CO-OP LIVE Starting February 9th, 4PM PST/7PM EST -- Follow coop_live on Twitter to join in!
matt chandronaitYou may have seen this announcement already, but here’s the post where we spill our guts on all the details. Can we do this?? YES! Can we do it without screwing up, live, for the world to see? Probably not. That’s the theme of this announcement video. Watch it, first, and then read below for how you can be a part of the show!
First off, a lot of people have wanted to know what’s going to happen to their CO-OP iTunes feed. You won’t have to subscribe to a new feed as CO-OP Live will go right into the same CO-OP feed you’ve been using. While we’ll be recording live, once we’re done the show will be re-compressed and uploaded as per the norm and those of you unable to watch the shenanigans (oh, and there will be shenanigans) as they happen will still get the full show delivered to you later Tuesday night. The same series of download links will also be available.
Big thanks to Dylan Kenney for the new theme song we’re going to be using starting next Tuesday! He’s a fantastically talented musician and his music fits the soul of our new show and the new/old logo perfectly! Why is this logo new/old instead of just new? Because it’s what indie game designer Phil Fish originally came up with wa-hay back in the day when we were first slapping our show and our business together! He’s also the creator of the upcoming game Fez and the creator of the Area 5 logo at the top of this page.
That original CO-OP logo was deemed by some powers that be that it wasn’t “gamer” enough, but we’ve always had a soft spot in our collective heart for it and with the launch of a show that will hopefully involve you as much as it does us, it honestly felt more fitting. CO-OP Live should eventually become truly, er, cooperative. We couldn’t have gotten this far without you and now it’s time to bring you into the act. Make sure to follow coop_live on Twitter and during certain times of the show we’ll be using that to talk directly with you. Revision3 apparently has some kind of live chat-room software that could possibly be up by next Tuesday, so keep an eye out for that as well on the Revision3 CO-OP page, though I don’t have the details yet as to how/if it’s going to work.
Essentially, the course of our new show is thus: we’re going to shoot and mix game review/preview, interview and—a first for us—game demo segments live on the show. We’ll have as many guests on as we can as per the CO-OP norm and once a conversation is over, we’ll bring in you, the audience, for your thoughts on what was just said. Now’s your change to tell Ryan and I, directly, that we’re idiots for not liking Demon’s Souls. Also, you’ll have your chance to make fun of us to our virtual faces for making extremely hyperbolic claims or badly forming our sentences as we’re not going to be able to edit them out like we normally do. What, you thought we only edited around gameplay footage? Oh ho ho, if you only really knew the kind of shit that’s hit the cutting room floor… Well, I guess now you will.
We have a lot of plans for other kinds of segments we can introduce thanks to this new format, and most of them would have been impossible in the original CO-OP format (can you say: musical guest?). Still, our goal is to keep as much of our style as we can. We want conversations, not talking heads. Criticism, not just score run-downs and we want to shoot the show in a way that isn’t just static cameras locked to some people in the center of the screen. Our goal is to make the Area 5 mark on the live format and apply as much of our style to it as we can, even though we’re going to be on a regular set instead of shooting guerilla-style about San Francisco as we normally do.
But that’s not to say that pre-edited work is going to go away! We’re actually hoping that the live format saves us enough time that we can go back to making Area 5 Snacks and other shorts. We’re going to have to work up to that, though, so please be patient with us as we work out the kinks in our live show and really spit-polish it to that sheen that we’ve all come to know and love in our more traditional work.
So what about CO-OP? Technically, CO-OP is a separate IP and we’re signing a separate contract with Revision3 for CO-OP Live. That means it could, technically, come back. Will it? Not soon, no. Not unless someone wants to sign a deal with us to do it again, but we’re still very open to the possibility. Our work with the new, resurgent, so-cutting-edge-that-it-practically-bleeds Electronic Gaming Monthly will be the most immediate place you’ll have to see our edited work. So far all we’ve done for EGM is gameplay clips, but that’s going to change, and soon. You’re going to like what we/they have in store :)
Our hope, though, is that CO-OP Live can be even more important to your gaming entertainment life than even CO-OP was! So come back every week. Chat with us directly, comment here or on the Revision3 forums and let us know how we can improve the show. Our new format is going to make us more versatile than ever and more able to quickly adapt to changes and suggestions and while we’re definitely going to need your patience while we get things running smoothly (we think it’ll take us several shows), we’re also going to need your help in making it its very best!
Reader Comments (89)
"Now's your change to tell Ryan and I, directly, that we're idiots for not liking Demon's Souls."
I laughed out loud when I read this because it's EXACTLY what was going through my mind when I started reading the post. I sunk over 80 hours into that game over about two weeks, I don't think I've played a game that much in such a small time span. I still hear its siren call even now.
CO-OP live sounds like a great idea, and I'm looking forward to it. One small concern I have is what I've seen with other live shows is how the communication method will be handled. For many live shows where there was just chat room setup it seemed like the constant flood of people trying to get their say made it almost impossible to understand anything. Hopefully twitter will slow down the process a bit, and make it more manageable (I've yet to jump on the twitter band wagon, but certainly would for this).
Maybe it would make it a bit easier if you released some of the topics to be discussed before hand, so that people could compose their thoughts a bit? It might take away a little bit of the "live-ness" but it might also cut down on people spamming every thought that comes to mind. Dunno, just a thought.
Can't wait for Tuesday!
Matt, team, the best to you guys. I've followed you here from 1up, and am with you all the way. Keep producing the same passionate work and I will keep coming back. I don't have time for videogames now, but COOP makes me feel, just for that one instance, that I'm a kid again....
When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.
obi wan kenobi
I might have gone a little silly with the new logo:
Tree Logo
Good luck with COOP live, sounds an interesting idea. As I live in Scotland its going to be COOP recordered for me.
No show the same time as Mass Effect 2's release, suspicious ;-)
Regards
Al
Hi guys,
I think it's a gutsy move, and I think it'll pay off. Just keep the same tone and if possible pacing (not too many ramblings) as the edited ones and you'll do great.
I think you guys will know in a couple of weeks weather or not you've done the right thing. If you can look at each episode and be just as proud of it as you were of the previous shows then you've got a winner. I could never figure out how you guys had time to play the games and do the show AND live the lives of rock stars in San Francisco. Do you guys have uh, gamer groupies?
I work in video industry and I know that live shows are much more demanding and stressful than recorded ones so good luck guys and looking forward to new episodes! Im only sad because I doubt that I will watch you live, because here in Croatia (yes, we even watch you here) will probably be middle of the night. Keep up the good work and sorry for my bad english :)
I dunno, I really loved the show the way it was.
To the people saying that they are in england and its too late to watch. It would only be about 00:00. So it would be a good programme to watch before you go to sleep. I cant wait until CO-OP live opn wednesday morning, it will be bloody fantastic. I think that the format of CO-OP will be perserved with more awesomeness added. Good luck guys! I am sure you will get it 100% correct.
I for one am excited for this and for the potential Janet Jackson nipple slips that it could potentially produce.
Been loving everything you guys do since 1up (more Kathleen?). Download every episode and stream it to the Xbox, kinda wish you guys had your videos on Zune. Anyways, look forward to seeing what you guys can do with the new format. I've loved your guys' shooting/editing style and thoughtful commentary on games and what they mean to us.
And no Trials HD love in the year end review? sacrilege.
@Neal ... Extremely gratifying to hear that you think of our work that way! I guess that's where that whole "doin' what you love" thing comes in to play.
@Thornet ... hahaha! Yeah, I guess you could say my ears were burning. I knew that would rope in some people that were, shall we say, less than thrilled over that particular CO-OP segment. ;)
@tobiaz ... yeah, being an adult sucks sometimes. Still, if we can help you find some good uses for what bits of free time you're able to wrest away from destiny, then we've done our jeorb!
@1 ... wiser words were never spoken. Well, okay, I'm sure there must have been some wiser words at some point, but those particular words are unerringly apt.
@Jeff ... Mr. Grubb, as always, a pleasure :)
@Janus Heie .. that's the plan! We're going to have the game review segments timed down so that we can't ramble on and so that we're never stuck with a show that has a lot of dead space in it. That's the plan at any rate. . .
@MozartFX ... Honestly, we didn't have the time. That's one reason why we're changing formats. Gamer groupies? You mean, like, throngs of young women that throw themselves at us in adulation? Except for Fresh, no.
@MoschuS ... Your English is great! And we also love to hear just where our show has managed to reach around the world. We honestly have no idea of what our audiences are like around the globe, so I really appreciate you stopping by to let us know :)
@Awesome-O ... By the way, loved you on South Park. It was your best role, yet.
@Seanalyn ... We've already written in a full wardrobe malfunction featuring both your boyfriend and Jason. I know, I know, I've just gone and spoiled it, but we'll make it look really improv! Honest!
Matt rules!! Keep it up! In addition to Co-Op, I enjoy hearing your opinions on the RebelFM game club.
I visit to download a show and what do I get? Some weird video about Ryan and Jason picking colors!
And I think live shows are kind of like playing your first rock gig - if the first one isn't a trainwreck, it bodes ill omen! I expect hilarity and lulz in the first show.
Hm... this is an interesting direction you guys are taking your show in! I'm digging the new logo and theme song, but I'm a bit concerned about the live feed getting cut off on my computer like the E3 feed. Nonetheless, I'm looking forward to what you guys will do in the upcoming months. Also, can't wait to see what you got planned for EGM and 1up...
I'm just worried about the lack of Rob slapping on a live show.
I second the call to keep the old theme (maybe remix/remaster it), but keep it...this new one sounds ok...but meh. The CO-OP theme really is something that sticks in my head and is comforting. Plus, no more Jane!!!??? This isn't an Area5 production anymore without it. Please reconsider.
Thanks a lot guys, but you'd better make another post with all info--how it's going to work. Because right now it seems that there is no definite info what would be used -- rev3 live chat room or twitter...
I'll post my 2 cents....
Everyone fears change. Thats why as people get older they become more conservative because they want to keep hold on what they are used to and comfortable with. Don't think the sky is falling, or that the internet is losing a great video podcast. Instead look at it as the internet is gaining a great live show. You cannot judge what you havent seen. What if this show is 100x better than normal Co-Op? Have faith in these guys and their creativity. Don't assume the worst, but rather expect the best. Also, with a live show it allows you strongly vocal people to interact with the show. Think about it.....
PS: This is coming from someone who has high standards for these guys.
The 1UP Show and CO-OP, being edited works, hit me on an emotional level that no other video series on the Internet about gaming or otherwise has been able to match. I loved having a hip show about intelligent, un-nerdy nerds living in the city that I could always rely on. Haha... I'm afraid this new venture won't satisfy my bizarre requirements, but still, I wish all of you guys the best of luck and you can count me in as a viewer and a Digger. ;)
Excited for the new format, but not feeling the new logo. Does that say "OOOP" or "CO UP"?
Re: logo - where's the dash? That's "coop".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5j2YDq6FkVE
As sad as it is to see the old COOP step aside, this is a great breath of fresh air. Dating back to the first 1up Show, this format has been going on for a long time, and I think a little change is never bad. Also, I'm sure it will be refreshing for the crew to start something new and more involving.
I have utmost faith in you guys. Can't wait!
I cannot wait to see it online!!!
Nice vid, makes me want for more... Well done
Don't worry guys, I spread the good word...
A new fan
Fantastic to hear, Matt and the team at Area 5, i hope all the best with it, just a shame ill most likey have to wait till Wednesday to see it on Itunes, as i like to watch the show on my Ipod on my London Underground Commute, just means as extra day to wait for Co-Op goodness, anyway all the best with it :)
Why is it every Tuesday? Why not on the weekends? D:
Really looking forward to the new format.
Whilst I'll miss the off the wall and your erm... not so off the wall edited segments, it's not as if you're throwing them in the bin and walking away from them. The new format should really solidify your reputation as a production team who treats the video game medium as a serious cultural venue; You've already done the artsy and sometimes somewhat anarchic take on coverage with your 1up show and Co-Op (which has been the hallmark of pretty much every half decent show on video games I've ever seen over here in the UK; you rival the better stuff on the BBC, which is no knock on you. The opposite in fact) and this new format takes you into the honest to goodness talk show/current affairs culture program territory.
It's all good, and I'm looking forward to it.
Here's to you being able to make it work, and eventually being able to bring Co-Op back in tandem.
Good luck with the new "Show" can't wait to see it.
I only have one little prayer, please do some cover on Machinarium someday, it's such a great little indie game 8-)
Perhaps maybe a Indie game-theme show?
And not just covering the IGF, wich you of course still should do.
I've just arranged to have my work schedule shifted a few hours earlier so I can be sure to catch the show live every Tuesday. Does that make me a superfan, or just crazy?
We need more content Area 5 crew.
Btw, liquidmutiny.com is giving away a 64GB Apple iPad. To enter, just upload Artwork that you made using a iPhone or iPad touch. It's free, and it's that simple.
Love the old style show guys. I'm still studying the 1up Show as far as film style, audio and editing. You guys set the bar, keep up the good work.
Even after reading through all the comments and responses here, my brow remains furrowed in worry.
I won't bother rehashing explanations of why people like you Co-Op lot, or why you're unique, but I will offer a vote of "no confidence" in everyone else. No matter how much I puzzle over it, I just don't see the value gained in swapping however much time you would have used for editing for the enlightened commentary of the peanut gallery.
On going to the audience for entertainment, I quote the once great Krusty the Clown, "Talk to the audience?! Uuugh, this is always death."
I listen to a lot of podcasts where the hosts think going to "the community" is like the new "synergy" or "thinking outside the box" or insert-bs-here move. Totally Rad Show became Totally Crap when they thought editing in video of the fans in Webcam Pose A was a brilliant idea. Whatever happened to that innovative feature.
So I guess I have to create a twitter account now. Ughhh....
Do not want.
I Love the logo, it's shaped like a tree! How cool isn't that?!
The idea seems like a step in the right direction, but there was
something in the video that was out of the ordinary, correct me
if I'm wrong, but I thought you didn't do "reviews", you do
something much more than that, you talk about the games, but if you
want to start calling that reviewing, I don't know, it doesn't sound
quite as high aiming as when you in the begining of Co-op made it
clear that you talk about games, you don't just review them, you don't set
a grade or any of that, you do so much more, you serv us the whole
behind the scen experience of how it may sound when a magazine tries
to grade GTA for example, and that's awesome. I just don't want you to
let that go, or atleast not forget about it. Because we won't.
Thanks for a great show so far, and best of luck to all of you.
Joel from Sweden.
The show feels basically the same, and that's quite an accomplishment.
The MAIN difference is, as posted before, the change of sets/scenarios. That will be weird for us as viewers to adjust.
So far, the MAIN problem (if it's a problem at all) are the ads. Can't you guys just queue previously recorded ads into the live? If yes, that would be a smart move.
And I like the ideia of playing/"demo-ing" games live, but don't stick only to indie/obscure titles. And it's not dull, I actually like 1UP's Game Night, of course some nights it's boring, but what makes it boring are the people, if you have engaging personalities (or cool developers themselves) doing it, you'll be fine.
Nice work guys!
Hey, I am checking this site from my Blackberry and it looks kinda funky. Thought you’d want to know. It’s a great post though, didn’t mess that up
Good brief and this website helped me a lot in my college assignment.
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