Just wanted to make a video sharing why I am still playing Lost Ark in 2024. Thanks guys Watch me live here: / stoopzz Twitter: / stoopzz_tv #lostark #mmorpg
You spread so much positivity to your community, I am glad that you yourself benefit from those people too and I hope you will feel better soon. You really did a great job building this community. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings.
At the end of the day you realise it was never the game, it was the friends you made along the way. Lost Ark would not be the same without you and the community you have created.
i go on your steam a lot just to hang and listen. you're very wholesome and thoughtful even when memeing around IMO. being around your personality really helps ease my anxiety because i feel like you're always very genuine. just wanted to say that and try to break through whatever parasocial wall there is on the internet. you probably can't see the magnitude in which you help people by just being out there and being you. thank you
Coming from someone who's also dealing with stuff similar to yours and a huge MMO fan. One of the biggest things someone said to me was my "addiction" to the game came from my obsession for character development. I was able to see progress on my character that I am not able to replicate in real life because frankly real life growth does not happen vertically. I took it as an advice and treated myself as an MMO character that does side quests such as doing daily walks and reading books. Now, I might not see immediate progress on my end but I keep in mind that I am slowly gaining exp until I reach the next level and power spike. MMOs literally saved me and is the reason I strive to be a better person than I am yesterday and I don't think I'll be quitting any time soon. Thank you for sharing your story man!
I'm sure this was a really hard video to make, especially sharing and being so open and vulnerable! But it's really great to hear your introspection/ insight on your experience and see a different side of you! You bring a lot of positivity and enjoyment to your community. You deserve that for yourself too.
i started playing lost ark because of your videos and i think ive finally found a game i will stick with until the end of its life or mine and while i havent made any friends yet im trying and i think it will be worth it in the end thank you mr man
I don’t play lost ark much anymore but I still catch your vids/streams from time to time. I hope you know you’re loved by many and we appreciate what you do.
I just joined the game like a month ago or so and I'm relatively a new subscriber to your channel.. I'm glad I came across one of ur guides the other day, helped me alot.. made my life as a mokoko a bit easier.. I'm not a big deal in the loa community, I'm basically just another mokoko but I really wanted to thank you for being wholesome and one of the good pals on loa community. Much love bro ♥️
I am thankful for content like this on RU-vid that is relatable and wholesome. Also reading similar stories in the comment section is nice. I had a very similar experience throughout my life. Really enjoying being in company, albeit not enjoying being alone, spending most of my youth and twenties on MMORPGS like those you mentioned and others. Almost tried them all from MU and MapleStory to Silkroad, Dragon Nest, Lost ark and Black desert which I play now. Even though I'm extremely grateful for my privileges, and the people I've had fun with along the way, I cannot help but wonder if this was all really my hobby or just an escape. An alternate reality where I feel worthy and achieve more. I assume to some degree it's a bit of both. But now being 27 I'm getting lonlier than ever and while I can keep on playing, I think I need something more realistic, I know I definitely want something like that. I hope to find it soon, someone to love, a home, a family, some closer friends would also be great. hopefully it won't take too long. Until then trying to grind my self like a main class, improving from day to day. If anyone read so far than thanks, I really just wanted to vent. Thanks for being awesome, I really liked your Lost Ark bossing runs back in the day, just like you used to like Reckful's stream (May he rest in peace). And may us all be fulfilled and grateful, for we are living in amazing times. (And also shout out to south korea those guys probably worked whole lives for my entertainment)
I played ark every single day from launch all the way to beating clown. Some of the best gaming memories I've ever had in the span of under a year. Stoopz and the KR gang were amazing to keep up with!
Online gaming, especially MMO's have changed my life completely, so I can relate to how you're feeling. I am now 32 years old, and i've been gaming for a long as I can remember, my first MMO being Maplestory, lol. Gaming in general gets a lot of "bad rep." as a way of meeting people but I've made friends over the years that I still keep in contact with, even if we don't play the same games anymore, not only that I met my now husband on a game i only intended to mess around with years ago. We've been together for 4 years now, and married for one and still play online games together all the time. I'm still amazed to this day that if i hadn't picked up gaming i wouldn't have met him. Gaming in general is an amazing support system, and I cant imagine my life without it. Long story short, even silent watchers of your streams like me are around if you need us!
I like to hear your perspective of what is going on with the community and the game itself the community around you is really awesome so keep doing what you love and good things happen
I spent the better part of my entire life playing video games. I don’t regret it and I’ve definitely made friends. I’ve always made an effort to form or join communities and it’s a real passion. Over the last year I’d say I started trying to do that in a more active nature. I got asked by a friend to try jiu jitsu. And it’s just another game really and it’s helped me meet even more great people. I think you could do this with any hobby and personally the physical aspect of that hobby has really offset the anxiety I would often feel from playing video games all day. I still play games as much as possible and probably more than I should but I love it and won’t stop. But I think mixing in that good workout has just given me insane results that I would never have expected. So I would say try some things like that if you’re lonely and anxious. Try bouldering, take a random art class, just try things and you never know what that next thing will be or what great community is waiting for you out there in the world. I would say physical activity isn’t a must for this but I know it’s helped my mental. Anyways stay safe out there and enjoy life!
as someone who suffers from similar issues its not easy but ur right having friends helps everyday is a battle but i belive u gota be hopeful if u dont no ones gona do it for u but much respect stoopz
lost ark or otherwise, incredibly thankful and feel very lucky for you being around and for the community around the stream/discord. glad you're working thru things even if it's feeling rough right now. some days are definitely better than others and some days are much tougher than others, but i know i'm not the only one who would tell you that you've helped me thru so much more than i'd be able to spell out. much love always my dude 💜
Love what you do, love all the streams and your personality. Of course suffering from an injury in the past couple months, you are going in the right direction and you are surrounded by great friends. Keep the positive energy, you got to where you are because of this energy! much love Stoopz
2007: life tough, 275 pounds, failing undergraded Wow starts Make friends, talk to girls on voice chat, lead some raids. Not bad. At first 2022: life nightmare. 250,000 in debt, 500 pounds, failed grad school Quit wow Currently: 320 pound, almost done with learning Python for programming IMHO: MMOs are a bandaid to a broken life, they numb the pain while you continue to rot away. good luck everyone.
I am just as thankful for you as you are for us, ive also experienced a lot of anxiety and working through a lot of issues but your content has helped and im glad to be part of your community
honesty brings people together. I click on this video don't even know why but your sincerity is encouraging and I appreciate you sharing. Agree with the friends part, everyone is friendly but it's hard to make friends.
I never felt happier when I quit Lost Ark, I made friend and enemies because of Lost Ark it took a toll in my life I've had enough and fix everything what I lost, I lost lots of old friend that used to play game with me for years but Lost Ark wasn't their game now I'm fixing my relationship with them the true friend that I had when we used to play all the game that was out not only Lost Ark, my fiance used to play game with me too but when I got hooked with Lost Ark I slowly drift away playing game with her, so when I quit Lost Ark its slowly fixed now I'm happier even my older friend began to pop up I feel so much happier now, I hate Lost Ark now when I realize this game destroy relationship.
thanks again for sharing your feeling and thoughts. its does help others. I do sufffer with anxiety and depression and i just try and keep my head above the water.
Much love Mr.Man. Your streams are always something I look forward to each day. I'm a big lurker.... I dont talk in chat much but just watching makes my day and lost ark gaming much more fun so you are definitely very appreciated.
The Cuban dude here man. Thank you for opening up to us mane, it isnt something easy. Thanks to you I came back to Lost Ark on full force and helped me enjoy it. I wish you the best lil homie. Keep ya head up King. Its always a good day/evening when I get to catch one of your streams. God bless your soul Stoopz
I stopped playing LA a long while ago now, but I still check out your content because the hype was so real back when LA was new haha. Big love, keep strong man
Please do more of these videos i really like this version of Oliver from heart to heart. I remember the first time i joined your stream i instantly admired your personality and humor keep it up my brother i hope you always feel better and in a good health much love ❤
I dont comment very often, but I have been watching your videos for years. Just wanted to say we love you bro, keep being yourself and doing what makes you happy. God Bless.
we all knoe stoopz youre happy and healthy playing lost ark, and it gives u money we all know in yout smile we love u, u dont need to explain your choices
I really like this type of content This seems not only like a Healthy mental virtual diary but spreads healthy awareness to your loving community! Very Brave&Super POWER-type of content StoopzzHugs from sandwich family to u and earlzzi appreciated this 💞
U make my life different too, you and saint are to be honnest my favorite streamers, and wihout that i would miss somthing really important, keep up, we are with you and we dont go anywhere
I just returned to Lost Ark, got some of my gaming and IRL friends too back into game and we feel it is a good time considering stuff coming to the game. We enjoy your videos, and specially the few about the positive new stuff coming to the game.
I nearly never watch your stream, but your podcast(especially the first few episodes) is one of the best contents when I dive into this game. I wish you a happy life.
There was a time in my life that I struggled with anxiety. It can be a real pain and unless you've experienced it most people will have no idea how it messes with you. . I did beat it and you will as well. Keep your chin up. Small tip, if you feel the anxiety quicksand starting up an extremely cold shower can pop you out of it and avoid an episode. I have a boat load of tips whenever I was neck deep in it. Med free and worry free now. :)
I don't normally leave comments on videos but this took a lot of courage and I respect you a lot for it. It's hard to show vulnerability especially on the internet. hope your having a good day dude
can take a while to overcome fear, but if your will is strong enough you will overcome it. set goals and reach them even if it means discomfort, the energy and freedom you will gain is the momentum to keep going
Hey Mr. Stoopz. I am a big fan, I watch you everyday. I am super shy and I rarely talk. But when it comes to anxiety and things you are going through, I found cold water submersion helped a ton with my anxiety and quiet my brain down. I was near death at 19 years old due to getting beat up and attacked. I've been through everything under the sun, drugs, bad choices, anxiety, and poor health. I also streamed to try to find new friends, but the game I played died unforatnely Battlerite. However at the end of the day, I think you are a very strong person, try some cold showers or if you can afford a cold plunge I sware on my life, my wife, my 77 year old father cures his pain, inflammation, depression with it. 5 minutes a day will keep the doctor away. I wish you all the best my friend. You are a special person in so many peoples lives. ❤️
Keep your head up always and keep going , you doing amazing bro ! Accidents happen but the main thing is you went through the worst already so theres only good things to come .
Great vid man, hope you are doing ok. It's good to talk and be open about things very healthy. I can relate to how tough it is to find friends to game with. I'm around 40, in the UK, and I've been a lifelong gamer. None of my IRL friends game these days though and I've struggled to find a good discord server with people to group with, regardless of game really. I considered coming back to LA (only played for a few weeks at launch), but struggle with finding a chill group to play and learn with. Anyway, keep on keepin' on my man, your vids are great.
Love the message you're sending brah. Always happy to talk if you or anyone wants to reach out. One of the most special aspects of the internet is how connected it makes people, even when times are grim or something unfortunate happens. Behind each in-game avatar is a human (except if you're playing lost ark jk), never forget there's someone behind that character that goes through life as well. As we get older it's more important to take steps back and reflect, for this I thank you for your honest video. Much love to everyone reading this -
glad you feeling better, remember anxiety is just in your head. You have to re-program your brain to divert to a calmer place soon as any bad thought creeps in your head
I feel you so much, i never got alot of friends but over the time i had to learn the few i thought, are not my friends. Now im alone in a city without family and without friends. Gaming makes the background noise in my head disappear but it is not the same like before. Games becomes boring so fast cause i play them alone. I watch my fav streamer for the games i play while i play and it helps alot, its like having people around you. And damn i should not watch videos like this while im at work. Wish you all the best, you are a great person from what i know and you deserve all the happiness in the world. Sorry for the mess, my english isnt very good. And to quote Peter Pan: "To live will be an awfully big adventure."
I started to play LA with 2 friends on D1 and never stopped. Back when Kakul was coming we were short one party member since our reserved player ditched us. Well week before Kakul dropped this guildie sent a message asking can he join us, we said sure and that started a new friendship that carries still to this day.
Hang in there man, I can relate as having big anxiety issues as well and gaming usually helps to take my stress away. Nice video and keep it up, this is usually a roller coaster, things are bad now but they will be better ❤
Glad you're recovering from your injury. I get wanting to stick with your community. I really really liked Lost Ark and was kinda hoping D4 was gonna be more like it when I saw they were doing an open world. I just couldn't keep going in LA cause I have the worst luck in the world and I was dropping too much cash to keep up with the raid group. That and I was never going to farm cards. All the best in the world to you!
Crazy to think it, but a lot of people in general will go out of their way to help someone who's going through some rough times. Complete strangers. Can't say I'm an avid fan or viewer as I mostly stick to the youtube side of things, but even with all the ups and downs I've had with the game, I do find myself coming checking out Stoopz' channels and getting some good laughs here and there. He may not be some god gamer, super genius mastermind at builds or anything, but just the fact he seems like he's out here just trying to have fun with his streams is enough to make me want to watch. So if you read this Stoopz, I hope you feel better. And for any other random people reading, hope y'all feel better too if you're not.
I have severe adhd Mr. Stoopz and its pretty hard for me to confine with other people about my issues. And i have a social anxiety and extremely uncomfortable staying outside for too long. luckily, Lost ark alleviate some of my anxiety/depression even by a little by doing raids (even though i suck at it) and always forgetting the mechanics and getting shamed on by people because of it. I just want to forget the stress of outside world by playing this non ADHD friendly game. Im trying to be better at raids even though it takes me forever to even learn/complete the simplest content im trying my best. But there is just so much i can do. My apologies Mr Stoopzz for saying all of this here (and bored you out). I just want to let some of the things eating me alive out here so i can feel bit better about my self and my condition. BTW i hope you are doing better bro. whatever personal issues u may have i hope you all overcome it. have a nice day. Apologies for my grammar UPDATE: Apologies again. I just want to add up that idk how to explain my condition to anyone. So yeah. if my message doesn't make sense i hope u understand.
You know what? I didn't do any friends playing lost ark, i did however, find channels like yours, that helped me through my days, be it working, be it being alone, me agreeing with you on lost ark related things or not, you and people like you were there to entertain me and a lot of people like me. It's a community even for me, that has no friends in the game, i get to listen to your videos and rage on some, love others (press the like button on all of them despite my opinion), so yea, its not only you that can say thank you, I and many others can say the same, so thank you, and i'm sorry if not always my comments were positive. Cheer up man, life is hard enough, at least people like you help people like me my bro. Gaming is what connects us.. Not even lost ark. Sorry for my english.
Don’t know your headspace right now, but thanks for being a continual voice. You do good man. If you ever need a proper long break or just want to do something else, we’d rather all know you’re doing something that doesn’t make you miserable
Hope you doing well Stoopzz! While I don't have time to follow everything going on, I like seeing update videos like this. I left just before Ivory Tower release, because i pretty much had no one left to play with anymore, people just causing static drama and all that. I really felt in a good place, was kinda having fun, etc, but at this point I can't be bothered looking for a group and bond with them to keep playing. I really wanted to keep playing, but it is what it is I guess. Is it just me, but I did feel like, and still to some extent, that something is missing? LOA was way too big part of my life till now, but I started working, and the static drama and work were a good reason to leave it I suppose. I'm sad, cause I had several static dramas, and one of them pretty much broke up a really good group of friends just because of one guy... We still kinda talk, but most people left LOA a long time ago.
We are opposites :D I keep playing the game because I love the gameplay but every day I get annoyed that I have to deal with people all the time.. I miss single player games.
I don't often comment on videos but I felt really compelled to share my story here. I don't really socialize anymore and stick to a lot of solo experiences but it isn't something that I consciously choose to do. I feel more secure in it because I have been through some very traumatic experiences within social circles, and relationships that I feel has happened too often, leading it to become inevitable. The logic is, why try again if i'll just get burned again? It's a sort of tired you feel in your soul, and the loneliness I may feel now doesn't amount to the things I went through. Even then it's been so long that socializing doesn't come easily to me anymore. :/
love your stream because of you, not the game you are playing. you're a fantastic person and entertain us so much.even videos like this or ur "intros" that can take 3-4 hours before you actually play the game are fun to watch. keep up the good stuff.
Hey stoopz I’ve been watching ur vids for a while now and hopped into ur stream recently and was impressed with your content. You took the time to answer my dumb questions about games and were entertaining. Thanks for doing what you do
You're the best Stoopz! Hope you are feeling more like yourself soon, ,you are a positive light in this small ass community, even if you floor pov a lot :)
I don't know man , been watching you last 7 days and with all drama happening and to me it looks like you need to go talk to someone, no shame in asking for help . you gave great advice on stream for ATK i think you should use it as well . Hope you get better man .
AGS laid off bunch of workers and it impacted stoopzz too. now stoopzz is very upset. btw: i've been waiting for stoopzz do podcast for sooooo long. stoopzz, hey, u have good talent for doing podcasts, plzzz.
Great review. I have to add, Lost Ark to me, is one of the most f2p modern MMO imo but same time most time consuming and burning out game. Esther weapons are for whales but optional. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it doesn't have P2W aspects, but ask yourself, what are you paying to win against? Many people deemed having a monetary option to gain advantage over others = P2W. I totally agree. But are we actually competing with other people in the game and it what ways? Lost ark is a heavily PVE RAID focused game, where the main goal is to clear raids, not winning against other people. Its shown and done multiple times that on ILVL, with decent minimum engravings, its clearable for all raids. Its all down to skill issue in the team. GVG is non existent in Lark and PVP is equalised. So what are we paying to win against? Whales paying money to get max gears (an advantage over you) to win over you? No. They're paying to overpower the raids, not you. Is the raid universally limited clearance? (like if other people cleared, you can't do it anymore) Nope. So there is no rush to clear a raid. Technically its just fomo. The raid is always there. It won't disappear unless specific changes is done. And all resources can be farmed in game and yes i agree, its a really time consuming game and having alts is one of the best way to progress fast as f2p at the expense of your time and effort. But does it mean its pay to win? Just because need more effort? And refer to the earlier stance, paying to win against what? Let's say someone with +20 weap vs +25 weap, both can clear raid in their respective parties. Do they compare side by side with each other how fast they clear? There is no need right? As long as cleared its all good. And +20 weap may find it more challenging and thus fun, while +25 is just brute forcing it or not even clear it. So paying to win against what? Costumes etc can be obtained via in-game gold too except special limited ones. And doesn't have exceptionally huge bonus stats that can only be obtained in real money (not sure latest patch now). In all, the one competing with you, is just yourself and your friends too (fomo, ego, flexing etc) which plays no part in the main goal of the game directly. Alot people whine about the honing system too, how INSANELY p2w it is. I assure you its nothing compared to other games. Its literally a guaranteed progression system with artisan energy, meaning no matter how unlucky you are, you will get there eventually. Yes, if you're unlucky and pity every single level, it may take you x2, x5 or x10 slower compared to other people, but that's very rare and you still get there isn't it? Items don't need a insurance scroll, doesn't drop honing level, doesn't break (need repair), doesn't get destroyed, all you need is hard work and time. Try playing Ragnarok online series. Refining system (Honing) can cause your beloved equipments to break, drop level and destroyed. Meaning, you may play 20 years and never get to the max level refine still. (ALL RNG) And insurance scroll are only purchasable via real money. That's what i call P2W. Because no matter amount of hard work and time, as long as you don't spend real money for insurance scroll, you never get to progress high lvl easily. Even purchasing it doesn't guarantee success. So is lost ark's honing system still bad? I don't think so. Of course it feels suck af when you pity especially weapon, (i pitied 20, 22 and 23). But the feeling that you know you'll eventually get there is worth the grind. Afterall, we're just progressing to clear raids and beat ourselves, not to compare with other people. So in the end again, what are you paying to win against?
I loved lost ark but the content becomes just too competitive and people gatekeep you if u are not 6+ hours per day in this game if they do something like more free way to gain access to the new content its going to be much better and a lot of players like me would come back in this game and also love for Stoopzz
thats why i try play less video games even tho its hard to ressist when u have 4090,while its fun but in the end u dont end up anywhere unless ofc its your job streaming,in my case its just a hobby that tbh affect my life not in a good way,couse of my poor social skills which needed at work and to find life partner , but i dont say its very bad,sometimes its good relieve stress after work and etc, even tho i have some friends , i still feel lonely time to time,thats why i turn on some streams to listen someone that helps me feel like im a part of something , community, entertainment ,which im very thankful and yes we all feel maby unmotivated at doing anything at life,depressed,anxious at life problems so u and the rest not alone with this,go touch some grass more and also wish there was more tooki tuesdays variety games with saint and atk.irl,i really love them, im myself found very great life friends in games ,so in the end it was kind of worth it xDD
I'm 40, struggled with ADD my entire life. Have tried to stop and restarted medication for it more than a few times. If you'd like to discuss it, great, hmu. But if you really want the anxiety in check, you need to have a definite plan for managing your ADD symptoms, this most likely includes medication. Like I said, hmu if you wanna discuss. But please, take care of yourself, see a Dr. about it, ask about finding diff med.
Keep it up Stoopz ! Also Had the pleasure chatting with you on discord this Sunday evening, continue on your journey, you still have so much in front of you ❤
You have been very helpfull to the community and I recognize that. However Lost Ark also destroys a lot of friendship as well with its current design. The hardcore / tryhard group that can put more time and money will less likely to befriend with the chill casual or people with less mechanical skills and toxicity never ends. There are nice people but there are a lot of toxicity and that drives players away. Anyway , I hope you get better and continue to enjoy the game .
I get what you are trying to say, but I mostly had very negative experiences with MMO players in general. There was always a fight between the casual friendly people and the tryhard god-complex assholes who fought eachother and driven friendly people out just because they were not on their skill level and commitment to the game. I'll never touch a competitive mmo again. And yes these things happenend in "casual" statics and guilds. P2W draws alot of toxicity
hey Oliver i have an idea for a cool youtube vid that could be interesting to hear a pod cast with techtone and you in a call the best gocha player with one of the best lost ark players Collab over your games and discussing on why you and techtone play those games ect ect i think it would be cool if you talked to him cuz he a real dude just like you man
you are singlel handedly carrying the NA content. I'm a new player and I want to join a guild and help teach new players. Mental health wise please take care of yourself. Sleep well and talk to someone if you need to.
Lost Ark has always been an easy fix. Revamp honing so it's always a guaranteed success and scale the actual costs a bit, convert the game into a subscribe to play business model with cosmetic purchases. Remove RMT gold and you've solved 80% of the stuff holding Lost Ark back with 3 fundamental changes. When progression is NOT connected to monetization, the botting problem disappears. When the rewards you grind for are guaranteed to be recieved, progressing stops feeling like a chore. Keep the challenge, keep the complexity a good bit even! People who love the combat will stick around long enough to figure it out and watch guides. Those people will NOT stick around for greedy monetization and brutal rng holding back their ability to continue PLAYING THE FUCKING STORY and ENJOYING THE CINEMATIC COMBAT EXPERIENCES. It's the Korean mmo business model that ruins Lost Ark, the community is a symptom. The gatekeeping is a symptom. The elitism is a symptom. I don't care what nationalities can tolerate what. Bad game design is bad game design, and the endgame progression of Lost Ark is HORRIBLY DESIGNED. The quest structures, the combat, so many other things are incredible which is why I and so many others are so passionate. JUST FIX THESE EASY PROBLEMS.