Now we’ve arrived in June, and it’s very, very close to present time. Playing through Metroid Prime 3 ever so slowly, my Metroid fascination was still in high gear—this was even before the Nintendo Direct at E3! I wanted to watch more Metroid Prime, so I went looking for someone to watch to fill that urge. Always how these things start.
One streamer had a very “mechanical” name, complete with retro-esque icon that appealed to my old-man taste. A sort of simplicity that harkened to the very basics of games: having fun and beeps n’ boops. Joining in for the first time, they were pretty far into the game. As a veteran player, however, I immediately went into “guide mode” and watched intently as they tried to figure out the mechanisms present. One stream turned into two, and now it has well exceeded double digits.
Introducing GameJoyPod. (← Link to his Twitch channel.)
If the short description above gave this indication, let me clarify that GameJoyPod is not a mechanical being. Nor is he robotic in his speech patterns or gameplay precision. Even with this, though, I do not have any indication of his physical appearance, so perhaps he’s more machine than he lets on…
Mystery aside, the premium quality to his streams involves the calm demeanor he provides. Very analytical and keen to experimentation, he has a very curious, level-headedness that makes for some intriguing gameplay choices. Also prone to long topics of detailed conversation, it’s like a discussion table for people to ponder upon the mysteries of… various things. Gaming-related, normally, though there’s always something being dissected.
A dry host he is not, fortunately. Willing to joke around and reverberate off of chat messages, there’s an obvious strong comfort with speaking and articulation. GJP can hold a topic for quite a while, keeping the audio levels steady, even if it’s simply commentating on the events of the game at play. If I had to describe him in some fashion, it would be like a scientist (vague as that may be in terms of field of research and what have you). He has that sort of objective technique about his person.
A lot of people say, “Oh, I’m really into indie games and would love to play more.” GameJoy walks the walk. Aside from some occasional ventures into AAA territory via the Metroid Prime series, he also fancies Noita, and most recently tried games called NaissanceE and Blue Fire. If you’ve never heard of these titles, that’s all the better. He’s the streamer to tune into for you to find out.
As someone who does like to dive into the obscure parts of the gaming world, this is heavily appreciated.
Another situation where I didn’t follow after the first stream, but the second one. The first was rather fascinating, watching as he traveled the depths of Phazon Mines and tried to figure out how best to deal with baddies. Although, his calm demeanor and straightforwardness took a little while for me to adjust to. It wasn’t until the second stream, that I coincidentally came across the next time he went live, that I saw the value of his distinct personality.
Given it’s been less than two months since I followed, I feel the best is yet to come. Some Metroid Prime streams and a few indie titles is the most of what I’ve seen him go through. He’s said on a few occasions that he adores the Nier series, so seeing him possibly go through that again, with full knowledge, would be another fulfilling playthrough. Most of what I’ve seen has had him go in blind.
What GameJoy does best is in his dedication to a “true” playthrough of games. One can easily tell the enthusiasm he has for the games he covers and the gaming industry as a whole. Avoiding spoilers and knowing too much going in, it’s a sort of uncommon approach to the info-hungry culture we’ve become in the technological age. Such behavior exudes the type of surprise and wonder that he likes to experience in the gaming sphere, and it’s easy to see while he plays.
To know something about me, I’m a bit of a goof. And if you laugh at my jokes and puns, I’m gonna feel invigorated. GameJoy has laughed at at least two of my jokes, so that’s good enough for me to label him a good guy. Jokes removed, he’s always greeted me warmly and manages to help me feel welcome in his (currently) small community. It’s not the most wholesome display of affection, though his robust voice is certainly good for soothing.
Early as it is, I can see myself frequenting streams with good consistency. Something about the left-side-brain presentation really makes me enjoy tuning in. That, and the steady supply of somewhat out-there game choices, all for the sake of discovering some underrepresented gems. I can definitely get behind that, like I can get behind the value that GameJoy provides to Twitch.
And he is one of only three streamers who consistently pronounce my name correctly.
If any of this has made you interested, I would highly encourage checking out GameJoyPod on Twitch. To catch up with him outside of Twitch, you can also follow his Twitter account.
For all other Twitch streamer odes, check out the Twitch Streamer Highlight Reel.
That’ll be all from me this month. I appreciate all that took the time to read and perhaps follow the streamers on display!
Thank you for your time. Have a great day.
The Visualist's Veranda 