Neon Gorilla's State of the Channel 2025

[@I_Saw_Stars]

This channel is my new favourite. I feel super excited every time I see you post. I feel like people just need to find you and they'll be hooked. Hopefully you'll hit a precipice where things tip and you go gang busters :) I edit videos for my job so I understand just how much of a grind you are putting in. I just want to say that I, for one, would be sad if this channel disappeared. Unfortunately, the best way to grow would likely be working with or getting mentioned by other channels (opinion of course). And I think I remember you saying that's not really a tactic you have at your disposal. Hopefully getting earlier access to games from publishers will give you the boost you need! I have faith 🙏 Anyway, I wish you luck. I hope 2025 is the year of Neon Gorilla!

[@adamburnagemusic]

Agree! Really like the content you’re making and keep different. Understandable it must be hard but hop you stay confident. I think for example your elder scrolls stuff alongside robs gaming is the best available. Why no Burncycle plays? 😊

[@Neon_Gorilla]

There is a Burncycle play out there. It got very little traction so I steered away

[@Neon_Gorilla]

Thank you! A few other channels have reached out and I should probably make the time to collaborate

[@adamburnagemusic]

@@Neon_Gorilla ah okay I can’t find it then. I saw you did the unboxing. I get it though not much love for it sadly

[@josephlastname6240]

A couple thoughts: #1. Your editing is Fantastic. #2. I literally bough SETI this weekend because of you. It been on my radar for a while but your video was what sold /encouraged me to do so. #3. I do like list / ranking videos. But I do really link your angles on things. #4. I have (well… I guess had lol) zero interest in Elder Scrolls but now I thinking about maybe getting it. I have not played Too Many Bones before, but if it improves a lot of things, then could be a solid entry. I did something similar with Sleep Gods (just going straight to Distant Skies) and have no regrets. Only thing holing back is I need to be more sure as it is pretty expensive. Your videos do make a difference! I hope things keep picking up for you. Your health comes first though!

[@Neon_Gorilla]

Thank Joseph, I hope I steer you in the right direction more often than not.

[@MDJ0983]

I actually picked up Elder Scrolls as my first Chip Theory game. I'm absolutely loving it, but just know it's a game that will take up a lot of your time. On another note, the Dized app tutorial is great for a first timer. Enjoy SETI, I got it due to the videos and played last night and really enjoyed it.

[@piefcake1]

Just discovered your channel at the end of ‘24. Love the editing and your point of view on games is different from others love the Arcs review and how you took a different angle of how you do reviews. Understand the work put into it and thanks for your content glad I found it!

[@Neon_Gorilla]

Welcome aboard and thanks for giving the channel a try!

[@BanterandBoards]

Hey! Fellow board game content creator here! First off I really enjoy your videos and I have been subscribed to you for a while! Second, I really appreciate this update video as ultimately we want to create content about things we love but at the end of the day, to create it requires: money, time, and effort. Which is worth it for sure! But after you do that for a while you come to a crossroad where you ask….is it sustainable? We all have to pay bills, we all have to work jobs, can this take a load off of some work or will this just be a creative endeavor that ends up taking more time and at time be an extra load? Eventually with growth, a content creator will have to decide if they want this to be a business or a hobby. Each comes with their own approach and their own audience! There’s no wrong decision, it’s just the one you’ll have to make that feels right for you! As a fellow creative I empathize with ya but just know I love your work and will be with ya either way!

[@Neon_Gorilla]

Thank you for the kind words and perspective.

[@Hansi251]

Thanks for the update! I hope you find motivation to continue this channel project! And even more I hope you get to a point where you can spend most of your energy on videos you actually want to make, whatever makes that possible. One of the reasons why I enjoy your channel so much is the uniqueness of your videos. I joined because of gearloc deep dives and was thrilled by the TES builds. I cannot think of many other channels that do build like videos for boardgames.

[@Neon_Gorilla]

Yeah I wish the build videos did better but the really kill the reach of future videos. I have thought about a second channel to house stuff like that

[@Triston_Yocom]

I’m happy to see the enjoyment come back a bit & the channel growth on the up as well! Honestly the discord has been amazing & is the only boardgame discord I am active in at all. I’m excited to see how the channel does this year

[@Neon_Gorilla]

Thanks Triston!

[@kungpow108]

You're videos are great! and bring a refreshing take to the board game space. I prefer your channel over most with the same spin over and over again. I used to have a hiking channel for about, but it was unmotivating for me and got burned out. I prefer just doing the hikes rather than spending time on the videos. Mine weren't even well edited either.

[@Neon_Gorilla]

I love hiking and thought about doing the same thing…I even did a camp/hiking video with game reviews. Ultimately I decided that I would hate to ruin that experience with having to manufacture a video while doing it. I hate the idea of setting up a camera and walking past it.

[@bitsandbiology]

Fantastic video, as usual. The SETI video is on my "watch later" list, especially since I watched your Arnak video and know how much you enjoy that one. I'm sorry to hear about your burnout in November/December. I understand the moments during editing of wondering why you're putting so much effort into it. So many things you said in this video that I relate to. I think people underestimate the value of their comments to content creators. It would be very difficult to keep going without the occasional positive feedback in the comments.

[@Neon_Gorilla]

This is true, I think the fact that there is so much content for free it really dilutes the value and many don’t realize what type of time and effort goes into this. So the few that do and comment really feels “rare” and valuable to us.

[@elikurtz729]

Thank you so much! Always looking forward to the insights you care to share with us! Really enjoy your style and think your edits are top notch! :D No matter what you decide in the end I do hope you have a fun year! :D

[@Neon_Gorilla]

Appreciate that!

[@LarimoreStudios]

Love this video and love your candor! Finding a balance of creating things that you enjoy but actually having a ROI for time spent is so challenging! No matter what you decided, you do great work!

[@Neon_Gorilla]

Thanks Gregy Baby!

[@freebordor]

I think it all matters on what your goal is. If enjoyment is your goal, you’ll likely have to sacrifice the $$$$ because pushing out content will turn your hobby into a job. If your goal is $$$$, then come to grips with this is a job. It will likely cost more from you than it’s worth. Best of luck in figuring out what you want for yourself and your channel! You can feel proud that you’ve created a small community that has come together to enjoy what they love. I’m still down for that TTS game of Arcs!

[@Neon_Gorilla]

Yeah the nature of this whole things is not a very good business model :)

[@MattP-m5x]

I’m a subscriber and a big fan of your content. Thank you for your hard work! I’m also a content creator in a completely different space. Here’s my completely unsolicited opinion: it seems a pain point you’ve expressed multiple times is length of editing time required for your videos. I, for one, don’t watch your videos for the editing (though it is impressive). I watch for the passionate opinions / observations / takes / and humor. I’d suggest that most Dice Tower videos (with 365k subscribers) are lightly edited at best. Alex, from BoardgameCo seems to just spout out his videos in one take, perhaps with some minor B Roll footage - I personally really enjoy his content. Maybe you would feel unburdened if you simply spoke your mind, heartfelt, into your camera on a regular basis, with very light editing. You’d be able to produce more regular content in a much shorter time frame as well. Maybe even a mix of no / light editing videos with the occasional editing masterpiece with all the bells and whistles? AND, conversely, if you actually are passionate about the editing part, maybe put together a paid online editing course? I certainly don’t know how you edit so cleanly like you do with all the graphic bells and whistles. Just some thoughts. Content creation is a tough hobby / passion / job any way you slice it. Hope you keep it up!

[@RyanOConnellCFA]

Great to see you making a comeback and the thumbnail on this video was awesome! Goodluck on 2025 and I don't think many people will mind if you get sponsors. I certainly don't mind

[@Neon_Gorilla]

Thanks, and I really do love that thumbnail as well

[@BillyIndiana]

I hope you have a great 2025!

[@Neon_Gorilla]

You too Billy, btw how about them Dodgers!!!

[@BillyIndiana]

​@@Neon_Gorilla they will be must see tv!

[@basdevries2459]

An honest video, which is just a sign of who you are imo. I've been following your video's since last year and most of them have been a blast of enthousiastic and original entertainment. I agree most of the time with your views on most games and if not I still enjoy watching your video's. Keep them coming in the tempo that suits you best!.. And on topic of your John Company 'problem' I would advise to dive into Pax Pamir 2. I think it's a gorgeous and original game that sit's in my top 10 of all time. It even plays great solo!

[@Neon_Gorilla]

@@basdevries2459 thank you and Pax Pamir is one of the “older” videos I am considering eventually as well. I am excited to play it when I get a chance

[@babylonsfall7]

I really have enjoyed your content and encourage you to keep it up as long as It benefits you as a creator, especially with respect to your free time. This needs to be something that you love to do and I can tell you like it for the most part and are having a good time.

[@justinspanbauer2153]

This is a great channel - mental health and burnout is hard and I understand if and when you need to change things or take a break but right now I think you’re doing awesome.

[@Neon_Gorilla]

Thank you Justin!

[@kimklisiak6421]

Love your videos, doing it in a way this is more meaningful to you will be a bit slower growth then going the standard route of what is popular, but you will get there!!!! Journey before Destination!!!!

[@Neon_Gorilla]

This feels like quite the journey :) thanks Kim

[@JKadenHarding]

Please dont take this the wrong way, but all of our lives will be ok if you continue to make board game videos or not. Whatever you choose to do, I hope you find the path that brings you the most happiness! For what its worth, though, Ive really enjoyed seeing your journey. I first started watching your TMB playthroughs over a year ago and keep coming back to your content (even if Im not as interested in that particular game/idea) because of the quality of your videos and your refreshing perspective.

[@Neon_Gorilla]

@@JKadenHardingphew now I can stop knowing you all will be ok…don’t take that last statement the wrong way ;)

[@megalodon2012]

I will never understand the stigma around paid content. Everyone has personal bias whether there is money involved or not. If you need to do paid content to help keep the channel sustainable going forward, do it. No shame in that at all.

[@eduardoserpa1682]

Exactly. Everyone should be very open about their own biases and preferences anyway, and this is just an extension of that.

[@eduardoserpa1682]

@@nitro1048 I'm pretty sure they're talking about sponsored content, not exclusive videos.

[@Neon_Gorilla]

I think the argument is: If I do paid content for a publisher and then go and review a game from the same publisher that paid me to do a preview for a different game, I might feel the pressure to pull a few punches in order to make sure that they consider me for future paid content.

[@elqord.1118]

All channels arrive at this point, don’t they. It’s always the same thing. Before you know it we are back to FOMO heavy coverage. Growth means going into that direction sadly. Wishing you the best regardless.

[@Neon_Gorilla]

Yeah that is what I am trying to avoid. The content I want to watch is deep dives on games that are in their final form and without worrying about if the publisher will choose pay me for their next KS. I think the model is broken…and that is likely why many choose to take money from the publisher.

[@ericr5542]

Ill join the discord today, but some ideas. Monthly Q/A, live streams once a week or so, shorter form content, like quick 5 min reviews or impressions. That keep editing to a minimum. I really liked your playthrough videos. Like too many Bones, thats what made me sub. Just set some realistic goals for yourself and the channel. Either way, keep it up. Also, id love to see your setup. I know that might not get a lot of views but a tour of the game room, and equipement with affiliate links would be nice.

[@Neon_Gorilla]

Thanks for the ideas. I’ve thought a lot about the live stream stuff, but my schedule is so chaotic that it’s hard to schedule. I really just do work whenever I possibly can my set up at this point is a complete rats nest so it might not be that interesting.

[@cedriccharrois-durand3597]

Love your content. Keep it up !

[@Neon_Gorilla]

Thanks, will do!

[@andyliebermann5244]

The overall quality of your videos is fantastic. Given the little time you've been on KZbin, I wouldn't expect videos of such high calibre. You are punching up and I hope your subscriber count comes to better reflect that. I understand your reluctance to make top tens and you explained your reasoning very well. However, myself and others come to this channel to see you, your opinions, and ideas. A top ten helps us, the viewer, get to know you better. It gives us insight into where our tastes align and maybe opportunities for some fun banter where they don't. Seti looks like a pile of shit, just kidding. I've definitely got my eye on it after your recommendation. 😂 Hope you keep doing what you're doing but totally understand if you don't. Take care!

[@GameOnBoardGame]

10 sec in but gotta say, great thumbnail lol

[@Neon_Gorilla]

I like it as well thanks for the feedback

[@adamjc9167]

Keep up the great work, I can understand how it can feel like a grind. The discord channel is great as well and I highly suggest more people join up. It is a great group of people.

[@Neon_Gorilla]

Thanks for the Discord plug :)

[@surugaya-o3f]

You need to review Gaia Project with the new expansion : The Lost Fleet. The most under the radar, under appreciated release of 2024!!!!

[@Neon_Gorilla]

I am constantly playing on BGA but have not played lost fleet

[@smoogums89]

Gotta say you make good videos. I understand youtube rewarding you for being a regular posting content machine, but honestly just do as much as you want. If this is a hobby keep it a hobby. I'll keep clicking on what you put out because I like your style. Also paid content doesn't bother me as long as your upfront about it. Wish you the best of luck this year.

[@Neon_Gorilla]

Thank you for sticking around

[@danielshanks8297]

Your channel, do what you want, but I love your stuff and have no problem with you taking money from publishers or doing spots or whatever it is to make money to be able to keep doing this. And while it’s fun, you owe us nothing. Take breaks when you need them, algorithm be dammed.

[@Neon_Gorilla]

Thanks for sticking around so long Daniel!

[@KimDahl77]

You still need to fix your lagging camera :)

[@Neon_Gorilla]

Looks good to me

[@KimDahl77]

​@@Neon_Gorillait looks like it runs at 20 fps.

[@Neon_Gorilla]

@ it’s 4k 24 fps