let's plays from the past or maybe some "Lore" type series that someone like me could use as sleep aid cause just something about the way someone is talking in "a lore video" is just somehow calming for me. Or release some mash ups of "greatest ofs".. example "greatest laughter moments of staphenplays Skyrim" or something like that.
I enjoy just hearing y'all talk and some lore type videos would make my inner child of fan would be happy. But also some form of podcast would be amazing to listen to at work.
Have you considered live streaming on UA-cam as well as Twitch?
That's a good point. Jerod has found a way to do both simultaneously with both chats on screen, it might not work as well for Stephen's content but might be worth exploring.
this! I much prefer watching youtube streams because I have a premium sub (no ads without having to subscribe to individual streamers hell yeah) and I like being able to rewind and fast forward
That’s one way of handling it ; but that’s not _quite_ what I meant @@BlameThande. There’s one channel I watch who does *most* of her content on Twitch, but she live streams _Fallout_ exclusively on UA-cam on Sundays. Don’t know how that works for her channel(s). But it’s a suggestion.
@BlameThande Probably Restream? I know people have used that but idk about Jerod specifically. But I'd definitely watch more streams from Stephen if he also streamed on UA-cam because I have UA-cam Premium so no ads for me. Twitch ads are just awful.
If you subscribe to the channel on Twitch you don’t get ads@@zacharyw213. I am not a subscriber to his twitch channel, but I do follow. There’s another twitch channel that has his ads set to the very minimum possible & you still get preroll ads & then ads 5 minutes later. I think Stephen has his twitch channel set to the *maximum* possible because of the number of ads twitch puts in per break. That’s a little overboard. Although I get it, he’s using streaming as a business where as the other guy is not. On UA-cam you can skip the ads if you’re afraid you’ll miss too much of the stream, but Twitch makes you suffer through them & just wonder what you are missing.
I absolutely love watching your content. You all do an amazing job with every video you produce. You and Mal are so much fun to watch, no matter what game you play through. Some of my favorite content, though, is the Stephen and Friends content. You all are hilarious in those videos. I really enjoy Broken Picturephone and 1000 Blank White Cards. I also really love watching you and Mal play through older games, as well as rewatching the older videos where you tried board games together. Sometimes your most random ideas for videos are the most interesting to watch, such as your April Fools’ Day videos. I do enjoy the idea that was shared in one of your golf videos about starting a podcast, I think that would be very interesting to listen to. Lastly, I think you could do something almost along the lines of First20, where you could try short multiplayer games with your friends. All in all, you guys do absolutely amazing work and you are by far my favorite channel to watch.
Hey I have been watching you and Mel for over a decade I was 11 years old now I'm 23 years old
(Mal)
@@PalPlays my bad
To answer the question, as a long time viewer (having also introduced you guys to my husband, who is from Ohio, and have you been the teachers of America to a British viewer) I watch long series[so, series like Skyrim and Chulip], short videos on games [would kinda wanna see you do Fireworks Mania with Mal for the fun], and group playing content [Golf With Your Friends is an example i can think of] so basically what you already do. My husband and I binge your content when we can, and watching anything you produce has been a wonderous joy. I'm working to be a content creator myself, and I've learned so much from you and Mal, and your other friends. I'm excited to see this new evolution to the channel, i also just hope you don't mind my husband and I watching old series that have always been so fun to watch.