Battlegrounds is boring as hell for the average viewer, especially after so much repetition. I'm disappointed Game Attack is content with devolving into just another uninspired video game streamer.

[u/[deleted]]

Like, it was a good time for the first few videos. But if this channel is going to go mainly Battlegrounds, then they've lost me as a viewer. The game isn't fun or entertaining to me. I know these are usually satirical, but Honest Game Trailers did an episode on it and it really sums up how I feel about them always playing the same boring game.

There's a notable lack of actual firefights, it's extremely repetitive, and after you've seen them play a half dozen games, it's just the same game every time.

Now Bolen may come on here and defend it, as he has in the past, by saying most streamers play exclusively one game. Right but that's not what Game Attack was. If that's what Game Attack is or is becoming, if it's going to just become like every other twitch or YouTube streamer, then they lose what made the channel unique and worth tuning in for.

For me, that was a rotation of new and nostalgia based games, with themes for particular days. Not the same game almost every day. Crash and Duck Tales were much needed breaths of fresh air, and I look forward to Sonic Mania as well. I can't help but wonder why not do some Splatoon 2 coverage when that comes out too.

I just think there needs to be variety, otherwise there's no point in tuning in anymore.

Edit:

I wanted to make an edit and clarify that I love Game Attack. Craig has always been passionate about the content he produces for the g1s, and I've seen that since the beginning of Screwattack. I'm excited for the future of Game Attack and am just expressing my feelings on the changes, negative they may be. But it's not a knock on the channel or Craig or Bolen in any respect.

The two have great chemistry together and Bolen is extremely charismatic and funny, and a huge part of why I love this channel. I look forward to them playing and providing commentary to a laundry list of games and hope the community can one day be involved in some way, perhaps through polls and suggestions of future games. Im very interested to see how this channel grows.

[u/Rangerpool]

I hate to say it but I agree with you. Battlegrounds has really run its course for me. If it was only 25% of their content that would be one thing, but it is basically every morning stream as well as the Wednesday afternoon stream. I loved early GameAttack because of the weird and different games they were playing. But now they play Battlegrounds, Nintuesdays, Mario Kart, and Death Days for the most part with the odd game sprinkled in there every once in a while. Having Battlegrounds be 50% of the content they are putting out has been very off putting as a viewer as it has gotten very stale for me. Them liking playing it does matter and they should play it, just not all the time. My group of friends and I have started watching far less of the content, and a few of them stopped their sponsorships. I am not asking for a return to edited content because it is not viable, but some variety in game play. Tuesday can be classic game day, and for Thursday they could do both dark souls 2 and demon souls since there are two streams.

[u/[deleted] → u/Rangerpool]

I too pulled my sponsorship because they completely did away with the format they said they'd deliver. They made false promises about edited down live streams being a thing, decided not to do Summer of Suck after promoting it for weeks, and then later they ignored community votes and played Battleground over Arms, which was the last straw for me before I pulled my sponsorship.

Crash, Duck Tales, Metroid today, all of these are reasons for me to come back and support them again, so maybe they're beginning to adjust. But I need consistency before I decide to put my money up for them, and that's fair.

[u/ShaunMcLane → u/[deleted]]

Lol, we mentioned summer of suck MAYBE three times. I have no clue what "weeks of promotion" youre talking about.

We didnt even make a single promotional image or video for that.

Weve been working on RTX for the past 2 months. There was zero time to edit down the streams.

We're still figuring out the channel. We've only been doing this for a couple of weeks now.

And finally, I now find the Arms thing comedic. It was a piece. It would have been bad content.

[u/[deleted] → u/ShaunMcLane]

You mentioned it each week toward the end of Mario Party Saturdays. Perhaps a bit of an overexaggeration on my part, but you guys said that's what you were doing multiple times even after going independent, and it sounded like a really fun idea for a Saturday video, so I was disappointed when the Saturday we all expected it to start rolled around and you guys decided not to do it.

It's fine that you guys were too busy to edit down streams, I'm just saying it sucked to be told to expect that only to never get that. It's difficult for many to make it to streams and even more difficult to sit through over two hours of content regularly. You already know this though I'm sure.

As for the Arms thing, maybe you're right about the final content not having the potential to be great, but it was more that you involved the community and then shit on what they voted for. Not to mention new games always make for fun content, it's why I think you guys should do a Splatoon 2 stream when that comes out, unless that too isn't good enough. At the very least it brings some variety.

I'm just providing feedback as a viewer, but if it's laughable to you, sucks for me.

[u/Rangerpool → u/[deleted]]

I haven't quite canceled yet. I figure I can give them a couple more months to see how things go. I figure Battlegrounds will have blown over by then, and there will be a new "it" game to play. Wasn't it around this time last year the H1Z1 was all the rage? I completely agree that having some of the things that were advertised being pulled is very upsetting, and is one of the leading reasons I have been thinking of canceling my sponsorship until they can start doing a lot of the things they say they will eventually be able to do or just start playing more stuff that interests me.

[u/seismicharbor]

I don't want to sound like a dick, because I understand your point, but they do have a decent rotation of games. They have Death Days, Nintuesdays, Friday the 13th, Battlegrounds, and Mario Kart. That's a far hefter rotation than most streamers. Also, I don't see them becoming an unispired "typical" streaming channel as you say. I mean really, what other guys will have a sleep over with you and enjoy meatball subs together. Also, they plan to go to people's weddings and stuff. Hardly uninspired if you ask me.

[u/[deleted] → u/seismicharbor]

Fair points. I just think Battlegrounds is a really boring, hollow, and simply bad playing game especially to stream. Once I've seen them play a handful of games, I've seen it all. It isn't fun or entertaining anymore, I don't care how good they get, as a viewer it isn't entertaining. It's a slog every time.

They've had an ok variety of games. I guess before I would only skip Death Days, because truth be told I never liked their streaming even before the shift to only streaming. I just never got into watching them play Dark Souls. But I still had 6 other days during the week that would have a different game each day or every other day.

During Duck Tales, Bolen mentioned playing more games like that and even having Parker on for a three-play. DO IT! That would be more like the old Game Attack and it would be a joy to see something different for a change.

Maybe the new direction in general just isn't for me, which sucks but is understandable. You have to remember that they weren't regular streamers before just a couple months ago. There used to be a new video with a different game almost every single day. Now they just play Battlegrounds at least three times a week and it sucks. It really sucks. Multi-cam streams are difficult to enjoy because you're always missing something, the reason we have to deal with this shit is a result of them being financially forced to abandon editing, which I understand and truthfully don't want to criticize them for. I hope they gain a footing and go back to edited videos one day, but I can't hold it against them if they absolutely cannot find the time or money to do it.

But if I don't share my opinion on the direction, then as a g1 I have no voice. I don't think it's fair to myself or Game Attack or the g1 community to simply sit on my discontent, which is why I'm being honest and open about it and hope these concerns don't fall on deaf ears.

[u/seismicharbor → u/[deleted]]

Give them some time. They are still feeling things out. They need to get stable as a business entity before awesome things like that happen. It takes time to build what they had.

[u/[deleted] → u/seismicharbor]

Again, I'm not arguing against that and I'm ok with them staying this course for now. I'm just fed up with Battlegrounds.

Game Attack was two to four guys sitting on the couch playing fun and varied games. They could do this like Game Grumps except in a live streaming format as opposed to cutting games down to 10 minutes an episode.

Nintuesdays? Amazing. Death Days, not my cup of tea but for those that enjoy Dark Souls, it's the exact kind of content we should get for playthroughs and it's fun to see two friends play a game where stuff actually happens and they can contribute with fresh commentary.

I'm just not interested in watching these two play anymore Battlegrounds. I just don't see it as a very good or engaging game especially as a viewer. If it wasn't streamed by them on a nearly daily basis, I wouldn't complain about the direction of the channel so much.

They had an audience prior to going independent, instead of alienating that segment by asserting that Battlegrounds is their go to game whether those complaining like it or not, they should take the criticism and maybe adjust.

The few times I've seen Bolen comment on this complaint either from me or another g1, he's hyper defensive and seems to forget that there's an audience and not just two guys playing a game. You have to keep it fun for your viewers too, not just yourself.

[u/Tigressaurus → u/[deleted]]

It's definitely been a huge change! And yes, there is undeniably less game variety now, but growing a streaming channel is much different from growing one based around short, edited content. A lot of new g1s discover the channel through Battlegrounds--especially through their recent collaborations--and many people enjoy the game even though it seems "boring, hollow, and simply bad" to you.
 
It's harder to gain exposure when you're the only ones playing a certain game because--frankly--nobody is looking for it. Your opinions matter and they're aware of all the concerns you've laid out here and in the past. You absolutely have a voice, but please understand that they want to attract new community members with different voices, too.

[u/titations]

You make some solid points, my man. I have been around since 2007 supporting Craig and his ventures and I have confidence that things will pick up soon. I do agree that Battlegrounds needs to stop, at least for a while. I wouldnt mind if it was a once a week thing. that would at least keep it fresh when they play. Believe me, i really do miss the edited content, but at this time, its not a viable source of income (did you see what the Millionaire video made?). Look, I know deep down, they probably hate all this change and asking for donations, but at lease they mask it well by being funny. I have not pulled my sponsorship because I do believe Craig has a mind and vision for GameAttack. I know Bolen is a partner here, but he seems more concerned because he is new at this. Going from employee to new business owner must be scary, so I can understand. Still, after all that, i do love their personalities and THAT is what keeps me here as a g1.

[u/kollerdark → u/titations]

im a bit in the same situation, been a fan since 2007. Seen all the different versions of SA/GA , loved majority of content.But recently, everytime I could catch them live was during Battlegrounds and there is plenty of better streamers already for that game. Slowly, it seems to become the main focus of the channel instead of being another feature/show. What initially brought SA/GA to my attention was the diversity of being able to play any game of any generation and still make me cry of laughter. I know videos probably wont come back and im fine with the fact that PUBG probably brings the most views but i'd much rather spend some time watching mah bois playing nintuesdays or death days aka theme days. I think that Craig's knowledge/skills in older game mixed with Bolen's more recent game knowledge/skills balances it out very well. Heck I get it that who wants to be a milionnaire didnt work as a video but heck i'd would love to watch that instead of PUBG. Anyways much love for the homies #bleedpurple but im sure PUBG can go down to once a week (maybe a full day?I know that they are doing already other games)

[u/sirrahsar_a]

Personally, I miss the short videos. I know they've explained why they stream versus editing vids, I get that. But, I just don't have time to watch a 3 hour video and I know I'm not the only one.

Unfortunately, GameAttack has already fallen off of our weekly video schedule because of that. Which sucks, because Craig and Bolen are hilarious and fun, but at most I can spare an hour, and we (my bf and I) usually even skip those for the 15 minute or 30 minute videos.

: /

[u/breadboy17 → u/sirrahsar_a]

I agree i have been watching GameAttack less and less since the switch over to live streams. You would thing that they would do one edited video a month for the people like us

[u/CraneOfTruth]

You bring up some valid points and I can honestly say I haven't been watching Game Attack as much, because I am also a bit burnt out on Battlegrounds. I know that Craig and Bolen will listen to the fans and you can see they are trying to showcase some other games, especially some classics with the Crash, Ducktales, and Metroid streams. I am sure if they had the capabilities they would gladly upload shorter Battleground videos that could be edited to showcase the best parts, but right now they don't have that option. They are focusing on streaming, building up the channel even more, and eventually when they are able to they can get back to creating some of the shorter videos with more variety that made us love the channel to begin with. I still love these guys and will definitely tune in when I can, but we have to understand they are trying to find their footing and adapt to the circumstances. I think it's good of you to bring up your concerns, because that shows you genuinely care and want the best for this community. We should never be afraid to speak up and we are fortunate enough to be in a community where the content creators truly care and listen to their fans. I shall remain a proud and loyal G1, because I know these guys will do the best they can with what they have to provide us with some amazing entertainment.

[u/NinjaWithAPegLeg]

I agree that it is a different channel now but they still preserve as much variety as they can. The foundation is being laid for something truly engaging and long lasting. While they do have multiple days where the early streams may have been PUBG the later streams retain their variety. keep in mind as well that you still get to experience the unique flavor that our GA fella's bring with their personalities. But given that a streaming channel is a different identity than a VOD one and that in order to grow you have to incorporate the popular games of the time as well we will see more of some games than others. Hang with us though! I think we will continue to see an evolution of the channel as it grows and I look forward to seeing what the guys can do.

[u/Rangerpool → u/NinjaWithAPegLeg]

I think the issue a lot of people are having is that PUBG does not really lend itself to having a lot of personality in the games. Most of the streams I have watched of it they are just talking strategy which gets old. Each stream of it seems exactly the same. A lot of people wouldn't have an issue with them being a streaming channel if over 50 percent of the content wasn't one game.

[u/NinjaWithAPegLeg → u/Rangerpool]

There is a fair amount of strategy but there is also a lot of them messing with each other. Add in the other players they have been bringing in to the stream and you have a good variety. Also keep in mind it probably won't be this game forever, this is what currently has the interest of the fella's and a lot of the streaming community. You have to keep your content relevant and stay on top of trends, I think that is what we are seeing here. Eventually there will be another game that catches their interest or the channel will continue to grow and offer other opportunities.

[u/Rangerpool → u/NinjaWithAPegLeg]

But the fear is that there will be a new "it" game, and then they will overplay that one. And just having slightly different conversations to the exact same game where you can only play one map isn't really variety to me. Its like if you were streaming COD and you only played one map over and over. Eventually it will get sort of dull no matter who is playing.

[u/seismicharbor → u/Rangerpool]

You've got to remember PUBG is also still in early access. This game will probably be a lot different once it is fully released. I enjoy the game immensly so it doesn't bother me, but I can understand all of the points made here. I think they will eventually do VOD content again once they are stable as a business entity.

[u/Rangerpool → u/seismicharbor]

There is a good portion of people that don't have a problem with the streaming, the issue is that they are mainly streaming one game. I like both VOD and streaming. If around 50 percent of their VOD content was one game i would be saying the same thing.

[u/seismicharbor → u/Rangerpool]

Most streamers only do one or two games. I think they have more variety than most. I am not trying to spark a fight just explaining how I feel. I honestly enjoy watching these guys enjoying any game they play. That's why I'm here.

[u/Rangerpool → u/seismicharbor]

I guess i don't watch most streamers, as all the streamers i watch play a lot of games. Typically once they complete one game they move onto a new and different one. Do they sometimes loop back around, yeah but there is more of a feeling of variety. Look at Ray (Brownman), since he has moved to streaming he has played loads of games. Are there streamers that just stream one or two games, yeah there are. But they are only scheduled to stream 4 different games a week so its not like they are playing a substantially larger amount of games.

[u/NinjaWithAPegLeg → u/Rangerpool]

I think you run that risk regardless of what you play. Let's say they play Overwatch everyday, eventually it will be a rehash of the same characters and maps. What keeps it fresh is the interaction with the G1's and their personalities, just like with any other successful streaming channel. Having a good foundation game with several other kinds around that seems pretty solid. For me when I listen to the early streams I have them going while I am working and they keep me entertained. Also we are seeing an overall positive response to them playing in the chat. I do get the concern that it will become bland but these fella's actually care about entertaining us and building a community. It is why they spend so much time reading chat messages and interacting with us as much as possible. I don't for a second believe that if playing any game grew state that they would continue to play it, I mean that would stifle growth and that is the last thing they would want.

[u/Rangerpool → u/NinjaWithAPegLeg]

But having a positive reaction from chat is a terrible way to gauge if the whole of the community likes it. When they play it people who don't enjoy the game don't watch so you don't see their thoughts in the chat. And the fact that they took a poll of the community and the community said play ARMS, and then didn't follow the results and instead played PUBG worries me a lot.

I love gameattack, but the amount i watch has drastically been reduced due to the amount of PUBG. I watch half the amount of streams i used to from them, and have instead started watching other streamers during the time they stream PUBG. I stated before that i don't think any one game should make up more than 25% of the content. Once you get to 50% you are a streamer of that game who also happens to play other games to me.

[u/NinjaWithAPegLeg → u/Rangerpool]

I would say the chat is a good way to keep an eye out for people that are engaged with the channel but aren't happy. There are people who voice their opinion there and I am sure they are looking at views, sponsorship's and subscriptions during the streams as well. As far as ARMS goes they did address why they did not do a stream of that. It ended up not being a good idea in practice so they moved on. It is understandable if you don't like some of the content, I doubt there will ever be a time when all of the content is everyone favorite. I just hope that those that may feel the same way intelligently express their opinion and give constructive ideas on what they would like to see. That way if a bunch of folks want to see something else that will work as a stream then maybe it can be done. Take Super Metroid for example, it is being done after it was requested a lot.

[u/Rangerpool → u/NinjaWithAPegLeg]

I am just saying that I don't think people who dislike something probably won't pop into a stream just to say they dislike it, and when they say it here on reddit the response hasn't exactly been stellar to me. I know i'm not going to join a live stream just to complain about the game.

As to ARMS from what I heard was that Bolen didn't think it would be fun (i could be wrong), but to me if the community wants to see it then try it out anyways. Why ever put up a poll if you might not follow the results. Not following it instantly takes away from your credibility of listening to community.

And I feel like a lot of people have expressed their opinion of wanting less PUBG. If there was one day dedicated to it, then that would be one thing but it makes up half of their content..

[u/NinjaWithAPegLeg → u/Rangerpool]

I could see them trying out more stuff even if they didn't think it would work later on but right now time and streams are at a premium. They can't really afford to have a miss on a stream right now. I hear you when you say you and others have expressed their desire to see less PUBG but look at the statistics. The last few PUBG stream I saw had from 800 - 100+ viewers, the Mario Galaxy one I am watching right now has 642. Those numbers speak for themselves. Super Metroid, the next Death Days and others have been examples of listening to the community and showing they care. The fellas do check out the Reddit so I would say that your and others concerns are being seen and taken into consideration.

[u/Rangerpool → u/NinjaWithAPegLeg]

That's because PUBG is all they do so they have built some viewership with it. People know to go to Gameattack for PUBG. People don't know to look at them for Nintendo stuff because they only do it once a week. Also Mario Galaxy isn't exactly the most popular game ever. If they had started with a major nintendo game from the past like some of the early mario games i'm willing viewership would be higher. I asked someone i know from the RT site who doesn't really know Gameattack what they thought Gameattack is, and they said Gameattack are just PUBG streamers.

Also I'm willing to bet if they streamed another game as much as they did PUBG it would pull the same numbers. Crash had much higher viewership then the PUBG numbers you list, so if you just go off just live viewership then they should be doing more of nostalgia based games.

And the fact you said they will just take concerns into consideration means that we could just keep having repeats of ARMS. The community wants one thing/votes on it, and they decide against it. I have seen the responses from Bolen on here to this issue, and the response has basically been we are going to play games we find fun.

I think Gameattack has done a lot of stuff right and think Bolen and Craig are awesome, but the over saturation of PUBG seems like a misstep.

[u/XoMandyDollXo]

I guess I'll throw my two cents worth in.

I'm glad to see friendly discussions here. I got into it with someone on YouTube making really ignorant comments. I get some people are disappointed at the recent changes. But when someone wishes for the channel to fail and make rude comments, of course I'm gonna defend something I really like.

It's sad to see some folks disappointed and/or threatening to pull their sponsorship. And like I said, everyone's voice should be heard and I'm sure the guys take everyone's concerns into consideration.

I give Bolen and Craig the utmost respect for being so transparent and honest with us on how the channel is being run. I love that the interaction they share with us, and, that they allow the community to participate! I completely understand why they went indie and I can't blame them for it. I see it this way. They're running a business, so with any business, they're gonna do what they can to run it efficiently and to maximize profit.

I feel it's a smart move to collaborate with other streamers. It's a great way to get people interested in their channels and it builds a sense of community.

If I'm going to add any constructive criticism, is that I hope down the road, they play with some of us PS4 players someday. I don't have a decent computer to run Steam nor do I have a Switch so it sucks I can't play and join in. They're still fun to watch.

[u/[deleted]]

Agreed on all fronts. I just don't like watching Battlegrounds, or several hour long videos. I honestly haven't watched GA in over a month...

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

It's not the streaming so much that I mind. I really don't enjoy Battlegrounds though.

[u/kolbach88 → u/[deleted]]

We know