Passing the buck (to other Patreons) (Patreon)

As traditional media continues to implode with advertorials, click bait headlines, and budget cuts, a whole new band of critics and creators are thriving on the generosity of their viewers.

Thanks to fan funding we can speak freely, tackle more interesting topics, and spend way, way, way too long polishing a video because screw deadlines, right?

I have been especially fortunate - receiving over 400 Patreons and $1000 per video (sort of, it's weird) - and so I obviously need to pay it forward (or, in some cases, pay it back) by slinging a buck or two at some of my favourite creators.

I adore the output of these five YouTubers and want to continue to see videos appear in my subscription feed as often as possible.

Cool Ghosts

Cool Ghosts is a collaborative Patreon-backed project between Matt Lees and Quintin Smith. They do podcasts and let's play type stuff between great, insightful, and very funny essays on games and topics.

What to expect: Big Pharma Made Me Evil

Innuendo Studios

Ian Danskin doesn't release videos often, but his stuff is well worth waiting for. From his look at the fall of Phil Fish to his monster breakdown of the whole Gamergate thing to his series on single beats in game stories, it's always a treat when Ian updates.

Ian's best: Super Smash Bros. as Spectator Sport

Strucci Movies

There are loads of movie channels and Patreons, but I want to throw my hat in with Shannon Andalou's So You Wanna Be a Film Nerd series. It's personal and funny and always makes me want to watch more movies. Definitely want to see where she goes next.

Get started: So You Wanna Be a Film Nerd Episode 1

Errant Signal

Chris Franklin has corned the market on deep dive, close reads of video games. If you want a critical analysis of a game - be it an indie darling, a new blockbuster, or a game that often doesn't get covered in this way like Burnout Paradise - this is the place to find it.

Most recent: Burnout Paradise

Joseph Anderson

Joseph Anderson is pretty new, having only started his channel seven months ago, but I already love his stuff. He goes deep (videos can be over an hour long, or in many parts), and explains himself well. I want to see his channel thrive and grow.

How I found Joseph: A Great Game That You Shouldn't Play

This is just the first batch. I'm sure I'll come back later with some more.