State of the channel address 2019

[@3MBG]

As mentioned, we really need your support on Patreon. www.patreon.com/user?u=9257332 . If you have suggestions for what you want to see this year, that's the place for them. The Undead viking stream is here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJSqdJSLmJZpsLc

[@Grumdy]

Your style of succinct reviews are not only extremely needed and deeply appreciated, but your quality of production is superb. I watch many of your reviews for games that I'm not interested in simply because the content you make is inherently entertaining.

[@3MBG]

Cheers Grumdy, that's flattering to hear. I feel our production has come a long way in only a year as well. Like our first videos make me cringe a little these days, especially the sound quality :)

[@TJSmudger1]

I glad you are keeping it as a hobby. Sometimes when people switch to a more career focused channel they tend to over saturate themselves and you can't keep up. Probably not so much with 3 min reviews, but I always like the treat of your videos a couple of times a week. Here's to another year! (at least)

[@3MBG]

Cheers Thomas. Yeah, i kinda have nightmares about having to do 7 recaps in a week, and doing nothing but eating and sleeping board games so I don't lose the house.

[@natelabine4308]

One of those hidden gems on youtube

[@wayner396]

Love the channel. Just discovered it but have already watched nearly all your videos. I love your style, your suggested similar games at the ends of reviews and the easy, quick, concise rules explanation. Keep it up 😊

[@jimdcushman]

I don't think I've ever been more excited about discovering a KZbin channel. These reviews are exactly in line with what I'm looking for and you seem to have similar taste in games including a recent spark in solo gaming. Looking forward to the rest of 2019 and as a belated birthday gift for you and a premature one for myself, I'm on my way to patreon... thanks again!

[@3MBG]

Cheers Jim, that's awesome to hear. Solo stuff is my jam, and I want to get more of it on the channel. Despite the fact they tend to get less views. I prefer showing stuff I like to play myself over random junk for sure. See you on patreon (vote in the poll thats still open)

[@bartdevuyst]

I really love your recommendations at the end of each video. The part where you suggest other, yet similar games that might fit one's taste more. Great idea.

[@3MBG]

That actually came about because that's how I always describe games to my friends groups and players. "It's a bit like X but simpler" or "It's like Y but in space".

[@NicholasSando]

You're doing so well dude. I'm glad it's working the way it is.

[@LeggySti]

NZ Represent! pai mahi mate!, look forward to seeing the channel grow, bring on 20k subs! Also you got my support now on patreon!

[@3MBG]

Kia ora Chris. Awesome to see you on patreon mate.

[@fluffnight]

It all started when I was searching up coop games for my new boyfriend and I to play since he is competitive and wanted to work together rather than compete. I found a forum that talked about Spirit Island and went straight to KZbin to find a video about it. Came across your channel and have been an avid return viewer ever since! I admit I haven't ever done/given money via Patreon, but may consider so now. My board game collection has greatly grown this past year due to many of your suggestions. (I recently bought The Grizzled, Black Orchestra, and Bloc by Bloc; in addition to Spirit Island and The Captain is Dead; I'm also strongly considering buying Oaxaca for my friend.) I enjoy your content, your well through out scripts which get to the point from both sides, your partner's graphics, and your clear voice. Keep up the great work and I look forward to more videos! Thanks you!

[@3MBG]

Thanks Fluffnight. I'm a big fan of co-ops as well, steph and I play them a fair bit. Got a review for one coming out tomorrow and another planned in a few weeks. So stay tuned.

[@fluffnight]

@@3MBG Wonderful! I had noticed recently that a lot of your reviews to feature co-ops that have solo modes (with a war related story element). Glad to see my suspicion of your enjoyment for solo was correct. I saw a "To come in 2019" video the other day that listed Sleeping Gods as a new solo only game "potentially" coming out later this year. I don't know much else. Have you heard of it?

[@fluffnight]

@@3MBG Also, forgot to mention that your videos are great when trying to seduce a friend into the world of board games. The video is short enough for a non-board gamer to enjoy and watch.

[@3MBG]

I don't know much about Sleeping Gods, but it is Red Raven games and they have sent me stuff in the past. So i'll have a good look

[@MisterNorthernCanuck]

Found out about your channel about a month ago and I find myself eagerly waiting for your videos. Excellent content and your delivery helps, keep it up, and good job!

[@boardgamefangirl]

Thanks for this video. I think content for solo gamers would be a welcome addition to your channel.

[@3MBG]

Cheers. I have some ideas, and I really think its a space that needs more support as many of the big channels either ignore it, or gloss over it (which i do to, but i gloss over everything)

[@FrostyGran]

100 percent, make a second related channel, where you post long-ass videos with you just chatting about the games you play or like (maybe interspersed with live moments). It could be rambley, off the cuff so as not to detract from the main channel, but would allow you to vent about your personal opinions on games you love and things you dislike. It would all be fascinating to hear. I guess what I am saying is, is that I wish your three minute videos were just longer (stupid I know) because they are that good.

[@3MBG]

I'm thinking of some stuff like this, in between the 3 minute vids. Like, the long form stuff i've done I've enjoyed doing. But its all a matter of time. A second channel has all the issues of having to grow it, monetize it, changing logins when you need to check each one. But yeah, keen to do longer stuff. But I just don't want that to overtake the main focus, as that's what the channel exists to do, and why it grew.

[@mbrochh82]

This is hands down one of the five best boardgame channels on the planet. I guess I gotta figure out this patreon thing now. BRB, throwing money at you...

[@mbrochh82]

WHAT THE HELL Patreon is down for maintenance.

[@mbrochh82]

Aaaand done. Looking forward to another year of great content! 🤘

[@3MBG]

Welcome. In about a minute, there should be something for you to look at on patreon :)

[@mbrochh82]

3 Minute Board Games But but but I only want it in about three minutes!!!

[@NomadHokie]

Just discovered this channel yesterday with the 10 games to start a collection with. Loved the video, and subscribed immediately. Keep up the good work! Topic suggestion maybe? Mobile board games worth trying. I learned how to play Splendor, Agricola, Bang!, Ticket to Ride, Puerto Rico, and Carcassone by downloading the games on my phone first. Good for people like me who really suck at teaching myself games by reading the directions.

[@gordonjensen3449]

I love your reviews and so happy to see how your channel has grown! One point of criticism: the music for this video and the previous is absolutely grating to my ears, especially since it goes on for the entire length of the video. Take that for what it's worth!

[@3MBG]

Ha, fair enough. I'll jumble it up for the next one. I play bass, and i just like that track :)

[@NemoMangelk]

I fucking love the shit out of your channel. You did more to get me into the hobby than any other. Of all content creators - your work is my favourite. I also love your ethics and principals. I especially loved your personal stories and personal lists - like your most memorable coop experiences. Cheers I will continue to support this channel as long as you keep making content - from your Australian Frenemy

[@3MBG]

"I fucking love the shit out of your channel." I should really print that out and put it up in the games room. "Straight to the pool room" type comment.

[@NemoMangelk]

@@3MBG So I finally did it. I signed up as a Patreon. It was this video and you engagement in that reddit post you did for Leaving Earth (you might remember I made a comment to tell you how much I enjoy your channel and then deleted it as I don't retain comments on my profile) that finally got me to sign up to Patreon and then be the first project I back. I think we need to support smaller content creators and I want to help to keep you independent and unbias.

[@3MBG]

Yeah mate, i remember that for sure. And cheers, should have the next vid up for backers today at some point.

[@yavivanov6650]

I love your sincerity, man.

[@bol317]

love your videos. my casual mates won't watch any 10 min long videos on games I bring to the table but they will watch yours. makes my job easier when trying to explain the rules in detail afterwards as they have a good understanding of it

[@3MBG]

See, that's perfect to me. Acting as a primer for people so they can get the basics. You say "we are playing X today" and fire off the link and they turn up knowing roughly what its about so you can do the full rules breakdown. Perfect.

[@Krozan]

Seriously, with your daily job, I don’t know how you manage to find the time to keep the channel up and running that consistently. Lol, cheers from Indonesia.

[@3MBG]

I've been between gigs the last few months. So have had more time. But I suspect its about prioritization. When i'm working i'm barely on social media.

[@Kkey884]

I see Yokohama!!! I hope you love it. Sadly, no solo mode, unless you play three players versus yourself 🤣 Cheers to the new year, and I’m glad I found you through KZbin Recommends.

[@3MBG]

I'm really keen to try Yokohama. It also won a poll on patreon for what game to pick up next, which is how it got on my radar. Awesome to hear you found us via you tube recommends.

[@Quackalope]

This . . . is very very cool.

[@bartdevuyst]

Thanks for focusing on solo play too!

[@3MBG]

Cheers. It's a big deal to me. My format isn't the best for it, so i'll look at other ways to express it.

[@braydenlittle6741]

Love your content! After seeing you have purchased Leaving Earth I got to ask how you received your copy. Did you order it direct from the publisher? As I have read quite a few negative reviews about their customer service.

[@3MBG]

Yep. Direct from the publisher. Most of the negativity around them is because they are a small operation who hand makes games. They just don't make enough to keep up with demand. Mine took 3 months from ordering to arriving. I cut them some slack, because I know they are such a small operation and the designer is really open and available. If you have a question, he will answer it on BGG as well.

[@BookRuffellCartoons]

Great video as always. What was that game that popped up during the NZ designer part? Total Monstrosities? Man, can't wait for that one, it looks so good :D

[@3MBG]

It's official man, i mentioned it on the channel. ;)

[@ThatJakers]

You mention you run a weekly test group and attend multiple sessions for gaming each week. How long has that been going on? Would you say that you are at the peak of your board gaming time in your life thus far? Love the channel Jay and will continue to like and share!

[@3MBG]

The testing group started in April and is on Wednesday. But I've always had another group on Tuesdays, which has been going non-stop for about 8 years now. It's all friends of mine from school/university. And the pickup games over the weekend has always been a thing, although its more frequent now. I'd say i'm playing more games now than any time since high school/university.

[@rollingwithrob6579]

Do you get to any nz cons or events like mighty ape, board games by the bay (first con 2019 Feb 24-25 Hamilton) or wellycon?

[@3MBG]

Wellycon yes as its just down the road ;) Also, that's where I met Sam and Shem from Garphill and a few other local designers. Also, got taught Auztralia by Amanda from schilmil And am seriously thinking of going to BGBTB in Feb, just because it's an excuse to go see my folks. But I also think they may be away then

[@stanleyblazeraznik6047]

Bravo. Keep u pool the swell work.

[@dddmmm21]

Great work!

[@pendellobass2977]

What do you work as? If you don’t mind me asking

[@3MBG]

Communications contractor. I've been working in NZ Government departments as a business communications consultant for a while now. Mostly big organizational change programs, or big law changes the public need to know about. Problem with that job, is there's a lot of downtime between contracts. Months and months sometimes.

[@davehamilton84]

Hang on, are you saying old mate in the bottom right is not you?!

[@3MBG]

Yeah Dave. That's our channel mascot, Prussian general and military strategy writer Carl Von Clausewitz. And yeah, its an odd choice, but a rather personal one for me ;)

[@davehamilton84]

Very unique choice! I enjoy your quick reviews, very professional. Good luck for the year, Dave from Perth....where there are more kiwis than in NZ 😋

[@3MBG]

Hahahaha, jeez, i think i know a few kiwis who ended up in perth

[@rhysjones7902]

Could you do risk legacy

[@3MBG]

Probably not. Legacy games would be difficult to cover in my format and I feel I would have to do a full campaign, like I did for Gen-7, to give it justice.

[@rhysjones7902]

Fair enough, I’m half way through but almost didn’t buy it as no one really covers the game in detail and how it differs from risk

[@greginfla_1]

Didn’t understand the ad revenue quote. Were they dissing the channel? How do you, the game reviewer, make more money with longer video reviews? With the other reviews, including yours, i almost always have to watch an advertisements before the review starts. How does a reviewer receive more compensation by having a longer review ... if only one ad is offered no mater that length.

[@3MBG]

They were actually giving the channel big props, but as it was in the middle of a discussion about revenue, that's how the matter came up. Several reasons. There are multiple revenue streams. One is for the ad you see, the other, is the You Tube red money. Which is entirely based on view time. long streams for example, get a lot of revenue from that. The second one is that the algorithm favours showing people longer videos in general. So the machine that is you tube, is more likely to put those in front of people.

[@3MBG]

Also, here is where they are talking about it, you may need to go back a smidge to get the full context though. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJSqdJSLmJZpsLc

[@johncrippen]

Hi! Sorry I haven't read through every thread...why is Big Carl a mascot on your channel? Dead Prussian much?

[@3MBG]

Good spot, in fact the first to actually spot Carl for who he is. Short version, I have a Masters in Defence and Strategic Studies, which involved studying Clausewitz a fair bit (And Jomini, Mitchell, De Saxe, Douhet, Mahan and many more). Years ago, when I was thinking of a blog name for my miniature wargaming stuff, I picked Vomkrieg as the title, to homage that. So Carl became that sites mascot, and he just migrated with me here. Vomkrieg was also my default user name on a lot of games. We kept him as the mascot because its just a little different.

[@johncrippen]

Cool! I studied Big Carl in the U.S.Army War College. @@3MBG

[@3MBG]

Nice. Before doing all this, I was in public relations for the NZ Defence Force as a civilian. I have a lot of respect and time for those who have served.

[@johncrippen]

I'm a civilian too, just had the chance to study with the Army. Keep up the good reviews!

[@LookAtTheBacon]

I disagree that you're not being able to give stuff away. You could kickstart discussion rounds with you and your patreons over Discord, or even head to head talks about boardgame topics with you personally over Skype or the like. Immaterial stuff. Call it "30 minute boardgame therapy: 10 times the fun" or smth, a bit analog to your executive tier on Patreon. And if you think Kickstarter dismisses it outright, then for instance look into Indiegogo. They are much more liberal to their campaign creators. You're not making that many videos to not be able to cut a little bit of that time away for these talks and it may seem like a small deal, but it could actually be a big deal for some of your fans, help you out a lot financially and even round out you as a person a bit more to your audience. You still don't need to show your face ofc. Just a thought from a stranger who likes what you do.

[@LookAtTheBacon]

Ps: in your "honest reviews"-part on here, you sound a little bit hypocritical towards getting paid for a review. Why? Because review copies are a kind of payment as well. They cost money to buy for a normal customer and the KZbinr gets them for free. And the publisher pays money for the production, shipping etc, which accounts for costs too. They are declared as marketing costs and make a huge plus in the long run, sure, but my point is that they are not entirely free in the first place. Especially not for smaller publishers. So all in all it seems a little odd to at the same time have a Patreon and receive the occasional review copy, while shitting on paid previews that ofc can be neutral and unbiased too. I don't run any form of channel but do know several business creators myself (in fact more than 10), that accept these from time to time and their opinion has never changed because of the payment and was never dishonest. Just sayin'. Tl;Dr? Either cut Patreon, ad revenue money and review copies altogether and get full self-sustained and independent, or try to get a little more liberal view on being paid to do any form of content - it's quite the same in the end, honestly. Sidenote to not end this with a bitter taste in either your or my mouth: Your channel is big enough for sure to make a bit more marketing work. Meaning, if you really wanted review copies so bad like you're saying in the "challenges"-part, you could easily do so by writing 50+ letters to the biggest publishers all around the world with your YT figures attached. Letters, not mails. Especially bigger ones like Asmodee, Ravensburger, KOSMOS, CMON, Stonemaier, Stronghold and the like will send you stuff to review for sure. Just don't get snobby when you receive the partial garbage sometimes. It's perfectly normal.

[@3MBG]

It really isn't, but lets agree to disagree. Being paid by neutral sources as opposed to be directly paid is rather different. The honesty part in the review copy bit is about declaring I got one, so people can be informed of that. If, like you, they think that influences me, they can go elsewhere. The key is transparency and an informed audience, who know where revenue is coming from. Not being the equivalent of a board game monk forgoing worldly pleasures. There are shades of grey here, my intent is to make those as obvious and accessible to viewers so they can decide. And yes, that is because I'm not a huge fan of previewers who don't say their "reviews" are directly paid for. I think everyone should be suspect of channels who never disclose anything. As for the access thing. I know you mean well, but there is a structural bias against reviewers who have to have things shipped overseas to them. It's standard policy to charge people for that if they are outside the EU/US for many companies. I'm only now getting to the point where I am hard to ignore in the last few months. Remember in October, I had 3500 subs. This channels growth is explosive and new, and many publishers are still "discovering" me. The last month or so has brought about a lot of change here, after that video, and after another wave of contacts. Things are warming up in that area. But the channel needed to be something already to get that help. Whereas any joe with 200 subs can go to a con in the US and walk out with a trolley full of games and contacts. Asmodee, Stonemaier, Rio grande and Tasty Minstrel have all come on board in the last month.

[@LookAtTheBacon]

@@3MBG 3 Minute Board Games I understand what you are saying but by not knowing what your Patreons really work for, in the end you could be payed by a publisher nevertheless and just not know about it mate. So, taking payment can mean a small, inherent bias in either case. But I'm just saying. Ofc you don't need to change anything. And I was never talking about transparency btw. Transparency comes naturally to these channels, time will show. No one wants to get written warnings from windy, unchallenged lawyers just because of a forgotten "paid promotion"-sign/mentioning. And aside from that I don't know anyone in our genre that's shady enough to curtain this deliberately, really. No one is that veiling. Anyway. Nice that you're so open. As for the review copies, I also never said - not with a single word - that your opinion is influenced by that. I was merely talking about them having "value" too, which in the end translates into money, which you said you don't take for reviews. So I never understood this particular distinction and probably never will. Either one is against getting paid in any kind of form (then don't accept review copies and buy or lend the games you want to review yourself) or be fine with it and accept review copies (but then don't crap on people of the same genre that do paid previews). I may be in a minority here, I very well know that, but that's just my viewpoint. I just run an "all honest, no bullshit"-approach in online communication, imho much like you :) It's great to hear that your channel grows this rapidly. And I wish you all the best for the future. I for one will ofc stay, overlook your short remark about leaving, and continue to support you. Even if this means small, maybe harsh-sounding critical questions from time to time. Your content is amazing and will continue to be, I am absolutely sure. Ps: Next Essen I will use some contacts and talk to some publishers to open their eyes a little bit more about covering overseas shipping. This can't be an issue anymore in 2k19, marketing and the outside view is just too important. Hang in there sir. I will help to fix this for you and other creators from far away.

[@3MBG]

Cheers Seraph. I was speaking more generally. That people who do think review copies and the like influence reviewers can make an informed decision. By disclosing that, i make the audience informed. And that's what I mean by transparency. Apologies if that seemed "at" you. And rereading, i can see why it comes across like that. (put it down to just waking up) :) The difference between getting a copy and being directly paid, in my mind, is that one is a no-obligation "please look at this" request, whereas the other is a statement of work, a contract, a direct payment for services rendered. For me, from an intellectual and emotional level, I find that a giant gap. I do not feel personally i'm beholden to provide positive reviews for games by getting a review copy. And the irony in all that is that every single game I cover, whether i like it or not, I always mention the flaws and who the game might not work for. So yes, a case could be made that it influences people getting a review copy. Which is the reason I disclose. But I still think the gap between the two is huge. Take Tom Vasel as a case study, everything he reviews is sent for free. But if he hates a game, he will let rip on it. And paid content in and of itself isn't bad. Watch it played is paid content and its gold. My issue has always been with channels that act like a review site, do paid reviews, don't disclose that, and present an ad as something it isn't. My intent has always been to signpost exactly what I get, from who, and why and to let that information be part of the overall review, so people can judge critically for themselves. That's entirely a personal POV, but its why I have our Kaupapa out in the open. So it can be seen, discussed and challenged. I actually appreciate this kind of robust discussion about those things, as it tests my thinking and my values. As for the Essen stuff, I appreciate that, and not just for me. There are people all over the world in different markets who will be struggling to break in.

[@antiussentiment]

KZbin/google screw there content makers so badly.. I'm surprised any of you are still here.

[@3MBG]

I hear you. It works well for the top tier people, but anyone getting into the game has a long road to climb. In retrospect, i should have made terrible kids songs or something, those folks print money.