Let's get to know EQL Creator Legend, GVG!
This week, we catch up with GeeksVsGeeks, known around these parts as GvG! Lately his popularity has soared as they have undertaken EverQuest Legends Livestream recaps – there’s always a LOT going on in those streams, and GVG provides excellent summaries. He's a lot o fun to hang out with in livestreams as well, because there is nothing he won’t try!
How did you get started in content creation?
It all started with my kids. They are all adults now, but when they were young pre-teens, they so badly wanted to be "YouTube stars." However, with their ages, I was not about to let them venture out on their own on the internet. I also warned them that there is more to it than just turning on a camera. It takes work and dedication.
After hosting a panel at PAX West in 2016 on Geek Parenting, I came up with the idea for GeeksVsGeeks. It would be a channel where we could play games against each other (the VS part), but also a resource for people, especially parents, who were looking to share in geek hobbies with their entire family and friends across different age groups.
The kids quickly grew tired of all the work that came with content creation, but I really enjoyed it and and built out our website into a place where you can learn a little more about videogames and boardgames, get a peek behind the scenes, and perhaps get a little inspiration for what to play on your next Saturday night.
We do this with a positive slant, and for that reason we do not undertake reviews. We simply share our experiences so you can decide if something sounds like a good fit for your family or friend group.
As the kids have gone into adulthood, there have been a few tweaks, but the main goal remains to spread positive views and experiences. The internet is full of loud criticism, which is the easy path and always pulls in a lot of engagement, but through our content, I aim to bring good, positive vibes and smiles to faces while still informing the audience in an honest way.
You know, thinking about this and saying it out loud just made me realize that we are celebrating our 10th anniversary this month. That is amazing.
Why EQL?
I played all forms of EQ with exception of the card game, Legends of Norrath. One of my favorite EverQuest iterations was EQ:Online Advenures. When the news broke about EQL, so much of the approach to this version felt like that game to me, even if it is actually built on the original EverQuest instead.
A lot of the content we make, especially on live streams, is heavy on indie and retro content. Nostalgia is a big factor, and EQL felt like a perfect fit.
I was able to get a beta invite, and the game fit like a glove in terms of what it had to offer in keeping with the message we have at GeeksVsGeeks. Once the Creator Program opened up, I really wanted to connect more with the game and make it a larger, more permanent part of our content.
What was the most surprising thing you learned about EQL?
For me, it was the hunger from the players. It felt like a community that had been waiting in the shadows for something like this, and when it arrived, they came out in droves.
Secondly, it was the overall positivity in the community. There is an eagerness to help each other have a good time and lend a hand. EQL is a game that is largely built around gameplay you can do solo or duo, and yet people are helping each other, whether directly in-game, on the forums, or through Discord, in order to get the most out of the game.
I quickly met many new friends online from across the globe, and I feel really connected to the community. This is why I felt so strongly that this game would become part of our regular content as content creators.
What is your favorite zone in EQL and why?
What an incredibly difficult choice to make. There are so many zones that have their own unique feel.
There is the obvious one with Castle Mistmoore, where I really appreciate the architecture and art, as well as the looming mystery of the whole "monster ball" vibe in there. The whole place makes you want to learn so much more about its lore.
Lower Guk was amazing because it was the first place I ever fought a giant severed hand, which I thought was just the coolest thing.
Currently, we are exploring "The Hole," which is a massive explorable zone as well, full of mystery. But those nasty golems? Big oof.
In the end, if you twist my arm to pick one, I think my favorite is Najeena. Its level progression is easy to work through, the narrative is fun, it has cool traps and puzzles, there is some good gear to collect, huzzah for J-Boots, and it has various great grinding spots to run through. You can really build that synergy with the respawn timers to get some good XP.
What is your "go-to" or favorite loadout and why?
Despite its current shortcomings, I love the Beastlord, or at least the idea of the Beastlord. There is something charming and endearing about them, and I love discovering what pet each race gets. Currently, as a Kerran, the tiger cub is wonderful, but I also LOVED my Ogre's derpy bear.
Playing a Beastlord is not easy mode at this time. It takes dedication, and other builds might be "stronger" or have better pets. However, I have not hit too many walls or encountered any truly unsurmountable challenges. With the game always updating, one day everyone will see how cool a Beastlord is. I would say add one in your trio and give it a whirl!
All that said, it helps that I also mostly play duos with my wife, and she is the best Enchanter I know. She neutralizes a lot of my mistakes. Sometimes at the cost of her character’s own safety.
Your ONE piece of advice for a player just starting out in EQL.
Comparison is the thief of joy.
Do not start comparing yourself to veteran players who run around with extremely efficient builds, great weapons and armor, etc. And do not immediately go looking for the most efficient builds in a guide. Let the game breathe and just take in the game at your own pace.
There is plenty of room for discovery and for getting a feel for what the game has to offer. Perfect builds can wait. Exploration allows you to get a lot more out of the content, and the satisfaction of figuring something out yourself is unmatched.
Since the game is aimed at letting you play your way, and you do not HAVE to rely on other groups, you can experiment with builds and make adjustments as you explore the game. There is no need to put pressure on yourself.
Take your time, take in the sights, and smell the roses... or are those Ogres?
Anything else you wish to add?
I really enjoy the writing aspect of content creation, and I put a lot of effort into creating my own style of sharing information.
I publish recaps of the EQL Dev Streams, and people seem to find these really useful. If you want to look back on what was said but have no time to fast-forward through the entire VOD, or if you absorb information better when you read it, come check us out and let us know what you think. We'd love to have you.
And if you visit our stream, feel free to lurk or wave hello. The GeekDen is large enough for everyone.
Now go play that Beastlord!
Here's where to find GVG:
Mon 5pm -8 pm
Wed 5pm – 8 pm
Fri 6pm – 9 pm
Socials:
https://bsky.app/profile/geeksvsgeeks.bsky.social
https://www.instagram.com/geeksvsgeeks/
https://www.threads.com/@geeksvsgeeks
https://www.facebook.com/geeksVgeeks