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[urmie]

I was under the impression, subbing to DF patreon was simply to access native 4K videos? I don't see anything else promised or mentioned on their page besides that access?

Digital Foundry

Digital Foundry specializes in technical analysis of gaming hardware and software, using state-of-the-art capture systems to show you how well games and hardware run.

www.digitalfoundry.net

John, D dark10x I think it would be best to set-up a Patreon-only support email, so that all questions and inquiries are sent to 1 place. Then anyone on staff can answer.

 

[dirthead]

Sorry, but I have to laugh at anyone dumb enough to give e-beggars on the internet money for nothing and doubly laugh at anyone delusional enough to call themselves a "content creator" because they stitch together video game footage while spouting information that vacillates between dead obvious/common sense to factually wrong.

 

[Slings and Arrows]

I'm a man, not a millennial, I don't get triggered over text on a screen.

 

[AeonGaidenRaiden]

I love the concept of Ko-fi. No promises, just throw in a few bucks to support the creator, pretty much giving them cash for a cup of coffee (ko-fi). Its a cool little concept, straight to PayPal, no fees.

 

[TUROK]

Apologies - for me it just comes down to lack of time for anything and having a really bad year. It's getting a tad better but the sheer volume of work is proving too much for me. Gotta make changes to survive cuz I've never been so stressed and unwell. That's really what it comes down to. I do try to answer messages when possible but the hours I'm working right now and being sick has made things tough to keep up.


Well, unfortunately, we do not. Things aren't great and I'm so stressed that I can barely keep up! So, that's why I've missed messages and mostly stopped posting on forums (until this moment). It's been one of the worst years on record for me. I'm trying my best but have failed, as usual.

That said, we're looking at ways to improve by focusing more on it and that will hopefully allow me to do more stuff FOR the Patreon (including an easy way to chat with us directly) instead of only focusing on YouTube. That is the big key, I think. Finding new ways to focus.

Sorry for letting everyone down again. I wish I could please everyone but I'm just not good enough.


Why do you make these types of claims? That stuff really fucking hurts and isn't even remotely true.

I just want to make enjoyable videos. That's all. ...but the spark is fading fast along with my health. The internet has really wrecked me.

Well, as someone who loves Digital Foundry and has for a long time now, I wish you the best. Your DF Retro segments are some of my favorite things to watch, so put me in the "you didn't let me down" column.

Hope things get better for you, broski. I love your work, and you've always seemed like a cool person so I'm rooting for ya and the whole DF team.

 

[TUROK]

I was being nice to the guy but you guys keep posting stuff like this and... man...

What the fuck is this turbonerd garbage?!

 

[dark10x]

What the fuck is this turbonerd garbage?!

That guy caused me so much grief yet it's clear that he doesn't actually understand anything being discussed. He thinks he knows what he's talking about but clearly does not - nothing he says invalidates anything we said. What sucks is that, I'll have the Sony audience at my door after this but when I'm equally positive about a Sony game, the Xbox crew will come around instead (that Sasel fellow, for instance). I wish people could set aside their biases and just enjoy things rather than tearing it down. It's really fucked me up, though - that video is what triggered a lot of this.

This is ultimately why I wish I could permanently just focus on retro games...that's what I truly care the most about these days. I guess, what I'd like, is just to have a conversation with those that disagree over these matters - try to find common ground.

 

[McCheese]

DF Retro is amazing, but the console comparisons are very handy when deciding which system to pick a game up for.

But yup, the amount of vitriol they always stir up, and it being so easy to find someone's social presence, it's a vicious combination. It's scary when folks seem adamant to defend "their console" by making counter videos with cherry picked clips, as on the face of it they can be quite convincing.

Wish you could cover more neogeo stuff, would love a deep dive into what put the AES so far ahead of the other 16bit systems, heck there is so much retro stuff to cover, who do we need to petition to make a full time DF Retro happen ?

They really do brighten my days up. Thank you. I also don't watch them because they are DF, I watch them because its you doing them.

 

[Noboru Wataya]

That guy caused me so much grief yet it's clear that he doesn't actually understand anything being discussed. He thinks he knows what he's talking about but clearly does not - nothing he says invalidates anything we said. What sucks is that, I'll have the Sony audience at my door after this but when I'm equally positive about a Sony game, the Xbox crew will come around instead (that Sasel fellow, for instance). I wish people could set aside their biases and just enjoy things rather than tearing it down. It's really fucked me up, though - that video is what triggered a lot of this.

This is ultimately why I wish I could permanently just focus on retro games...that's what I truly care the most about these days. I guess, what I'd like, is just to have a conversation with those that disagree over these matters - try to find common ground.

I see this a lot on twitter and YouTube, people who can be praised by thousands yet dwells on the few. You even go out of your way to publicly acknowledge the negative and ignore the positive, all while beating yourself about how imperfect you are. I feel sorry for you, and I’m not saying that to be a dick, I genuinely do. It’s become a trope that some of the most talented creative people are lacking any sense of self worth. I hope you are seeking help and get past this or quit before I see your name in a depressing headline.

 

[Explosive Zombie]

That guy caused me so much grief yet it's clear that he doesn't actually understand anything being discussed. He thinks he knows what he's talking about but clearly does not - nothing he says invalidates anything we said. What sucks is that, I'll have the Sony audience at my door after this but when I'm equally positive about a Sony game, the Xbox crew will come around instead (that Sasel fellow, for instance). I wish people could set aside their biases and just enjoy things rather than tearing it down. It's really fucked me up, though - that video is what triggered a lot of this.

This is ultimately why I wish I could permanently just focus on retro games...that's what I truly care the most about these days. I guess, what I'd like, is just to have a conversation with those that disagree over these matters - try to find common ground.

As the person who linked the video in here I'd like to say you shouldn't stress so much over it. A lot of us are simply interested in what was lost in translation over the course of the franchise and though the personality I linked is amusing few of us really believe it's your job to tell us if it has as many random objects to shoot as Gears 3 does. I generally love DF and am counting on you guys when it comes to Ghost Recon: Breakpoint, I loved the beta but it performed horribly and I'm not buying until I see a thorough analysis from you guys. That's me being legit here, as funny as I think KingThrash is and as much as it matters to me interactivity was lost to achieve 4K60FPS in Gears 5 I'm not saying DF is bad, useless or without merit, even in your Gears 5 video! Stuff like the shadow stuff I honestly don't have enough tech know how to argue who's right or wrong between you and him, and I don't expect your Breakpoint video to tell me how many objects can be shot compared to Wildlands, I want to know how it performs on different setups and that's what most people use DF for. On top of that the personalities are always pleasant in these DF videos. Most the reason I was amused by the Gears 5 video I linked is total console warrior fun (though I'm on Act II on PC for the game and therefore have less of a stake in console wars). On this forum it's often been amusing to argue what console has the best exclusives and we get a lot of Sony exclusive threads where people now say "not 60 so not beautiful" due to Gears 5, that said it's less fun when it starts to involve stressing someone out who did hard work and I'm not into that sort of thing. When I put the video in the thread I wasn't fully aware of your job at DF, I knew you were part of the Patreon content based on your replies to OP but had I known you did the Gears 5 analysis I would have kept my mouth shut, not because I disagree with KingThrash, I think a lot of things he points out are details missing from your video, but because I don't actually believe you are actually required to tell us if cans on counters can still be shot or whatever else. We've seen you detail such things in the past but usually via an additional video like the cost of 4K with Halo 5, in the tech analysis vids all people really want to know is how the game performs on the platforms its available for and I can't think of many people who will fault you guys on the job you did there, including myself.

 

[Hostile_18]

That guy caused me so much grief yet it's clear that he doesn't actually understand anything being discussed. He thinks he knows what he's talking about but clearly does not - nothing he says invalidates anything we said. What sucks is that, I'll have the Sony audience at my door after this but when I'm equally positive about a Sony game, the Xbox crew will come around instead (that Sasel fellow, for instance). I wish people could set aside their biases and just enjoy things rather than tearing it down. It's really fucked me up, though - that video is what triggered a lot of this.

This is ultimately why I wish I could permanently just focus on retro games...that's what I truly care the most about these days. I guess, what I'd like, is just to have a conversation with those that disagree over these matters - try to find common ground.

The more popular you get the more you'll attract a small base who dont like you/the content. It's true of every large content creator. I wouldn't even waste time trying to find common ground, just move on from it and focus on the overwhelmingly positive fanbase.

 

[phil_t98]

That guy caused me so much grief yet it's clear that he doesn't actually understand anything being discussed. He thinks he knows what he's talking about but clearly does not - nothing he says invalidates anything we said. What sucks is that, I'll have the Sony audience at my door after this but when I'm equally positive about a Sony game, the Xbox crew will come around instead (that Sasel fellow, for instance). I wish people could set aside their biases and just enjoy things rather than tearing it down. It's really fucked me up, though - that video is what triggered a lot of this.

This is ultimately why I wish I could permanently just focus on retro games...that's what I truly care the most about these days. I guess, what I'd like, is just to have a conversation with those that disagree over these matters - try to find common ground.

as long as your videos are right in what they are saying then you don't need to worry. the internet will aways have trolls, after all D dark10x your a member of this site and see it daily lol. your videos are always good and you don't need to explain yourself, people always have agendas for their box of choice and you can't help that. if a game runs better on PS4 then so be it , if the game runs better on Xbox then so be it.

just remember there are more people who like what you do rather than dislike, unfortunately as here the type who dislike something are more vocal than the people who like what ever it is.

 

[bilderberg]

That guy caused me so much grief yet it's clear that he doesn't actually understand anything being discussed. He thinks he knows what he's talking about but clearly does not - nothing he says invalidates anything we said. What sucks is that, I'll have the Sony audience at my door after this but when I'm equally positive about a Sony game, the Xbox crew will come around instead (that Sasel fellow, for instance). I wish people could set aside their biases and just enjoy things rather than tearing it down. It's really fucked me up, though - that video is what triggered a lot of this.

This is ultimately why I wish I could permanently just focus on retro games...that's what I truly care the most about these days. I guess, what I'd like, is just to have a conversation with those that disagree over these matters - try to find common ground.

Aren't you being a bit dramatic? You need to realize that DF is large enough to be open for critique, whether fairly or unfairly. Anything your channel, or you, put out is going to be fair game.

 

[Explosive Zombie]

The more popular you get the more you'll attract a small base who dont like you/the content. It's true of every large content creator. I wouldn't even waste time trying to find common ground, just move on from it and focus on the overwhelmingly positive fanbase.

I'm glad he tried to find common ground with me. I think the KingThrash Gaming video is really funny due to the guy's personality but I never stopped to really think if everything he was saying was actually spot on. Like is he wrong about less interactivity? I wouldn't say so but I also wouldn't say I should have expected DF to tell me how many pots and pans I can destroy. He talks about shadows not matching up and even when I first saw the video I was like "is that not right? I can't tell" I'm legit at a loss for such things. His taking the time to talk to me about it totally changed my view on it, and made me realize I was a part of a swarm of negativity affecting someone who regularly puts out content I actually enjoy. Like I said future games like Ghost Recon, Call of Duty and Doom I'll want to know DF's word on. It's a similar effect to what I went through when I and others on the Destiny subreddit freaked out over Curse of Osiris, seeing the people involved in the game react to us both made me feel bad about being so negative and good because I got to see they cared and were fixing things. I was looking forward to future Destiny content but I and others came across like we hated the game or something, it's really weird how we emphasize our negative feelings in the moment and can't think forward very often. Not to mention how little we think about the stress and hard work people put in to give us something we cry and whine isn't enough. The DLC launched a month after the game and we still whined it needed more to it, is that even fair? It's fair to have an opinion on anything but is it fair to be so hyperbolic in the negativity? Is it fair to call DF Xbox shills because they were positive about Gears 5 when your complaints amount to "based on my limited knowledge of shadow tech I think the shadows aren't right"?? Nope, and for some of us having a direct line to the creator can make us realize how unfair we were being.

It's no different from regular forum encounters, any single person I've gotten heated with on here, if they PMed me to hash it out I can guarantee it'd be way more civil. The internet could use more of that sort of civility.

 

[Rolling_Start]

What the fuck is this turbonerd garbage?!

I couldn't take the whole video, only the start and some parts that some DF haters (you know the ones) thoughts were some kind of epic win.

The M.O. of the video appears to be to find a glitch, or normal feature of games, or a feature that some other games have had (at lower frame rate and without splitscreen), and then to focus on that particular element and use it as an example of how the game is not impressive or bad.

So for example, where the game uses screen space reflections, but falls back to reflection maps on windows/reflective surfaces when this breaks down (overall effect very impressive), the video maker will walk up to a window so it's using a generic reflection map that doesn't exactly match the scene behind, then stay at that window for a minute, and say DF are lying and the reflections are shit ... and then I think throw the word "nigger" in there. (I heard that word a lot in this "tech analysis analysis").

Another example immediately following the above : G5 uses a distance based "capsule" detail level. So as things get closer another layer of detail emerges. In a particular, during a cutscene the shadow from a hand generates a darker, second level level of shadow under the area where the thicker palm would be (as opposed to the thinner fingers). DF point this out.

But in some immense exercise of feigning stupidity, this dude says that this entire system (talked about by the developers themselves) doesn't exist because if it did the finger tips closest to the table would be darker.

Oh, and this exercise in partisan technical illiteracy was fawned over by some of the alternately mawing and mewling noisemakers in here.

Imagine putting up with an army of cunts like that every day of your working life.

Chin up, D dark10x , I've worked in retail. I know what you're going through. Stay strong!

 

[TUROK]

Aren't you being a bit dramatic? You need to realize that DF is large enough to be open for critique, whether fairly or unfairly. Anything your channel, or you, put out is going to be fair game.

"Critique."

 

[ipukespiders]

John, just keep making your videos, rest, rinse and repeat without looking at critiques.
When the elevator hits your floor, drop a stink bomb, and get off. Don't look back.

 

[TLZ]

This is ultimately why I wish I could permanently just focus on retro games...that's what I truly care the most about these days.

Then do it, if that what makes you feel good. I still think you should have your own channel where you can do just that. I'm positive you'd excel there

 

[Outrunner]

That guy caused me so much grief yet it's clear that he doesn't actually understand anything being discussed. He thinks he knows what he's talking about but clearly does not - nothing he says invalidates anything we said. What sucks is that, I'll have the Sony audience at my door after this but when I'm equally positive about a Sony game, the Xbox crew will come around instead (that Sasel fellow, for instance). I wish people could set aside their biases and just enjoy things rather than tearing it down. It's really fucked me up, though - that video is what triggered a lot of this.

This is ultimately why I wish I could permanently just focus on retro games...that's what I truly care the most about these days. I guess, what I'd like, is just to have a conversation with those that disagree over these matters - try to find common ground.

I think the work you guys do is incredible. And having people getting on your back to try to prove you wrong comes along with the rise in popularity. In the end he is just trying to get views by ridding on the back of your work. Ignore the haters and keep doing the great stuff you do. Do address constructive criticism and issue corrections if necessary, but for the rest just carry on. You guys are awesome.

 

[interfreak]

Apologies - for me it just comes down to lack of time for anything and having a really bad year. It's getting a tad better but the sheer volume of work is proving too much for me. Gotta make changes to survive cuz I've never been so stressed and unwell. That's really what it comes down to. I do try to answer messages when possible but the hours I'm working right now and being sick has made things tough to keep up.


Well, unfortunately, we do not. Things aren't great and I'm so stressed that I can barely keep up! So, that's why I've missed messages and mostly stopped posting on forums (until this moment). It's been one of the worst years on record for me. I'm trying my best but have failed, as usual.

That said, we're looking at ways to improve by focusing more on it and that will hopefully allow me to do more stuff FOR the Patreon (including an easy way to chat with us directly) instead of only focusing on YouTube. That is the big key, I think. Finding new ways to focus.

Sorry for letting everyone down again. I wish I could please everyone but I'm just not good enough.


Why do you make these types of claims? That stuff really fucking hurts and isn't even remotely true.

I just want to make enjoyable videos. That's all. ...but the spark is fading fast along with my health. The internet has really wrecked me.

John, as someone who has battled with depression and a limited self worth all my life, I empathise.

It doesn't matter how on top of your game you are, or how successful - you will always focus on the minority of negative comments and almost always take them personally.

But rest assured, from an outside perspective - you are very well regarded in the gaming community and are one of the most knowledgeable people (if not the most knowledgeable) I have ever seen when it comes to retro gaming.

I enjoy watching and listening to every video you make, and for a while, it takes me away from my own personal demons and immerses me in something I love.

You need to look after number one - if you find the greatest pleasure in producing retro content, then you need to do only that. Hang in there Brother.

 

[dark10x]

Appreciate the support, guys. I've been in contact with the OP as well so we're cool. In fact, everyone in this thread has been pretty great. It's true - it's easy to just focus in on the negativity but there's no point in thinking you can change everyone's mind. Some people? Sure...but not everyone.

Either way, one of the things I've really tried to do and continue to do is just be open and honest with folks. I enjoy making videos and I love sharing them and discussing them with people and want everyone to know that they always come from a place of passion. For the times I've lashed out at others, though, I apologize. I'd love if we could all just get along and enjoy games and game discussion together! That's all I really wanted!

 

[-Arcadia-]

Appreciate the support, guys. I've been in contact with the OP as well so we're cool. In fact, everyone in this thread has been pretty great. It's true - it's easy to just focus in on the negativity but there's no point in thinking you can change everyone's mind. Some people? Sure...but not everyone.

Either way, one of the things I've really tried to do and continue to do is just be open and honest with folks. I enjoy making videos and I love sharing them and discussing them with people and want everyone to know that they always come from a place of passion. For the times I've lashed out at others, though, I apologize. I'd love if we could all just get along and enjoy games and game discussion together! That's all I really wanted!

From a fan who doesn’t get a chance like this to share the love often, I appreciate all of you at DF so much. I play a lot on Switch so, yeah, lol, your help has been invaluable. Your retro stuff is also flat-out amazing, and a must-watch every time.

There’s always so much negativity that comes with being in the public eye, and people don’t really voice positive thoughts as a general thing, but negative? They love to do that. So many people love what you do.

I hope you can find a better work/life balance, and more happiness. I hope I can contribute to that a little bit by showing my gratitude.

 

[alabtrosMyster]

What the fuck is this turbonerd garbage?!

This is the truth about Digital Foundry's analysis of Gears 5, he explains his point further in this response to DF reaction's in this new video.


Now some people like D dark10x take every kind of criticism as "harassment" (as we have seen in the "learn to code" debackle on Twitter), as he explains above, he actually has a lot of praise for the analysis they do on the Sony titles - I.E. they analyse them, they criticize them, they point out the flaws in the best looking games out there, they zoom in on scaled images to make you understand checker boarding and upscaling artifacts, etc. This is great and this is why we need what DF does, assuming they do it consistently and don't sound like an MS PR mouth piece when they analyze xbox games.

How do we know that the Gears 5 is PR material? the flaws and unflattering comparison don't happen in this video., now Kingtrashgaming has actually found evidence and he did great work of documenting it.

Where I disagree with ktg is when he points out that they go and interview Scarlett engineers and Gears developers, the media has to interview people, and they interview a wide range of developers, so I don't care this much who pays for the plane tickets, etc. (despite the apparent conflict it creates). I don't care so long as technical analysis and reviews are properly shielded from the sponsoring, they must show they are willing to sever the relationship if it interfered with their actual output beyond the reasonable expectations of the readers. But I also admit that he backed his point with actual evidence of corruption, so DF does not deserve our trust on this level.

Sorry if it makes you sad John, you also do great work when you are left to your own devices, so I just think that those shenanigans hurt your reputation, but you should not be upset because people took notice, you should be upset with whoever made the deal, and had you do this video.

 

[Shai-Tan]

constructive criticism should be welcome. stoking witch hunts not. saying someone's taking all criticism as harassment fails to see the distinction. shitty vitrol isn't what keeps a conversation going

 

[dark10x]

Sorry if it makes you sad John, you also do great work when you are left to your own devices, so I just think that those shenanigans hurt your reputation, but you should not be upset because people took notice, you should be upset with whoever made the deal, and had you do this video.

No, but you see, the points he makes aren't accurate or fair. It also shows a lack of understanding of basic language (like the usage of 'we') and techniques in general. This video is defamation. Plain and simple.

The fact is - my video was made alone in my house, on my own. I WAS left to my own devices as always. I do not work from an office. I made this alone. There is no extra money or anything like that and the fact that you suggest that boils my god damn blood. Producing this video was extremely difficult and I poured a ton of work into it. It was made like all other videos.

Did you watch my Spider-Man video from last year? Do you realize I received the same stuff from the Xbox camp? People claiming it's paid off or PR bullshit when it is not. So you're wrong - I did not scrutinize those Sony games any differently than this. This is exactly how I approached God of War, Spider-Man, Horizon and the like. Why? Because I was hyped for these games and I loved them - I wanted to make videos that were 'an event', so to speak. It has nothing to do with the companies themselves, it's me as a fan of them. I am not a reviewer.

I pointed out exactly the issues - the frame-rate drops below 60 and has tearing. Do you know how difficult it was to actually get that footage, though? It took about one hour per 60 seconds of frame-rate analysis due to how they flip the buffer in that game. It was insane how annoying that was. So I went in and found the worst spots that I could for testing and you see it dip exactly as it does.

What comparison is there to make anyways? I don't even understand.

I am VERY FUCKING UPSET that people are acting this way because what is being said is factually incorrect. They are lying and hurting because they think there's some god damn conspiracy when there isn't.

I really don't understand. So what if I loved Gears 5? I don't get it. I'm here to shine a light on developers. I'm not here to tear them down. There is nothing different about this video. Heck, I was even very positive about games like Days Gone which were trashed by a lot of people.

If you want just raw facts go to VG Tech and leave me alone. I do not care anymore.

I've tried to be as open and honest about everything as possible yet I still have to deal with this. What does it tell me? You can't win by being a good person or truthful. You need to be an asshole to win in this industry, it seems. So, yeah, they win! They got me. Congrats.

I should just close this account and all my accounts, honestly. This year has been the fucking worst. I was this close to just ending it earlier this year and people like that are pushing me right back there. I should never have taken this job. I'm a piece of shit and deserve to die. Maybe I will tonight. I don't know. It seems that those assholes would love it. They would celebrate.

 

[Stuart360]

No, but you see, the points he makes aren't accurate or fair. It also shows a lack of understanding of basic language (like the usage of 'we') and techniques in general. This video is defamation. Plain and simple.

The fact is - my video was made alone in my house, on my own. I WAS left to my own devices as always. I do not work from an office. I made this alone. There is no extra money or anything like that and the fact that you suggest that boils my god damn blood. Producing this video was extremely difficult and I poured a ton of work into it. It was made like all other videos.

Did you watch my Spider-Man video from last year? Do you realize I received the same stuff from the Xbox camp? People claiming it's paid off or PR bullshit when it is not. So you're wrong - I did not scrutinize those Sony games any differently than this. This is exactly how I approached God of War, Spider-Man, Horizon and the like. Why? Because I was hyped for these games and I loved them - I wanted to make videos that were 'an event', so to speak. It has nothing to do with the companies themselves, it's me as a fan of them. I am not a reviewer.

I pointed out exactly the issues - the frame-rate drops below 60 and has tearing. Do you know how difficult it was to actually get that footage, though? It took about one hour per 60 seconds of frame-rate analysis due to how they flip the buffer in that game. It was insane how annoying that was. So I went in and found the worst spots that I could for testing and you see it dip exactly as it does.

What comparison is there to make anyways? I don't even understand.

I am VERY FUCKING UPSET that people are acting this way because what is being said is factually incorrect. They are lying and hurting because they think there's some god damn conspiracy when there isn't.

I really don't understand. So what if I loved Gears 5? I don't get it. I'm here to shine a light on developers. I'm not here to tear them down. There is nothing different about this video. Heck, I was even very positive about games like Days Gone which were trashed by a lot of people.

If you want just raw facts go to VG Tech and leave me alone. I do not care anymore.

I've tried to be as open and honest about everything as possible yet I still have to deal with this. What does it tell me? You can't win by being a good person or truthful. You need to be an asshole to win in this industry, it seems. So, yeah, they win! They got me. Congrats.

I should just close this account and all my accounts, honestly. This year has been the fucking worst. I was this close to just ending it earlier this year and people like that are pushing me right back there. I should never have taken this job. I'm a piece of shit and deserve to die. Maybe I will tonight. I don't know. It seems that those assholes would love it. They would celebrate.

Dude just stop man. So many people love your vids, i'm one of them. Its a tiny minority of butthurt Sony fanboys crying because you didnt tear Gears 5 a new one, its god damn pathetic and cringeworthy, and they know it. Dont let them bother you. They had no problem pre OneX days when you would say PS4 Versions of games were nearly always better than XB1.
Fanboys are the worst, but dont let them win.

 

[Saber]

I should just close this account and all my accounts, honestly. This year has been the fucking worst. I was this close to just ending it earlier this year and people like that are pushing me right back there. I should never have taken this job. I'm a piece of shit and deserve to die. Maybe I will tonight. I don't know. It seems that those assholes would love it. They would celebrate.

Hold your horses Dark. Don't go desperate because of those assholes. Maybe you should take a time from internet and do what you love most without think about repercution. Don't give up because of the cancer of internet and most importantly don't give up yourself. Most of those people you deal with are mentally ill, sociopaths or smartass that are there to put pressure on their targets and create their famous "cancel culture". Do NOT ever said a bad thing like this EVER. You're better than that and better than this scum from internet that speak bravely only because they feel secure in front of their damn computers.

 

[Outrunner]

No, but you see, the points he makes aren't accurate or fair. It also shows a lack of understanding of basic language (like the usage of 'we') and techniques in general. This video is defamation. Plain and simple.

The fact is - my video was made alone in my house, on my own. I WAS left to my own devices as always. I do not work from an office. I made this alone. There is no extra money or anything like that and the fact that you suggest that boils my god damn blood. Producing this video was extremely difficult and I poured a ton of work into it. It was made like all other videos.

Did you watch my Spider-Man video from last year? Do you realize I received the same stuff from the Xbox camp? People claiming it's paid off or PR bullshit when it is not. So you're wrong - I did not scrutinize those Sony games any differently than this. This is exactly how I approached God of War, Spider-Man, Horizon and the like. Why? Because I was hyped for these games and I loved them - I wanted to make videos that were 'an event', so to speak. It has nothing to do with the companies themselves, it's me as a fan of them. I am not a reviewer.

I pointed out exactly the issues - the frame-rate drops below 60 and has tearing. Do you know how difficult it was to actually get that footage, though? It took about one hour per 60 seconds of frame-rate analysis due to how they flip the buffer in that game. It was insane how annoying that was. So I went in and found the worst spots that I could for testing and you see it dip exactly as it does.

What comparison is there to make anyways? I don't even understand.

I am VERY FUCKING UPSET that people are acting this way because what is being said is factually incorrect. They are lying and hurting because they think there's some god damn conspiracy when there isn't.

I really don't understand. So what if I loved Gears 5? I don't get it. I'm here to shine a light on developers. I'm not here to tear them down. There is nothing different about this video. Heck, I was even very positive about games like Days Gone which were trashed by a lot of people.

If you want just raw facts go to VG Tech and leave me alone. I do not care anymore.

I've tried to be as open and honest about everything as possible yet I still have to deal with this. What does it tell me? You can't win by being a good person or truthful. You need to be an asshole to win in this industry, it seems. So, yeah, they win! They got me. Congrats.

I should just close this account and all my accounts, honestly. This year has been the fucking worst. I was this close to just ending it earlier this year and people like that are pushing me right back there. I should never have taken this job. I'm a piece of shit and deserve to die. Maybe I will tonight. I don't know. It seems that those assholes would love it. They would celebrate.

John, the majority of people loves the work you do. Don't let a few assholes get the best of you. They probably have no idea of how passionate you are and about how much time and work your videos involve. Ignore them and keep doing the amazing work you do, there are far more people appreciating your work than there are assholes trying to trash it.

 

[dark10x]

Dude just stop man. So many people love your vids, i'm one of them. Its a tiny minority of butthurt Sony fanboys crying because you didnt tear Gears 5 a new one. Dont let them bother you. They had no problem pre OneX days when you would say PS4 Versions of games were nearly always better than XB1.
Fanboys are the worst, but dont let them win.

I honestly can't help it. Shit has been rough this year, I'm in regular pain and even when I try to be enthusiastic I get slammed with assholes like this. I just can't deal with it. I do not understand why people are so focused on tearing down others. Who the heck cares if I enjoyed something?!? I don't understand what is wrong with these people that they feel the need to drag my name through the mud. They are the ones with an agenda and it's in defense of a giant corporation that couldn't care less about them. Games are supposed to entertainment and how they are made should be exciting and interesting.

John, the majority of people loves the work you do. Don't let a few assholes get the best of you. They probably have no idea of how passionate you are and about how much time and work your videos involve. Ignore them and keep doing the amazing work you do, there are far more people appreciating your work than there are assholes trying to trash it.

I know, I appreciate those people, but the fact that people would call my integrity into question because they don't like an opinion is insane.

I wish I could stop covering modern games entirely. I have to make a new video tomorrow but all I can think about is how people will try to tear it down because it's probably going to be positive.

 

[Stuart360]

I honestly can't help it. Shit has been rough this year, I'm in regular pain and even when I try to be enthusiastic I get slammed with assholes like this. I just can't deal with it. I do not understand why people are so focused on tearing down others. Who the heck cares if I enjoyed something?!? I don't understand what is wrong with these people that they feel the need to drag my name through the mud. They are the ones with an agenda and it's in defense of a giant corporation that couldn't care less about them. Games are supposed to entertainment and how they are made should be exciting and interesting.

The vast majority love you, and DF. Its hard and its human nature to dwell on the negatives, but just try and see the positives in the amount of people that love your stuff. Its the best videogame related content on the web imo. Intergrity is going to come into account when there are passionate fanboys involed, it sucks but they will always be there. Just do your best work and stand by your findings. If you believe you have done everything right, and have given your true findings, and feelings,. then fuck the haters.

 

[Explosive Zombie]

No, but you see, the points he makes aren't accurate or fair. It also shows a lack of understanding of basic language (like the usage of 'we') and techniques in general. This video is defamation. Plain and simple.

The fact is - my video was made alone in my house, on my own. I WAS left to my own devices as always. I do not work from an office. I made this alone. There is no extra money or anything like that and the fact that you suggest that boils my god damn blood. Producing this video was extremely difficult and I poured a ton of work into it. It was made like all other videos.

Did you watch my Spider-Man video from last year? Do you realize I received the same stuff from the Xbox camp? People claiming it's paid off or PR bullshit when it is not. So you're wrong - I did not scrutinize those Sony games any differently than this. This is exactly how I approached God of War, Spider-Man, Horizon and the like. Why? Because I was hyped for these games and I loved them - I wanted to make videos that were 'an event', so to speak. It has nothing to do with the companies themselves, it's me as a fan of them. I am not a reviewer.

I pointed out exactly the issues - the frame-rate drops below 60 and has tearing. Do you know how difficult it was to actually get that footage, though? It took about one hour per 60 seconds of frame-rate analysis due to how they flip the buffer in that game. It was insane how annoying that was. So I went in and found the worst spots that I could for testing and you see it dip exactly as it does.

What comparison is there to make anyways? I don't even understand.

I am VERY FUCKING UPSET that people are acting this way because what is being said is factually incorrect. They are lying and hurting because they think there's some god damn conspiracy when there isn't.

I really don't understand. So what if I loved Gears 5? I don't get it. I'm here to shine a light on developers. I'm not here to tear them down. There is nothing different about this video. Heck, I was even very positive about games like Days Gone which were trashed by a lot of people.

If you want just raw facts go to VG Tech and leave me alone. I do not care anymore.

I've tried to be as open and honest about everything as possible yet I still have to deal with this. What does it tell me? You can't win by being a good person or truthful. You need to be an asshole to win in this industry, it seems. So, yeah, they win! They got me. Congrats.

I should just close this account and all my accounts, honestly. This year has been the fucking worst. I was this close to just ending it earlier this year and people like that are pushing me right back there. I should never have taken this job. I'm a piece of shit and deserve to die. Maybe I will tonight. I don't know. It seems that those assholes would love it. They would celebrate.

1. Defamation? Quite the claim, back it up.

2. No one cares what boils your blood, you can't prove where you made the video and that money doesn't influence it.

3. I saw in Spider-Man you were much more eager to highlight flaws than with Gears 5.

4. That's one issue you managed to point out, other guys like VG Tech found problems you didn't, isn't DF the leader in this sort of analysis?

5. We watched a 45 minute video that is not lies or factually incorrect simply because you say so and no amount of you throwing a tantrum can change it.

6. You can't seem to see the nuance, you were largely positive on all games mentioned, you just had more negative critique for games like Spider-Man and God of War than you did Gears 5, including critiquing elements Gears 5 also had trouble with like when you tried to move a plant with your axe in God of War.

7. LOL, what a petulant attitude for someone working for the leader in tech analysis.

8. Open and honest doesn't mean an emotional dialogue with people to get them to see you as human and sympathize, it means actually addressing the critiques leveled at you. No one would call you an asshole for providing your actual argument against the video, but you aren't doing that, you're saying "believe me because I'm nice".

9. You're reminding me of a girlfriend I had who'd threaten suicide, it didn't work for her and this type of emotional manipulation certainly won't work for you. If you think threatening to take your own life will get people to validate you and tell you you did nothing wrong then you're a cowardly scumbag.

 

[bilderberg]

Chill dude. Step away from the computer and take a break. We wish you the best.

 

[dark10x]

1. Defamation? Quite the claim, back it up.

2. No one cares what boils your blood, you can't prove where you made the video and that money doesn't influence it.

3. I saw in Spider-Man you were much more eager to highlight flaws than with Gears 5.

4. That's one issue you managed to point out, other guys like VG Tech found problems you didn't, isn't DF the leader in this sort of analysis?

5. We watched a 45 minute video that is not lies or factually incorrect simply because you say so and no amount of you throwing a tantrum can change it.

6. You can't seem to see the nuance, you were largely positive on all games mentioned, you just had more negative critique for games like Spider-Man and God of War than you did Gears 5, including critiquing elements Gears 5 also had trouble with like when you tried to move a plant with your axe in God of War.

7. LOL, what a petulant attitude for someone working for the leader in tech analysis.

8. Open and honest doesn't mean an emotional dialogue with people to get them to see you as human and sympathize, it means actually addressing the critiques leveled at you. No one would call you an asshole for providing your actual argument against the video, but you aren't doing that, you're saying "believe me because I'm nice".

9. You're reminding me of a girlfriend I had who'd threaten suicide, it didn't work for her and this type of emotional manipulation certainly won't work for you. If you think threatening to take your own life will get people to validate you and tell you you did nothing wrong then you're a cowardly scumbag.

I am the leader in nothing, honestly. I've never claimed that.

Can you actually point out where my video is incorrect? I was very positive, though, but why is that an issue? I usually am. This is a video highlighting the technical features of the game. Those are the videos I enjoy making and that's what most of them tend to be.

The plant in God of War was a point of praise, though - that it moved when you swung your axe. That was not a critique.

It was definitely defamation as accusations that are untrue were made throughout - this would be very easy to prove in a court of law if it came down to it.

What's REALLY insane to me, though, the thing I can't understand is that...it's all Sony fans that are super upset by the Gears video. Yet, if you look at my own personal collection, it's heavily weighted towards PlayStation. I mean, this isn't a fanboy situation at all. I love all these machines and games. It's very strange.

 

[Stuart360]

As someone who suffers from depression and anxiety, and are seriously contemplating doing something as i may be losing my home in a months time, it fucking makes my blood boil to see John pour his soul out on here and express how low he is, all becuasre of you stupid pathetic dumbass fanboys crying because he didnt highlight some 'problems' with Gears 5, questioning his and DF's fucking intergrity. Pathetic.
Cut the shit out already, just fucking get a fucking life the lot of you.

 

[dark10x]

As someone who suffers from depression and anxiety, and are seriously comptemplating doing something as i may be losing my home in a months time, it fucking makes my blood boil to see John pour his soul out on here and express how low he is, all becuasre of you stupid pathetic dumbass fanboys crying because he didnt highlight some 'problems' with Gears 5, questioning his and DF's fucking intergrity. Pathetic.
Cut the shit out already, just fucking get a fucking life the lot of you.

Yeah, that's really the main issue - I am in a bad place thus saying ridiculous things. Chronic pain and depression really do a number on you and this is just too much.

 

[Explosive Zombie]

I am the leader in nothing, honestly. I've never claimed that.

Can you actually point out where my video is incorrect? I was very positive, though, but why is that an issue? I usually am. This is a video highlighting the technical features of the game. Those are the videos I enjoy making and that's what most of them tend to be.

The plant in God of War was a point of praise, though - that it moved when you swung your axe. That was not a critique.

It was definitely defamation as accusations that are untrue were made throughout - this would be very easy to prove in a court of law if it came down to it.

Why do you keep conflating yourself with the entirety of Digital Foundry? You're an employee at the LEADER in tech analysis.

There's more than one video now pointing out why you're incorrect.

But you took the time to try and make the plant move in one game and not the other? What about how much time you spent on things like the reflections being fake on the buildings in Spider-Man but no time on the fake reflections in Gears 5?

Then bring it to a court of law, don't ask us to pity you and be your online therapists.

 

[dark10x]

Why do you keep conflating yourself with the entirety of Digital Foundry? You're an employee at the LEADER in tech analysis.

There's more than one video now pointing out why you're incorrect.

But you took the time to try and make the plant move in one game and not the other? What about how much time you spent on things like the reflections being fake on the buildings in Spider-Man but no time on the fake reflections in Gears 5?

Then bring it to a court of law, don't ask us to pity you and be your online therapists.

See...I don't get it. THOSE things were highlighted as positives. The reflections in Spider-Man are brilliant - absolutely amazing. The game was getting slammed for the puddle thing too and who was there to show them that they were wrong? I was.

Again - the plant in God of War is something I pointed out because it was awesome. It's a very cool thing and, thus, something to highlight. If I had swung an axe and nothing happened, guess what? I wouldn't have commented on it at all.

Why do you think these are negatives things? That's what's confusing me here. The point is to take note of cool details and highlight the techniques being used to achieve them. That's how I approach these videos - I take note of things that are interesting or cool visually and try to figure out how they are done then share it.

Did you walk away thinking those were negative points? Watch again. Dude, those were two of my favorite games of last year - I love them both and prefer them both to Gears 5. Like, I don't understand what you think I was saying about them - I adore those games and their tech.

In both cases, those are positive things. Heck, even one of the programmers on Spider-Man recommend my video in his GDC talk!

 

[Gavin Stevens]

Explosive zombie is being more like an explosive knob right now. Dude just chill out, you’re acting like John came into your yard and kicked your dog. Relax man.

 

[Outrunner]

Why do you keep conflating yourself with the entirety of Digital Foundry? You're an employee at the LEADER in tech analysis.

There's more than one video now pointing out why you're incorrect.

But you took the time to try and make the plant move in one game and not the other? What about how much time you spent on things like the reflections being fake on the buildings in Spider-Man but no time on the fake reflections in Gears 5?

Then bring it to a court of law, don't ask us to pity you and be your online therapists.

What's the endgame for you in here? You think you are somehow unmasking a conspiracy? You aren't. I also think you don't get what he is trying to say, the plant in God of War was something he saw and thought it was a nice detail, so he showed it. Does that mean that he has to go test plant movement in every game he tests? Do you even realize how childish that kind of rational is?

In the end if you don't like his work don't support it, make your own videos and your own analysis. A bit in the line of the #learntocode thing. It goes both ways.

 

[Explosive Zombie]

See...I don't get it. THOSE things were highlighted as positives. The reflections in Spider-Man are brilliant - absolutely amazing. The game was getting slammed for the puddle thing too and who was there to show them that they were wrong? I was.

Again - the plant in God of War is something I pointed out because it was awesome. It's a very cool thing and, thus, something to highlight. Why do you think these are negatives things?

In both cases, those are positive things. Heck, even one of the programmers on Spider-Man recommend my video in his GDC talk!

It's a positive that the reflections are fake and don't match the buildings behind and get higher quality the higher you go up the building? I mean literally what. I mean, you didn't show people they were wrong, though, you talked about stuff like how there WERE less puddles and how the reflections weren't quite up to par with the E3 footage. Like if you're arguing compliments were peppered in as well then sure, but why not do the same for Gears 5, why not while you admit the reflection tech is hard also admit they sometimes don't match reality?

Is it a positive to point out loss of visual IQ when you freeze frames in God of War due to a dynamic resolution?

 

[Stuart360]

There was the whole 'puddlegate' at the time so of course John covered it int he Spiderman vid,. He also said it looked great and the puddles were more than good enough. I also dont get the plant thing in GOW, you were highlighting it as a positive, which it is.

 

[AlteredForms]

You shouldn't have supported them in the first place. They are hosted by Eurogamer and have a strong Youtube following, so why do they need Patreon funds?

 

[Stuart360]

It's a positive that the reflections are fake and don't match the buildings behind and get higher quality the higher you go up the building? I mean literally what. I mean, you didn't show people they were wrong, though, you talked about stuff like how there WERE less puddles and how the reflections weren't quite up to par with the E3 footage. Like if you're arguing compliments were peppered in as well then sure, but why not do the same for Gears 5, why not while you admit the reflection tech is hard also admit they sometimes don't match reality?

Is it a positive to point out loss of visual IQ when you freeze frames in God of War due to a dynamic resolution?

Which they do with EVERY game that has dyamic resolution, or some form of checkerboarding.
Just quit while you're behind.

 

[dark10x]

It's a positive that the reflections are fake and don't match the buildings behind and get higher quality the higher you go up the building? I mean literally what. I mean, you didn't show people they were wrong, though, you talked about stuff like how there WERE less puddles and how the reflections weren't quite up to par with the E3 footage. Like if you're arguing compliments were peppered in as well then sure, but why not do the same for Gears 5, why not while you admit the reflection tech is hard also admit they sometimes don't match reality?

Is it a positive to point out loss of visual IQ when you freeze frames in God of War due to a dynamic resolution?

Yes because full building reflections are super difficult and their solution is amazing. Gears is like any standard game - screen space reflections with cube maps. Nothing super unique about that. Reflections map up as long as SSR information is visible - same in Uncharted 4 and most others. SDR doesn’t work for head reflections thus Insomniac has to find a different solution for the world.

For God of War, pointing out CBR is hardly a critique - it’s just demonstrating what it’s using. CBR is good and it has great image quality.

I’m honestly surprised that you’re feeling this way. I think both of those games are stunning and better than Gears 5.

Either way, I’m sorry for being dramatic - it’s not just this that’s the issue. I’m not doing well outside of this space so this is just tipping point stuff.

 

[chaseroni]

No, but you see, the points he makes aren't accurate or fair. It also shows a lack of understanding of basic language (like the usage of 'we') and techniques in general. This video is defamation. Plain and simple.

The fact is - my video was made alone in my house, on my own. I WAS left to my own devices as always. I do not work from an office. I made this alone. There is no extra money or anything like that and the fact that you suggest that boils my god damn blood. Producing this video was extremely difficult and I poured a ton of work into it. It was made like all other videos.

Did you watch my Spider-Man video from last year? Do you realize I received the same stuff from the Xbox camp? People claiming it's paid off or PR bullshit when it is not. So you're wrong - I did not scrutinize those Sony games any differently than this. This is exactly how I approached God of War, Spider-Man, Horizon and the like. Why? Because I was hyped for these games and I loved them - I wanted to make videos that were 'an event', so to speak. It has nothing to do with the companies themselves, it's me as a fan of them. I am not a reviewer.

I pointed out exactly the issues - the frame-rate drops below 60 and has tearing. Do you know how difficult it was to actually get that footage, though? It took about one hour per 60 seconds of frame-rate analysis due to how they flip the buffer in that game. It was insane how annoying that was. So I went in and found the worst spots that I could for testing and you see it dip exactly as it does.

What comparison is there to make anyways? I don't even understand.

I am VERY FUCKING UPSET that people are acting this way because what is being said is factually incorrect. They are lying and hurting because they think there's some god damn conspiracy when there isn't.

I really don't understand. So what if I loved Gears 5? I don't get it. I'm here to shine a light on developers. I'm not here to tear them down. There is nothing different about this video. Heck, I was even very positive about games like Days Gone which were trashed by a lot of people.

If you want just raw facts go to VG Tech and leave me alone. I do not care anymore.

I've tried to be as open and honest about everything as possible yet I still have to deal with this. What does it tell me? You can't win by being a good person or truthful. You need to be an asshole to win in this industry, it seems. So, yeah, they win! They got me. Congrats.

I should just close this account and all my accounts, honestly. This year has been the fucking worst. I was this close to just ending it earlier this year and people like that are pushing me right back there. I should never have taken this job. I'm a piece of shit and deserve to die. Maybe I will tonight. I don't know. It seems that those assholes would love it. They would celebrate.

Jesus John. You really should log off and get some help. You've been neglecting your mental state so much just because of a few sour apples online, there is so much more to life. I've been a massive fan of DF for years now and I really hate seeing you get like this so frequently, take some time to reframe your mind around this content you make and the people who stick around and enjoy it. It's really not worth beating yourself up like this over. Hell, thelastword just got banned recently, lifes about the small victories man, don't forget to celebrate them, and don't forget the people that are here to celebrate with you. Love you dude, I know brighter days are ahead. Don't give up.

 

[Explosive Zombie]

Explosive zombie is being more like an explosive knob right now. Dude just chill out, you’re acting like John came into your yard and kicked your dog. Relax man.

He's arguing the points now and I'm more chill but honestly I'd rather someone kicked my dog than try and claim I was a part of the reason they ended their life or some shit. That's trying to hold me hostage.

What's the endgame for you in here? You think you are somehow unmasking a conspiracy? You aren't. I also think you don't get what he is trying to say, the plant in God of War was something he saw and thought it was a nice detail, so he showed it. Does that mean that he has to go test plant movement in every game he tests? Do you even realize how childish that kind of rational is?

In the end if you don't like his work don't support it, make your own videos and your own analysis. A bit in the line of the #learntocode thing. It goes both ways.

Endgame? I don't have an endgame, my dude, I saw him using emotionally abusive language to engender support and pity while also saying KingThrash is a liar and defaming him. What he's doing with you guys is ridiculous, telling you he's too fragile so just believe any critiques of his work are false? I'm reacting, there's no plan to where the reactions go, if John wants to argue the actual arguments and not emotionally manipulate then I'm open to his explanations and to see if they satisfy.

Which they do with EVERY game that has dyamic reolution, or some form of checkerboarding.
Just quit while you're behind.

He didn't in his Gears 5 vid, that's the whole point.

Yes because full building reflections are super difficult and their solution is amazing. Gears is like any standard game - screen space reflections with cube maps. Nothing super unique about that. Reflections map up as long as SSR information is visible - same in Uncharted 4 and most others. SDR doesn’t work for head reflections thus Insomniac has to find a different solution for the world.

For God of War, pointing out CBR is hardly a critique - it’s just demonstrating what it’s using. CBR is good and it has great image quality.

I’m honestly surprised that you’re feeling this way. I think both of those games are stunning and better than Gears 5.

Either way, I’m sorry for being dramatic - it’s not just this that’s the issue. I’m not doing well outside of this space so this is just tipping point stuff.

A lot of it is just the way it comes across then. To us it looked like critiques of those games, we don't see inaccurate reflections in Spider-Man and think "oh wow, what a great solution they offered." We think, wow they had to cut corners. Same with the CBR, you might be talking about how they solved issues but to most of us it's pointing out a visual flaw.

The thing is if this stuff is so innocent and you're just talking solutions and how impressive them solving it is then the same should be applied to Gears 5 right? Besides the framerate dips there isn't much of that there. That's the whole idea, it feels like it was treated differently even if you personally find all of them just as impressive.

 

[Ellis]

D dark10x Seriously, John. Take a break from it all mate.

Worry about yourself and feeling better. Yes, it'll be a shame not to get any more of the qaulity content you work hard to give us, but that isn't important at the moment. Health is.

 

[Thief1987]

Being a man and such a drama queen must be embarassing, doesnt it? Dont do a public job at all if you can't stand even one word of criticism. There are many many content creators which are dealing with toxicity and miniscule views for years, such as nxgamer for example(and i think he doing much better job than you), and they don't give up and don't whine about that on every corner.

 

[Stuart360]

He didn't in his Gears 5 vid, that's the whole point.

Oh well lets crucify him, and lets try and end his work then.
Maybe Microsoft gave them a bonus in that months cheque amirite?.

 

[dark10x]

Being a man and such a drama queen must be embarassing, doesnt it? Dont do a public job at all if you can't stand even one word of criticism. There are many many content creators which are dealing with toxicity and miniscule views for years, such as nxgamer for example(and i think he doing much better job than you), and they don't give up and don't whine about that on every corner.

Well he did actually quit for a while and complain but you’re right. I don’t disagree. I’m not great at it.