I always love watching his videos to think critically about games and life in general, just like I love your videos for your personality and to have fun w/ games! You guys are both fantastic!
+Satchbag's Goods Hey Satchbags! I have to say a few things: 1) Your videos are awesome in terms of quality 2) Your topics are awesome and the way you handle them is very nice! Especially since most of them are sensitive
Your comments on Christian Cinema really spoke to me. Being a christian from a christian household myself, I've begun to really notice these trends in a lot of christian media my family partook, and its perhaps these trends that made me really appreciate media that really does try to embody a message or lifestyle I personally haven't lived. I personally am learning not to judge anyone because of religious differences, and I'm embracing the messages of all cultures, cause I know all of have works and messages we can learn from. Your video really spoke to me and reminded me of what I've tried to do differently from my parents. Thank you :)
+SpotterX4 Well said my man. I grew up in a really old-fashioned church culture myself, so it was obvious to me too that we saw the world as black or white, saw things from inside a bubble. What's outside the bubble is bad, what's inside is good. While this and other things led me to question my own faith and become agnostic, I don't think that's entirely necessary, and it's nice to have the idea that a Christian can appreciate good works just as well as anyone else reaffirmed.
+Matthew Spritzer I think the more you learn about people and explore, the more you do what God commands of us: love your neighbor as yourself. We also love God more as a result. So, for the Savior's sake, I will love others.
+SpotterX4 I was Christian for a time. I try to have respect for Christians even though I no longer share the same faith. That being said, I think that it's important to really think about what is meant when we say "We are all sinners." It's hard to see things in black and white, try to combat something that you can only see as completely wrong or awful (black and white thinking), and "know" you are right, because the bible says so. It's hard to manage these feelings combined with "Love thy neighbor" and also with honesty. We want to protect our children from what is "wrong" but what is missing for Christian film is any sense of realism. Tell a story about a Christan man who sins, not about a perfect image if Jesus. We already have that story. And not telling an honest story causes people to have unnecessary guilt or others to despise the faith for it's narrow mindedness.
***** And what are you doing if not following a dogma? Are you not disenfranchising a large group yourself? Is our trying to understand people disenfranchising them at the same time?
+SpotterX4 not that I wanna intrude where I am not supposed to, but it is ok to follow a belief if you know it basically leads to being the best person you can, but it is also ok, and even important, to look at everything with critical thinking, this is not saying "it may be wrong" but "let's see what it's got wrong and what it's got right"
Satchel!!! it's so good to see you again :) i'm genuinely happy. The video is great, simply great, the only thing i would change is... maybe chill out a bit with the "retro" effects, i know you've been told this before, but it's gets old really fast. So glad to see you back!
I agree. I really like the effects and intros he does, and the content of the video was great. But, the tape effects were downright distracting. Keep everything else, but remove the magnetic displacement lines and frame bouncing.
+Nico Gonzalez I can't help but wonder if it's partly done to avoid content id flagging? Maybe constantly distorting the image tricks the detection system somehow.
Good to see you back on the channel! It's always interesting to see a fresh view on some debates other than the usual :"Is it good or bad? Are they encouraging violence? Is our generation becoming more and more nihilistic?". I think that's why it is important to see video games as an art form; even when an artist try to give a certain message, it's the viewer who makes is own idea of it. I try not to say that art is subjective and I may diverge from the original point (and my sentences may not be ultra coherent as english is not my native language) but everybody lives art in their own way and that's why I admire video games as a medium as they offer so much possibilities. I hope to see more soon, your videos always succeeds at making myself think after watching them.
Excellent video, man. I'd like to think our late night conversations played into the writing of this concept. I also love the redesign of your visuals. Super legit. Can't wait to see more!
The concept of suspension of ethics to find understanding is so simple. It is eloquent and somewhat beautiful, and I think the beauty is in it's simplicity. You need to let go of something that you value in order to expand your understanding of other people with different worldviews and perceive the significance of what others value. You did a great job illustrating this and connecting it with so many different mediums, making it almost meta, in that you're connecting so many different things that are seemingly unrelated to support a point. On a completely different note, the upped production values and aesthetic changes are excellent, and I love the new intro. Looking forward to more, as always.
Satch, I look forward to your videos more than anyone else currently putting out game content. Your perspective on things, and the cleverness that you say it with, it inspires me to go look up and learn about all the concepts you talk about that I'd never heard of before. Keep doing what you are doing, because it's amazing man.
Satchell, you always make heavily packed videos, but with such a comfortable script that I get more interested as you bring up more material to back the whole thing up. Glad that you're back!
Man your content is so good. I selfishly want you to make stuff like this again, but ultimately want you to be happy with your life first and foremost. I hope all is well
The distortion effect was a bit overkill, imo, it kinda slipped from stylish to distracting, but aside from that, this was great. It's always interesting to see how traditional (?) medias are still so unprepared when it comes to evaluate or even understand a videogame, and I love how you weave different references from seemingly distant cultural worlds.
Really glad you're back, Satch! There's not enough people who talk about gamefication, social and cultural studies the way you do. Myself being in this field of study did an essay about the Deadpool game and the fact that dispite the fourth wall is being broken multiple time for the media, the immersion in the character's universe is still intact. Your videos helped me a lot to structure everything. Would love to see more content, but the amount of research/work behind it is so huge, so take your time and I'll stay tuned :)
Satch, you are my hero. Thoughtful commentary about video games. Well reasoned arguments. Intelligence and calm reigning over both of the previous attributes. Thank you for doing what you do, brother. You give me hope.
This was, undoubtedly, the best game review/commentary video I have ever watched. Thank you for the care in its production and the clarity of your explanations of complex ideas and thoughts. I've just subscribed to your channel and look forward to working through your previous work.
The comments about Christian Cinema reminded me of why one of my favorite Christian bands is Skillet. At least for my favorite songs by them, while they contain Christian themes and subtext, it's accessible for all people. Because they aren't just wagging their finger and saying "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus". They aren't just using the words, they're weaving the message into the song and making it not a song just for those who believe in God, but one that can speak to all. You can hear "Whispers in the Dark", and to someone of Faith it can be about God always being with you, but to someone of a different belief it can be about someone who is always there for you when the darkness rolls in and you need someone to help. It's something that all people should learn with the idea that instead of separating and finger wagging, we should try to learn from each other and grow because of what we learn from others. I'm a Catholic, but some of my best friends are atheists and people who aren't strong in their faith, and that's ok. Because we learn from each other, and grow because of it.
+aaronman4772 Not to mention, non-Christians find Christian messages extremely uninteresting and annoying. The message any song means to communicate is lost on non-Christians if they do not work with it in a meaningful way to a broader audience. Christian bands almost spitefully cater to Christians and justify it as "not being worldly or secular."
the suprising thing about media with an indirect subtext, is, that it can be used to just show a certain mindset without stigma about its origin, such as the way of how skillet can speak to christians and non-christians equally, while in other situations, in which these origins are mentioned over time, it can be brainwashing. In germany, the neo nazi movement depends on music as a vehicle of their message and as a recruitment method. CDs containing songs from neo nazi bands along with little pdfs about their message are illegally handed out in front of mostly middle schools and entice schoolkids to come to concerts of the band or hearings of the bands discography. These meetings are then used to slowly introduce them to this extremist and racist mindset, essentially using the subtext as a carrier for their propaganda. As you can see, media created with a certain mindset in mind, can be accessible and offer some other viewpoint, but it can also be abused to infect others with that mindset, regardless of the validity and danger of that mindset. One should always be careful of how the message is portrayed, how it is used and what danger lies therein. I could imagine that other christian bands are also used in the capacity of recruitment or as an entrace drug to also join a conservative lifestyle and support those that benefit from these views: the republican party.
There are tons of openly Christian bands that do the same thing. Red, Flyleaf, Fireflight, Demon Hunter, August Burns Red... I could go on. Flyleaf's former singer, Lacey Sturm, also does this as a solo artist. This type of thing is by no means exclusive to Skillet.
I love you Satch, I love your how you analyse and go deeper than most video game commenter. SO WHY DO YOU MAKE US WAIT SO LONG TO SEE MORE! I want to watch more!
Really excited to see your back Satchbag! Being honest, I don't know if I really like the dark, heavy aesthetic that this video had. The dark black border, the somber opening, the way the title card text dramatically swooped in. Idk if it was done intentionally to reflect the subject matter or what, but I will miss the bright, friendly, dude-in-his-room aesthetic. It didn't feel like a heavy lecture or essay, but a chat with good pal. That all being said, the essay was top notch and very interested! Keep it up
Great video. You got me to sub. I'm a game dev on AAA games and come from an evangelical Christian background. (I've also done some effects work on a Christian film.) It's funny how both mainstream and evangelical cultures misunderstand the fundamental artform of games, so they just apply criteria from other media. I appreciate all attempts to brighten the line between games and other media.
+Josh Foreman Hey man, just wanted to show some respect for your work. I'm a big fan of Guild Wars 2. When are you guys bringing back Super Adventure Box?
Great Job! I have enjoyed all of your case studies. Your critiques are far and away the most well-spoken and intelligent out of the entire gaming culture.
It's awesome to see a new video from you Satch! I thought you might be dead. I always love your analytical approach to video games and your videos never fail to be fascinating. So few people are doing what you're doing and I hope we see more from you fairly soon.
I realllly didn't want this to end. But it was concise and opened up a dialogue about double standards that needs to be talked about more often. Loving the new format, Satch!
Your style has become so much more digestible and easy to follow, I feel like you've come such a long way since the dense "wordiness" of your first case studies to a much more pointed and coherent formation of argument. I'm excited to see where this channel is going.
I just told Ace, "Wow, he really stepped it up, and I didn't even know he had up to go." Some of the best content on youtube got even better. Fantastic. Thank you.
I disagree with your end point. An open world does not necessarily nullify Rockstars intentions if they provide enough tools and direction to go in a specific way, or even facilitate one path over another. That isn't to say that the game isn't, but that we should examine the role of storyteller in an open ended narrative.
Love this... I am in the middle of shooting my Christmas special for youtube and then I watched how deep this was and I thought "Wow my video kinda of sucks compared to this." Thanks for sharing this Satchell.
Also a Christian here and I agree that many Christain films don't really know what they are doing. Not saying their intentions are wrong but it shouldn't be making a 'Christian Film' it should be making a Film as Christian. The key part of this is that no one wants to be TOLD what they should and shouldn't do. Action is more prominent and the choice is needed.. We have the choice to choose our own path... that's why I believe God gave us free will (sorry I don't mean to preach). It's a heavy subject and as a Media producer I try to talk to fellow Christians too but they are always very either ver ignorant about it or simply uncomfortable. Do I suspend my moral beliefs to play Grand Theft Auto V, no I do not but I have seen it and respect the choices people make to play it as I acknowledge that Grand Theft Auto is not a real thing and that (hopefully) the player knows better. Maybe I'm wrong and I'm sorry if I made anyone else uncomfortable but it does need to be addressed. Thank you Satchbag for bringing this topic up. Gave me a lot to think about.
+Syd Eyestone As a fellow Christian and prospective filmmaker, i'd actually like a bit of quick input from you. What would you say, is the exact content/style of filmmaking/style of story telling that makes the modern Godsploitation films miss the mark so much, and what elements from good movies do you think they should be using? I agree that many modern Christian movies are lacking in quite a number of ways and i'm always looking for more input.
ZerogunRivale .... Look to C.S. Lewis. Very faithful good man who was an former atheist, however his books are beloved by nearly every person from different beliefs and areas. The keys are symbolism. He had magic, different worlds, even spirits and mythological creatures. Things that zealot 'christians' reject but accept in his books. It's a story, its an adventure... with Christian overtones but at first glance leaves the interpretation to the audience. Also "Don't preach, act." Is key as well. J.R.R. Tolkien did the same and those books have become some of the most popular movies. For movies... they preach too much which offsets the audience. You don't want that. You want to invite them, make them curious to see more at the own pace and invite people in to hear about what you say later. Jesus himself engaged in causal conversation and used analogies to have people think if they wanted to. He didn't force anyone. So... There is a way it's just a lot of patience involved.
***** I don't it's a matter of just GTA. It's mainly (to me at least) just an example, a good example of his point of society, telling a story and the (or lack of) repercussions. Take note that he used Wolf of Wall street as another example. Not to mention what get's people excited about a genre even though could be as amoral as GTA. I'm just stating my opinion. I wasn't pointing fingers.
+Ron Wolf If the games fictitious nature had no effect on the experience, wouldn't there be a clear correlation between GTA sales and crime rate? Expanding on this, far more games than just GTA have the possibility, or necessity, of violence. So, with this in mind, why is it that the rise in popularity of video games has occurred during the same time frame in which over-all levels of violence have declined? We also have to keep in mind that the argument isn't just whether or not the experience of things like a violent video-game experience causes real world violence, but perhaps if it actually causes the opposite - reduces real world violence by providing an outlet for wild expression of inner desire.
Interesting video satch, glad to see you back. I've always found movies or any media like "The wolf of wall street" intriguing for the reasons you've stated. I think alot of the taboo associated with watching these dramatic portrayals is that by simply indulging in it, the values that the portrayed lifestyle shows, are transferred to you as well. As if enjoying the gameplay of GTA V, has implications that you're actually some destructive criminal.
I'm glad to see you back and doing videos again Satch!! I liked this one a lot. The production quality is higher than ever and you have some interesting stuff in here. I do want to say that the message of the video gets muddled in all the different ideas you want to get across to the audience. I know you're a tony Zhou fan. Remember his video on how to make a video essay? Unfortunately I think this video here suffers from the "and then, and then" approach and it makes it understanding what you're saying exactly. Just some thoughts. I want to say again that I love you and I love your channel! Please make me more videos! 😁😁😁
Wow Sach the artistic vision and execution was fantastic. That intro was the best I've ever seen on youtube, it was on par with the best movies and tv shows. I do agree with some of the other comments about the magnetic displacement lines and frame bouncing being a little much at times.
This is the best thing I have EVER seen from youtube... It's just genius from a genius... We are lucky we have such artists to give us such provocative videos.
This and the video Wisecracks just made about Rick and Morty (a lot of "freedom of anything from anything" in that one) went on a great timing. Not totally the same subject, but still, the brainstorming is going now.^^ Also : great job on the presentation. It's a thing to overthink, it's another to overdo. You're quality is way more than "above average" on TH-cam. And it's a pleasure to see somebody taking care of every little detail (and I'm not even talking about charity and stuff).
One of the first videos aside from the Chrono Cross/Trigger videos when I first discovered you, i hope despite this video being behind one of your more recent ones that my appreciation of the way you articulate on your points and thoughts doesn't end up getting lost, subbed after this one. I'mma keep binging on your vids and keeping up, as I hope you keep at it with your videos. Good stuff.
This is amazing well written and produced. The depths you went to with is just astounding there's only a few others I know of that would be willing to de-construct and look at the ideas behind games and pop culture. This was truly fascinating, thank you so much for sharing.
As a Christian who experiences both sides of the spectrum (to an extent), I agree with what's being said here. Christian media doesn't do what it needs to, to make the point we all know it needs to. This is why I plan to construct something with a project of my own that will bring a new light to the moralistic messages we need to portray... And how we need to portray them. The Bible has some very dark and gruesome stories, but as Satchbag said, these are there because we need to see both sides of the situation and know which one to take. Censoring a film or game for your demographic is a different story, but removing the truth of this dark dark world and all things bad from it altogether is horrible. I'm starting work on a project called Last of the Disciples, which is planned to be a Christian Video Game that does what modern Christian media does not. With my rambling aside, great video Satchbag!
What an interesting analysis. I've honestly never thought of how something like GTA V could parallel so well with The Wolf of Wall Street, but you've tucked at my brain strings. And on a side note, I'm seriously impressed with this video's production, it's really well made, so congratulations on that. You're a great discovery, I have to watch more of your work. Welcome to my subscriptions feed
Whoa. Simply amazing. You really knocked this one out of the park Satchell. Being a fan since the Limbo video, this soft reboot is honestly meant to be.
These case studies are something else. They are entirely thoughtful and original. They're smart, educational, and although my opinion occasionally differs from Satch, altogether fun. I am currently in school for Game Design, and these videos have me thinking beyond the normal aspects of game making. I would really love to see reviews on games like the Dragon Age Series, the Final Fantasies, the Elder Scrolls, unique games like Journey, or popular series like the Call of Duty games, and more. I'd also love to see reviews or studies on different series as a whole, or on the game development companies themselves. But really, whichever games do end up getting picked apart by this guy, I will watch. Ultimately a breath of fresh air among the bog of youtube game reviews. Fantastic work. More please! :)
I am tremendously impressed by the production value of this. After the credits rolled and the video stopped I remembered that I was watching a video on youtube.
Satchel's commentary is so thoughtful and well-argued. I am impressed with Satchel's improvements to his videos. He I think he'd be friends with Knxwledge the hip hop producer with those background beats like at 8:00
+Noseph Jeumann i'm wondering if it was done for the sake of avoiding any kind of claims on his video. not sure if the filter helps in a way but that's just my guess.
Wow. So many other Christians have already said what I was thinking about how much this rang true, so I'll just say I had no idea what I was missing, subscribed to almost every Normal Boots channel except yours. I'm excited to watch the rest of your videos!
Nice work Satchel! I can really see the increased production value; all the effects are crisp and the HD is appreciated. One minor criticism: I did find myself a little distracted during the "interview" scenes with just you in a room with the camera because you were looking too far above the lens. Maybe its just a matter of taste, but I felt that I was seeing the wrong parts of your eyes for us (speaker and audience) to be having a conversation, which felt like what you were going for. I honestly felt like there was someone tall behind me you were talking to, or something fascinating on the wall behind me.Overall its a good essay, and I commend you for finding your way to defend GTA V that felt right for you and the source material. Happy Holidays
You should site the Nerdwriter in your description because you lifted significant sections of the Wolf of Wall Street part of your video from his video essay on the film and from Izzy Black.
Ahh, always pleased to see a new video in my Sub box from you, Satchell! An excellent job, as per usual, though the VCR effect was a little distracting for the eyes.
As usual, you bring up some interesting points and convey them in an entertaining, engaging and informative fashion. I'm not sure where your budget has erupted from, but this looked extremely professional and polished. Kudos! Strangely, I feel that the topic you're discussing, as moot as it is, isn't assisted by your goodwill. By sitting on the fence, I neither find anything present agreeable nor disagreeable. It's all perfectly reasonable with a very interesting string of information leading me as a viewer. But one tangent sticks out to me in particular. I'm not saying which side is correct within the ongoing media freight train that is violence in video games [which, in this case, was apparently orchestrated by a lawyer representing the developers] but I feel that picking a side for the sake of argument could have enhanced the overall essay. I understand and appreciate that unbiased writing is difficult, but I still would have liked a semblance of your opinion, be it real or otherwise, beyond the inkling required to inspire your research and presentation. Regardless, your [collective] hard work is truly astounding to observe, and it's fascinating to see a topic close to my heart analysed and fed with additional sources beyond the bare minimum. I hold your work (alongside the nerdwriter's) on a pedestal - as a bastion of how to create informative and interesting content about media, with an extra layer of depth. Thanks for your hard work, I look forward to seeing more!
Satchel the video quality has sky rocketed. You have so much skill with filmmaking you really should find time to create more live action content. Shit, I'd just watch you walking as a shot montage.
This is great Satchell. It really bothers me to see that there aren't really good films that exist for my religion. Especially because I am a filmmaker myself. I really enjoyed this video Satchell, keep it up!!
Fantastic video as always Satch and an extremely important one as well. I grew up christian and basically believed everything they told me. However one day I made a friend who was four years older than me and also was atheist, at this point, I felt something that had never happened before. I experienced doubt in a religious capacity now this was towards the era where the internet was starting to become a plethora of information where one could find many different opinions and perspectives on any one subject, so I quickly found out that the confusion and doubt I had was shared by many and that saved me because at the time my whole family was christian as were all of my friends besides the outlier. I will be forever grateful to my friend for instilling doubt in me and above all else teaching me to not use my religion as my core but instead taught me the simple concept of yin and yang. So that no matter the person or what they did I would be able to to look at them as a fellow human first and foremost and not a sinner or saint nor a "good guy" or "bad guy". When you judge other people or even other concepts with your religion as your primary outlook you will always fall short of seeing the big picture because of your preconceived notions. I think Shakespeare wrote it best when he penned "There is nothing good or evil but thinking makes it so."
Was looking forward to giving this a watch, and it didn't disappoint. Thoroughly enjoyed it, Satch!
I always love watching his videos to think critically about games and life in general, just like I love your videos for your personality and to have fun w/ games! You guys are both fantastic!
+PeanutButterGamer Thanks, Austin!
+Satchbag's Goods Hey Satchbags!
I have to say a few things:
1) Your videos are awesome in terms of quality
2) Your topics are awesome and the way you handle them is very nice! Especially since most of them are sensitive
For a channel comparatively small besides the rest of normal boots, you have suprisingly good production value
Your comments on Christian Cinema really spoke to me. Being a christian from a christian household myself, I've begun to really notice these trends in a lot of christian media my family partook, and its perhaps these trends that made me really appreciate media that really does try to embody a message or lifestyle I personally haven't lived. I personally am learning not to judge anyone because of religious differences, and I'm embracing the messages of all cultures, cause I know all of have works and messages we can learn from. Your video really spoke to me and reminded me of what I've tried to do differently from my parents. Thank you :)
+SpotterX4 Well said my man. I grew up in a really old-fashioned church culture myself, so it was obvious to me too that we saw the world as black or white, saw things from inside a bubble. What's outside the bubble is bad, what's inside is good. While this and other things led me to question my own faith and become agnostic, I don't think that's entirely necessary, and it's nice to have the idea that a Christian can appreciate good works just as well as anyone else reaffirmed.
+Matthew Spritzer I think the more you learn about people and explore, the more you do what God commands of us: love your neighbor as yourself. We also love God more as a result. So, for the Savior's sake, I will love others.
+SpotterX4 I was Christian for a time. I try to have respect for Christians even though I no longer share the same faith. That being said, I think that it's important to really think about what is meant when we say "We are all sinners." It's hard to see things in black and white, try to combat something that you can only see as completely wrong or awful (black and white thinking), and "know" you are right, because the bible says so. It's hard to manage these feelings combined with "Love thy neighbor" and also with honesty. We want to protect our children from what is "wrong" but what is missing for Christian film is any sense of realism. Tell a story about a Christan man who sins, not about a perfect image if Jesus. We already have that story. And not telling an honest story causes people to have unnecessary guilt or others to despise the faith for it's narrow mindedness.
***** And what are you doing if not following a dogma? Are you not disenfranchising a large group yourself? Is our trying to understand people disenfranchising them at the same time?
+SpotterX4 not that I wanna intrude where I am not supposed to, but it is ok to follow a belief if you know it basically leads to being the best person you can, but it is also ok, and even important, to look at everything with critical thinking, this is not saying "it may be wrong" but "let's see what it's got wrong and what it's got right"
Satchel!!! it's so good to see you again :) i'm genuinely happy.
The video is great, simply great, the only thing i would change is... maybe chill out a bit with the "retro" effects, i know you've been told this before, but it's gets old really fast.
So glad to see you back!
never found it intrusive or bothersome. stylistic choice
well... the more feedback he gets the better i guess.
+Nico Gonzalez agreed. i watched from start to finish, but in the middle I just wished the old tape effect would stop eventually.
I agree. I really like the effects and intros he does, and the content of the video was great. But, the tape effects were downright distracting. Keep everything else, but remove the magnetic displacement lines and frame bouncing.
+Nico Gonzalez I can't help but wonder if it's partly done to avoid content id flagging? Maybe constantly distorting the image tricks the detection system somehow.
This is probably the best intro to a TH-cam video I've ever seen! Video was great too but Daaaamn!
Good to see you back on the channel! It's always interesting to see a fresh view on some debates other than the usual :"Is it good or bad? Are they encouraging violence? Is our generation becoming more and more nihilistic?". I think that's why it is important to see video games as an art form; even when an artist try to give a certain message, it's the viewer who makes is own idea of it.
I try not to say that art is subjective and I may diverge from the original point (and my sentences may not be ultra coherent as english is not my native language) but everybody lives art in their own way and that's why I admire video games as a medium as they offer so much possibilities.
I hope to see more soon, your videos always succeeds at making myself think after watching them.
Every time you publish a video, the quality increases by magnitudes. It's amazing to see.
Excellent video, man. I'd like to think our late night conversations played into the writing of this concept. I also love the redesign of your visuals. Super legit. Can't wait to see more!
The concept of suspension of ethics to find understanding is so simple. It is eloquent and somewhat beautiful, and I think the beauty is in it's simplicity. You need to let go of something that you value in order to expand your understanding of other people with different worldviews and perceive the significance of what others value.
You did a great job illustrating this and connecting it with so many different mediums, making it almost meta, in that you're connecting so many different things that are seemingly unrelated to support a point.
On a completely different note, the upped production values and aesthetic changes are excellent, and I love the new intro. Looking forward to more, as always.
Satch, I look forward to your videos more than anyone else currently putting out game content. Your perspective on things, and the cleverness that you say it with, it inspires me to go look up and learn about all the concepts you talk about that I'd never heard of before. Keep doing what you are doing, because it's amazing man.
Satchell, you always make heavily packed videos, but with such a comfortable script that I get more interested as you bring up more material to back the whole thing up. Glad that you're back!
Man your content is so good. I selfishly want you to make stuff like this again, but ultimately want you to be happy with your life first and foremost. I hope all is well
That's really cool of you to give your ad revenue to charity. Good on ya satchel. Also great vid :)
The distortion effect was a bit overkill, imo, it kinda slipped from stylish to distracting,
but aside from that, this was great. It's always interesting to see how traditional (?) medias are still so unprepared when it comes to evaluate or even understand a videogame, and I love how you weave different references from seemingly distant cultural worlds.
Holy shit Satch, at first it was jarring to see the different style of this video, but then I noticed you just improved again.
Really glad you're back, Satch! There's not enough people who talk about gamefication, social and cultural studies the way you do.
Myself being in this field of study did an essay about the Deadpool game and the fact that dispite the fourth wall is being broken multiple time for the media, the immersion in the character's universe is still intact. Your videos helped me a lot to structure everything.
Would love to see more content, but the amount of research/work behind it is so huge, so take your time and I'll stay tuned :)
Satch, you are my hero. Thoughtful commentary about video games. Well reasoned arguments. Intelligence and calm reigning over both of the previous attributes. Thank you for doing what you do, brother. You give me hope.
This was, undoubtedly, the best game review/commentary video I have ever watched. Thank you for the care in its production and the clarity of your explanations of complex ideas and thoughts. I've just subscribed to your channel and look forward to working through your previous work.
honestly the best produced channel out there, your content is truly amazing
The comments about Christian Cinema reminded me of why one of my favorite Christian bands is Skillet. At least for my favorite songs by them, while they contain Christian themes and subtext, it's accessible for all people. Because they aren't just wagging their finger and saying "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus". They aren't just using the words, they're weaving the message into the song and making it not a song just for those who believe in God, but one that can speak to all.
You can hear "Whispers in the Dark", and to someone of Faith it can be about God always being with you, but to someone of a different belief it can be about someone who is always there for you when the darkness rolls in and you need someone to help.
It's something that all people should learn with the idea that instead of separating and finger wagging, we should try to learn from each other and grow because of what we learn from others. I'm a Catholic, but some of my best friends are atheists and people who aren't strong in their faith, and that's ok. Because we learn from each other, and grow because of it.
+aaronman4772 I liken what you just said to what Lecrae is doing with his music nowadays.
+aaronman4772 Not to mention, non-Christians find Christian messages extremely uninteresting and annoying. The message any song means to communicate is lost on non-Christians if they do not work with it in a meaningful way to a broader audience. Christian bands almost spitefully cater to Christians and justify it as "not being worldly or secular."
SKILLET IS A CHRISTIAN BAND??!!
the suprising thing about media with an indirect subtext, is, that it can be used to just show a certain mindset without stigma about its origin, such as the way of how skillet can speak to christians and non-christians equally, while in other situations, in which these origins are mentioned over time, it can be brainwashing.
In germany, the neo nazi movement depends on music as a vehicle of their message and as a recruitment method. CDs containing songs from neo nazi bands along with little pdfs about their message are illegally handed out in front of mostly middle schools and entice schoolkids to come to concerts of the band or hearings of the bands discography. These meetings are then used to slowly introduce them to this extremist and racist mindset, essentially using the subtext as a carrier for their propaganda.
As you can see, media created with a certain mindset in mind, can be accessible and offer some other viewpoint, but it can also be abused to infect others with that mindset, regardless of the validity and danger of that mindset. One should always be careful of how the message is portrayed, how it is used and what danger lies therein. I could imagine that other christian bands are also used in the capacity of recruitment or as an entrace drug to also join a conservative lifestyle and support those that benefit from these views: the republican party.
There are tons of openly Christian bands that do the same thing. Red, Flyleaf, Fireflight, Demon Hunter, August Burns Red... I could go on. Flyleaf's former singer, Lacey Sturm, also does this as a solo artist. This type of thing is by no means exclusive to Skillet.
I love you Satch, I love your how you analyse and go deeper than most video game commenter. SO WHY DO YOU MAKE US WAIT SO LONG TO SEE MORE! I want to watch more!
Really excited to see your back Satchbag! Being honest, I don't know if I really like the dark, heavy aesthetic that this video had. The dark black border, the somber opening, the way the title card text dramatically swooped in. Idk if it was done intentionally to reflect the subject matter or what, but I will miss the bright, friendly, dude-in-his-room aesthetic. It didn't feel like a heavy lecture or essay, but a chat with good pal. That all being said, the essay was top notch and very interested! Keep it up
D
+Scott Munro he does have a sexy back
+EBsessed *you're
but he does have a sexy back indeed
I'm speechless. I think this is the best looking video on TH-cam, seriously... and the points brought up all made so much sense.
*sits in awe*
This is by far the most high brow thing I have ever watched. Well put words as usual.
Every point you made was a direct blow to the head of the nail: precise and powerful. Thanks, Satch. This is meaningful.
Welcome back man good to see you stuck with the changes you planned out for yourself! Keep up the good work man.
Great video. You got me to sub. I'm a game dev on AAA games and come from an evangelical Christian background. (I've also done some effects work on a Christian film.) It's funny how both mainstream and evangelical cultures misunderstand the fundamental artform of games, so they just apply criteria from other media. I appreciate all attempts to brighten the line between games and other media.
+Josh Foreman Thanks, Josh! That means a lot coming from you. Your art is awesome.
+Josh Foreman Hey man, just wanted to show some respect for your work. I'm a big fan of Guild Wars 2. When are you guys bringing back Super Adventure Box?
+Josh Foreman A wild Josh appears
Great Job! I have enjoyed all of your case studies. Your critiques are far and away the most well-spoken and intelligent out of the entire gaming culture.
It's awesome to see a new video from you Satch! I thought you might be dead. I always love your analytical approach to video games and your videos never fail to be fascinating. So few people are doing what you're doing and I hope we see more from you fairly soon.
I absolutely adore your videos!
They are so thought-filled and insightful.
Keep up the good work, Satch
I realllly didn't want this to end. But it was concise and opened up a dialogue about double standards that needs to be talked about more often. Loving the new format, Satch!
I am so happy to see you are making more videos! Insightful and thought provoking as always!
Welcome back Satchel. My god, your production value never ceases to amaze me. I wish I had your talent.
Your style has become so much more digestible and easy to follow, I feel like you've come such a long way since the dense "wordiness" of your first case studies to a much more pointed and coherent formation of argument. I'm excited to see where this channel is going.
your cinematography is probably some of the most visually pleasing stuff I've seen on this website.
I just told Ace, "Wow, he really stepped it up, and I didn't even know he had up to go." Some of the best content on youtube got even better. Fantastic. Thank you.
I disagree with your end point. An open world does not necessarily nullify Rockstars intentions if they provide enough tools and direction to go in a specific way, or even facilitate one path over another. That isn't to say that the game isn't, but that we should examine the role of storyteller in an open ended narrative.
Love this... I am in the middle of shooting my Christmas special for youtube and then I watched how deep this was and I thought "Wow my video kinda of sucks compared to this." Thanks for sharing this Satchell.
Also a Christian here and I agree that many Christain films don't really know what they are doing. Not saying their intentions are wrong but it shouldn't be making a 'Christian Film' it should be making a Film as Christian.
The key part of this is that no one wants to be TOLD what they should and shouldn't do. Action is more prominent and the choice is needed..
We have the choice to choose our own path... that's why I believe God gave us free will (sorry I don't mean to preach).
It's a heavy subject and as a Media producer I try to talk to fellow Christians too but they are always very either ver ignorant about it or simply uncomfortable.
Do I suspend my moral beliefs to play Grand Theft Auto V, no I do not but I have seen it and respect the choices people make to play it as I acknowledge that Grand Theft Auto is not a real thing and that (hopefully) the player knows better.
Maybe I'm wrong and I'm sorry if I made anyone else uncomfortable but it does need to be addressed.
Thank you Satchbag for bringing this topic up. Gave me a lot to think about.
+Syd Eyestone As a fellow Christian and prospective filmmaker, i'd actually like a bit of quick input from you. What would you say, is the exact content/style of filmmaking/style of story telling that makes the modern Godsploitation films miss the mark so much, and what elements from good movies do you think they should be using? I agree that many modern Christian movies are lacking in quite a number of ways and i'm always looking for more input.
ZerogunRivale .... Look to C.S. Lewis. Very faithful good man who was an former atheist, however his books are beloved by nearly every person from different beliefs and areas.
The keys are symbolism. He had magic, different worlds, even spirits and mythological creatures. Things that zealot 'christians' reject but accept in his books. It's a story, its an adventure... with Christian overtones but at first glance leaves the interpretation to the audience. Also "Don't preach, act." Is key as well.
J.R.R. Tolkien did the same and those books have become some of the most popular movies.
For movies... they preach too much which offsets the audience. You don't want that. You want to invite them, make them curious to see more at the own pace and invite people in to hear about what you say later.
Jesus himself engaged in causal conversation and used analogies to have people think if they wanted to. He didn't force anyone.
So... There is a way it's just a lot of patience involved.
Does GTA’s fictionality change anything?
***** I don't it's a matter of just GTA. It's mainly (to me at least) just an example, a good example of his point of society, telling a story and the (or lack of) repercussions. Take note that he used Wolf of Wall street as another example. Not to mention what get's people excited about a genre even though could be as amoral as GTA.
I'm just stating my opinion. I wasn't pointing fingers.
+Ron Wolf
If the games fictitious nature had no effect on the experience, wouldn't there be a clear correlation between GTA sales and crime rate?
Expanding on this, far more games than just GTA have the possibility, or necessity, of violence. So, with this in mind, why is it that the rise in popularity of video games has occurred during the same time frame in which over-all levels of violence have declined?
We also have to keep in mind that the argument isn't just whether or not the experience of things like a violent video-game experience causes real world violence, but perhaps if it actually causes the opposite - reduces real world violence by providing an outlet for wild expression of inner desire.
YO, Satch! This was amazing. You always have such a way with words and presenting your ideas; it's fantastic! Keep up the awesome work man :D
I love your videos. Something about your analysis is both new and old in a way. Great video as always,dude!
Interesting video satch, glad to see you back. I've always found movies or any media like "The wolf of wall street" intriguing for the reasons you've stated. I think alot of the taboo associated with watching these dramatic portrayals is that by simply indulging in it, the values that the portrayed lifestyle shows, are transferred to you as well. As if enjoying the gameplay of GTA V, has implications that you're actually some destructive criminal.
I'm glad to see you back and doing videos again Satch!!
I liked this one a lot. The production quality is higher than ever and you have some interesting stuff in here.
I do want to say that the message of the video gets muddled in all the different ideas you want to get across to the audience. I know you're a tony Zhou fan. Remember his video on how to make a video essay? Unfortunately I think this video here suffers from the "and then, and then" approach and it makes it understanding what you're saying exactly.
Just some thoughts. I want to say again that I love you and I love your channel! Please make me more videos! 😁😁😁
Damn, as always, a great video Satch! Also this is a topic that is quite important to look at, so I enjoy that you did this video.
Wow Sach the artistic vision and execution was fantastic. That intro was the best I've ever seen on youtube, it was on par with the best movies and tv shows. I do agree with some of the other comments about the magnetic displacement lines and frame bouncing being a little much at times.
This is the best thing I have EVER seen from youtube... It's just genius from a genius... We are lucky we have such artists to give us such provocative videos.
This and the video Wisecracks just made about Rick and Morty (a lot of "freedom of anything from anything" in that one) went on a great timing. Not totally the same subject, but still, the brainstorming is going now.^^
Also : great job on the presentation. It's a thing to overthink, it's another to overdo. You're quality is way more than "above average" on TH-cam. And it's a pleasure to see somebody taking care of every little detail (and I'm not even talking about charity and stuff).
One of the first videos aside from the Chrono Cross/Trigger videos when I first discovered you, i hope despite this video being behind one of your more recent ones that my appreciation of the way you articulate on your points and thoughts doesn't end up getting lost, subbed after this one. I'mma keep binging on your vids and keeping up, as I hope you keep at it with your videos. Good stuff.
the production quality on this was astounding, keep up the good work satch!
Wow. you werent lying when you said you were going to upgrade the quality of your videos. I love it man, keep up the awesome work.
This is amazing well written and produced. The depths you went to with is just astounding there's only a few others I know of that would be willing to de-construct and look at the ideas behind games and pop culture. This was truly fascinating, thank you so much for sharing.
As a Christian who experiences both sides of the spectrum (to an extent), I agree with what's being said here. Christian media doesn't do what it needs to, to make the point we all know it needs to. This is why I plan to construct something with a project of my own that will bring a new light to the moralistic messages we need to portray... And how we need to portray them. The Bible has some very dark and gruesome stories, but as Satchbag said, these are there because we need to see both sides of the situation and know which one to take. Censoring a film or game for your demographic is a different story, but removing the truth of this dark dark world and all things bad from it altogether is horrible. I'm starting work on a project called Last of the Disciples, which is planned to be a Christian Video Game that does what modern Christian media does not.
With my rambling aside, great video Satchbag!
bro, sounds like a great idea! You should keep doing it!
+Joseph “Tyler” Thomas Keep it up.
+Joseph “Tyler” Thomas Sounds pretty cool!
For those who are interested. You can check out the project, its progress and any future updates on my Twitter: twitter.com/YoshisEggStudio
beautifully put together and marvelously thought provoking, well done, Satch!
Very well produced and thought provoking, as always. Great job satch!
I love the stylistic choices in this video, as much as the content. Yay to more content like this!
Goddamn Satchel, that wait between videos was well worth it.
This really hit hard with numerous sources, parallels, and astounding sound design
Welcome Back.
OHHHHHHHH SNAP My Boy pulling out Bonhoeffer?!! Man next you'll hit us with The Legend of Zelda and Summa Theologica. LOVE IT!!!!
What an interesting analysis. I've honestly never thought of how something like GTA V could parallel so well with The Wolf of Wall Street, but you've tucked at my brain strings. And on a side note, I'm seriously impressed with this video's production, it's really well made, so congratulations on that. You're a great discovery, I have to watch more of your work. Welcome to my subscriptions feed
Loved it man. Great stuff. Good to have you back.
Yay! New vid from satch! Thanks man
Whoa. Simply amazing. You really knocked this one out of the park Satchell. Being a fan since the Limbo video, this soft reboot is honestly meant to be.
These case studies are something else. They are entirely thoughtful and original. They're smart, educational, and although my opinion occasionally differs from Satch, altogether fun. I am currently in school for Game Design, and these videos have me thinking beyond the normal aspects of game making.
I would really love to see reviews on games like the Dragon Age Series, the Final Fantasies, the Elder Scrolls, unique games like Journey, or popular series like the Call of Duty games, and more. I'd also love to see reviews or studies on different series as a whole, or on the game development companies themselves. But really, whichever games do end up getting picked apart by this guy, I will watch. Ultimately a breath of fresh air among the bog of youtube game reviews. Fantastic work.
More please! :)
I really enjoy how you cited your sources. I know it seems kind of insignificant, but I appreciate that. New subscriber.
I am tremendously impressed by the production value of this. After the credits rolled and the video stopped I remembered that I was watching a video on youtube.
Satchel's commentary is so thoughtful and well-argued. I am impressed with Satchel's improvements to his videos. He I think he'd be friends with Knxwledge the hip hop producer with those background beats like at 8:00
Are my eyes deceiving me? New Satchel? :D
Dude, this was brilliant. I could've watched 2 hours of this.
Great video, Satchell. Well informed and thought provoking as always. Good to see you back dude :)
The Satchbag's back and he's better than ever. Christmas this year, the Satchbag's here!
Loving the new aesthetic in your video, but the CRT filter you put over some gameplay is a little overkill and disorienting. Just my thoughts.
+Noseph Jeumann Definitely overdone
+Noseph Jeumann i'm wondering if it was done for the sake of avoiding any kind of claims on his video. not sure if the filter helps in a way but that's just my guess.
+Noseph Jeumann Agreed, but more so over the clips from the Wolf of Wall Street and Old Fashioned.
+BlurryHeart15 it hurt my eye s and maid it hard to watch personally.
+Noseph Jeumann Wouldn't be surprised it was to prevent content ID problems
Good video, and your production values are through the roof!
It's always great when Satchel makes a post!
Wow. So many other Christians have already said what I was thinking about how much this rang true, so I'll just say I had no idea what I was missing, subscribed to almost every Normal Boots channel except yours. I'm excited to watch the rest of your videos!
Great to see you back, Satchbag. Interesting as always.
the production quality and editing.. simply orgasmic
This video is goddamn awesome. Now that I know that you're in New York, I'm gonna have to find a way to meet you Satchell!
your videos are just. eyecandy, the intro is glorious
you brought a lot of interesting points and research to this piece, as always. really like to overall change in look and production on this video.
Love the new... everything! Keep up the excellent work!
First time viewer and I'm impressed, man. Thank you for delivering quality content with a nice dose of meaningful info. Keep up the great work.
Nice work Satchel! I can really see the increased production value; all the effects are crisp and the HD is appreciated. One minor criticism: I did find myself a little distracted during the "interview" scenes with just you in a room with the camera because you were looking too far above the lens. Maybe its just a matter of taste, but I felt that I was seeing the wrong parts of your eyes for us (speaker and audience) to be having a conversation, which felt like what you were going for. I honestly felt like there was someone tall behind me you were talking to, or something fascinating on the wall behind me.Overall its a good essay, and I commend you for finding your way to defend GTA V that felt right for you and the source material. Happy Holidays
Knocking it out of the park as usual, Satchel.
The video looked amazing and your message was really clear and interesting. thanks :D
I just want to listen to you talk about life, idk what it is. You just have a great vocabulary and flow
I'm blown away Satch! amazing job
no more normal boots logo?
You should site the Nerdwriter in your description because you lifted significant sections of the Wolf of Wall Street part of your video from his video essay on the film and from Izzy Black.
Excellent and absolute brilliant commentary, you out do yourself sir.
i love your analysis!!! i wish you had more time to really dive into each topic
Fucking awesome, dude: glad to see you making stuff again!
Amazing video! We need more of this level of discussion, and examination when it comes to gaming.
Ahh, always pleased to see a new video in my Sub box from you, Satchell!
An excellent job, as per usual, though the VCR effect was a little distracting for the eyes.
As usual, you bring up some interesting points and convey them in an entertaining, engaging and informative fashion. I'm not sure where your budget has erupted from, but this looked extremely professional and polished. Kudos!
Strangely, I feel that the topic you're discussing, as moot as it is, isn't assisted by your goodwill. By sitting on the fence, I neither find anything present agreeable nor disagreeable. It's all perfectly reasonable with a very interesting string of information leading me as a viewer.
But one tangent sticks out to me in particular. I'm not saying which side is correct within the ongoing media freight train that is violence in video games [which, in this case, was apparently orchestrated by a lawyer representing the developers] but I feel that picking a side for the sake of argument could have enhanced the overall essay. I understand and appreciate that unbiased writing is difficult, but I still would have liked a semblance of your opinion, be it real or otherwise, beyond the inkling required to inspire your research and presentation.
Regardless, your [collective] hard work is truly astounding to observe, and it's fascinating to see a topic close to my heart analysed and fed with additional sources beyond the bare minimum. I hold your work (alongside the nerdwriter's) on a pedestal - as a bastion of how to create informative and interesting content about media, with an extra layer of depth. Thanks for your hard work, I look forward to seeing more!
Satchel the video quality has sky rocketed. You have so much skill with filmmaking you really should find time to create more live action content. Shit, I'd just watch you walking as a shot montage.
Merry Christmas, Satchell!
when i played gta 5 and watched wolf of wall street i always thought they were similar in many ways. I'm glad that you Satch see that too.
This is great Satchell. It really bothers me to see that there aren't really good films that exist for my religion. Especially because I am a filmmaker myself. I really enjoyed this video Satchell, keep it up!!
Fantastic video as always Satch and an extremely important one as well. I grew up christian and basically believed everything they told me. However one day I made a friend who was four years older than me and also was atheist, at this point, I felt something that had never happened before. I experienced doubt in a religious capacity now this was towards the era where the internet was starting to become a plethora of information where one could find many different opinions and perspectives on any one subject, so I quickly found out that the confusion and doubt I had was shared by many and that saved me because at the time my whole family was christian as were all of my friends besides the outlier.
I will be forever grateful to my friend for instilling doubt in me and above all else teaching me to not use my religion as my core but instead taught me the simple concept of yin and yang. So that no matter the person or what they did I would be able to to look at them as a fellow human first and foremost and not a sinner or saint nor a "good guy" or "bad guy". When you judge other people or even other concepts with your religion as your primary outlook you will always fall short of seeing the big picture because of your preconceived notions. I think Shakespeare wrote it best when he penned "There is nothing good or evil but thinking makes it so."
Great video. Love the new format!