24:11 "theres long stretches when it seems like there is no way to move forward. Thats when you focus on just not moving backward". I needed to hear this.

high school shawn was thirst trappin on myspace lol

It's rare to hear them talk so candidly about their struggles and journey as a business. It's even rarer to see Rocco given a main stage and not just do a whacky bit. So it's really eye opening and fascinating to learn about how much they went through. Great speech Derrick!

Arguably, main channel worthy content. Great talk.

When Derrick started talking about how they started embracing being independent, I started to tear up. Their history of chasing major studios and doing commercial work to support themselves, so many hardships to reach a level of freedom they loved, and just in time for when they needed it most

garrett aka fruitsnax aka dj disc jockey aka dookie fingers

I discovered Mega64 on Something Awful back when I was 18 years old, just realized that was 18 years ago. It's good to know you guys will be around even if the world ends, the podcast set will be an underground bunker and will have outlasted KZfaq.

Derrick is a great speaker, I hope to see him do more stuff like this.

The little moment where Derrick chokes at the end was really sweet,

Damn Derek KILLED this 👏

Can’t believe Rocco didn’t start this with “Good Morning Everyone”

I've been an internet soldier since 2008. I remember downloading episodes of the podcast and playing them on my dumb little mp3 player to listen to in bed before sleeping on school nights. I've introduced so many friends to the boyz and I can definitely say that they've had a great effect on my sense of humor. This keynote was very emotional and I'm happy to see Mega64 be better than ever before especially last year with the pandemic hitting a bunch of content creators. Thank you for always giving the fans something to smile about.

Mega64 does what Rooster Teeth doesn't. Stay independent, stay winning, keep going

I'll never find success or an audience, but these guys have always inspired me to never stop making videos. They're my heroes.

I found out about you guys at PAX in 2007 when I was in high school. My friend was already a fan and bought your con-exclusive DVD, we watched it and the Miyamoto skit was so great that I had to look up the rest of your work. The next time I saw you at PAX, I was caught up on your skits, and to support you I bought the Version and Time DVDs. Through university I kept up with new releases, I caught up on the podcast, and I watched everyone's personal KZfaq channels. All the while, I bought every new media release, listened to commentary tracks, got posters and shirts, and continued watching and sharing your new videos with all my friends. Now I make the trip down to Game Days every year I'm able. Sometimes it's a solo trip, but others it's a 2-week road trip with some of my best friends. Mega64 has been a constant source of positivity through my entire adult life. I've made new friends through this fandom, and formed stronger bonds with existing friends by enjoying your content. Sometimes I'm worried I'm an overbearing fan, or that I step into parasocial relationship territory, but the Mega64 crew have always been welcoming, kind, and enthusiastic every time I've interacted with them. Derrick, this was an incredibly-written keynote. Thank you all for the memories. Mega64 has been a consistent source of positivity for my entire adult life, and I'll continue to support it until the bitter end.

In about 15 years of watching Mega64, I have never seen these guys let the drama take over or let the entertainer mask slip. Who would have thought seeing Derrick get emotional for the first time ever would be during the highest point they've been at. Super proud to be a fan of all of this.

It’s really interesting to hear Derrick’s commentary on the nature of Mega64’s outward appearance (hiding the pains and struggles to preserve the product) in contrast with the history of rumors, gossipy comments and Reddit threads by fans that are fueled by that very nature. Who’s fighting, who doesn’t like each other, you can tell X is annoyed with Y, etc. Not even trying to say anything here, just something that stood out.

I was wanting to watch this since I heard the talk about it on the podcast. What a great speech from Derrick, and an awesome look back at the history of Mega64. I've been watching since probably around 08, but became a bigger fan and regular podcast viewer towards 2014. It's been a pleasure seeing you guys grow and get bigger, more successful, and find your own way. I really enjoyed this, thanks for uploading. I'm looking forward to what the future holds for Mega64!

This was so incredible and uplifting. I can't wait to meet you guys in Chicago. I wish I would've taken the gamble and path you chose. I didn't believe in myself and I didn't have the friendship and brotherhood that you guys have had all along. Inspiring story and long live Mega64.

Damn I got choked up at a few spots. This keynote being something besides "we're great" and talking more about how insanely difficult it's been and how grateful you are for the support and LUCK you've had over the years was sobering. You make it easy to forget that you face so many issues because you all work together and power through them. Mega64 has changed my life for the better and i hope it never stops having that effect on people.

I’ve grown up watching you guys and even I got sappy at the end lol

Just seen this for the first time, what an amazing talk. I have never heard them be so candid about the history of Mega64 apart from anecdotes in the podcast. What an incredible story.

My fellow San Diego Boys have made it. The dream is alive and well baby. Congratulations Mega64 lords

Damn, this was so good. Derrick did an amazing job, and the frank insight into Mega64's struggles really shed a lot of light on what goes into making such great content. I feel like I'm gonna be returning to this talk often throughout the years. Thank you so much for sharing.

Thank you so much, Mega64.

I've been watching Mega64 since my older brother showed me your Final Fantasy 12 video when I was 13. I am now 23 years old trying to find my own way through a really hard business and it's really inspiring to hear your experience. It makes me want to keep going, to not give up. So thank you for the laughs, for the countless nights with your podcasts on the background while I studied and for all the work you do. Hope to meet you guys someday so I can do it in person. With love, from Uruguay!

This was great. Have been watching since around 2007 and I'm always thankful to have the Mega64 boys around. Even if you guys never hit that big viral break, you've done many unique things that biggest content creators have yet to do and found your own success.

I discovered you guys through a friend who was a Something Awful member back in the the mid 2000s, and I've been following you guys ever since. So happy to see what a success you've become. The dynamic you have between each member of the crew really is something special, and makes everything better as a whole.

This feels incredibly relevant -- I just founded my film/media production company in June and it's been super scary. Thank you Derrick and Rocco for taking some of that fear away and replacing it with utter inspiration and hope. This was an incredible presentation, especially as a longtime Mega64 fan.

I started watching this on the PAX stream vod on their channel, but I didn't finish it. Nice to see just your part uploaded here. No excuse for me to not finish it now. I've followed you guys for quite a while, and getting this perspective on your guys' journey is super interesting. Much love, can't wait to see what the future brings!

Been watching you guys since middle school. Well over a decade at this point. This was a pleasure to watch. Such an incredibly unique story of underdogs. You guys deserve the best.

The part about keeping the drama hidden. Damn. I know that. Really gotta give mad props to you guys for being amazing

This was absolutely wonderful, I have been a Mega64 fan since ~2010 and I am so glad to still be and have been along for the ride. Derrick, you did a wonderful job writing these speeches and you both did excellent jobs presenting and reminiscing. Thank you for all your hard work over the years, the success you've had is well deserved and I truly wish you continued success in the future.

How could anyone down vote this? Agents of chaos.

I remember watching your skits on the Electronic Gaming DVD's back when they would have them in those magazines with my friends and family during random hours of holidays and get-togethers. You have and will ALWAYS be my favorite entertainers because of how genuine and original your production has been ever since the beginning until now. I'd even go so far as to say that I love you, Mega64. I can't wait for the release of version 4 and to see what you come up with next. Thank you.

This is a really incredible presentation. I feel like by the time I'm 40 or 50 there's going to be a really solid Mega64 documentary made by a fan who's filmmaking career really took off. You guys are the best, and this has made me SO excited for the book.

Watching this keynote made me appreciate and respect Mega64 so much more then I already did!!

This should be posted on the main channel it was amazing and sincere. Love looking at the old photos.

Reminds me when they launched the patreon and talked about all the way back wanting to write a movie and sell it, how they gave up on the mainstream success route and went on their own way. Super inspiring to hear them talk about everything from the bitter to the sweet side of doing your own thing

Ive been fan since 2004. Bought the Ver 1 DVD blindly and I was hooked. Its hard to believe how much has evolved since and its so endearing that after all these years, these dudes have outlived so many internet celebrities. Theyre not just the cockroaches of the internet, but passionate and talented people that never caved into mainstream trends by doing what they want regardless of the reception. They also make the best merch!

This was amazing to watch and very inspirational. I just want you all to know I fucking love you guys and your videos and podcast has always been there for me throughout my life. I can't imagine who I'd be without mega 64, y'all kick ass and are the very best in my eyes. I'll always be a die hard internet soldier.

Re-listening to this was what i needed, this ruled HARD

been watching since the EGM DVD; got choked up on this. all my love for the Mega64 boys - can't wait to see what yall do in the future!!

I was one of those kids who stole the dvd from the IGN magazine. The best theft decision I’ve ever made.👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

I am currently at a similar place as they were when they started - community college, theater kid, not entirely sure what’s coming next or how I’m gonna support myself. I’ve been watching since junior year of high school and mega64 has gotten me through some tough times, I was privileged enough to meet them at a live show in 2019 and overall I’m so grateful for what they’ve brought to so many people including myself. Thank you for this keynote guys, I really needed to hear this ❤️

Loved this so much

Been following Mega64 for what is basically over half of my entire life. Thanks for sticking around and entertaining so many for so long. Here's to more Mega64!

to be friends for so long and work on a dream project together is a precious thing.

Love it. I feel like I’ve been along for the whole journey watching you guys since the beginning

Talking about how mega64 stayed indie and outlasted companies while also keeping their creative control really makes me think of roosters teeth....

Loved this. Thank you guys for all you do

Legends

Genuinely such a beautiful speech, great work Derrick and Rocco!

this is rad. have never heard their story told so clearly before

I remember first discovering your videos in sixth grade back in 2006…I’ve always admired your persistence as a group, and thanks for all the laughs. You guys were really a pivotal force in my ability to connect with friends. Hearing your story, especially as a long time follower was moving - I’ll be here in the audience for the whole show, cheering you on!

What an incredibly heartfelt and genuine speech from Derrick. Fuck anyone who says Derrick hates Mega64.

been a fan for a decade. this was amazing boys. thank you for every smile

This was an absolutely wonderful speech that every creator should listen to. It's real while also being optimistic. Fascinating and uplifting. While I always wanted to make movies it really is a fact that Mega64 were huge inspirations to me as a stupid child, I was an idiot for a while still but they absolutely were the guys who showed me alternatives to creating. That not everything had to be some """real""" budgeted movie to sell to a company, that I could do smaller stuff, do stuff for the internet (which helped me grow), and stay very independent with what I made. And it all started because I explicitly just ripped off one of their videos like a piece of shit. I don't have the same level of success as these awesome dudes, but making movies absolutely has been what I do for about 10 years and the success I *do* have I honestly have Mega64 to thank. They helped push me down a more specific path at the time I didn't consider and for that, I will be eternally grateful to Mega64. Internet Warriors 4 life.

That was fantastic, sincere and emotional thank you for sharing this.

Gotta say it's absolutely wild coming from watching the tetris skit on google videos inbetween blamming cartoons on newgrounds to regaling success stories with derrick and rocco today. To be saccharine for a moment I really feel like Internet Soldierz are the coolest, chillest bunch of fans online influencers would sell their soul for, no hyperbole.

This was a beautiful speech. The hardships of achieving success are often overlooked and understated in presentations, but seeing you guys address them really added to the experience. I found your Resident Evil sketch video back in 2007 when I was in middle school, and it left a massive impression on my 7th grader mind.

I’m so glad that they’ve never gone away. I always try to buy something from their store to continue support, I always get asked where I got my shirts and I get excited to tell them it’s from Mega64 :) hopefully some of those ppl I talked to have become new fans!

This might be one of my favorite pieces of Mega64 content ever. Thanks for sharing this.

This rules. Thanks fur the insight. Gives a clearer picture of your motivation :)

I knew of Mega64 since the Tetris supermarket video, but I didn’t regularly watch Mega64 every week until the pandy.

Proud to be an Internet Soldier

this should be on the main channel

Fantastic speech, very inspirational!

I’m crying. I loved this. Great job. MEGA64 FOREVER!!!

This was the most motivating thing I’ve seen in awhile, great job guys. Mega64 is awesome.

God damn, I love you guys.

Thanks for posting this! Was looking for it after it was mentioned on the podcast

absolutely amazing, thank you for sharing this wonderful event

you should put this on the main channel, and maybe rename it as "a brief history of mega 64" or something like that. maybe throw in "how to be an independent artist" in the title too. good for yall for adapting and making the best of the pandemic.

Damn...this was absolutely beautiful and inspiring. Thank you for everything you guys do (:

This was really fantastic, guys.

Oh my god the end had me choking up that was incredible. Great presentation!

I’m actually crying while watching this, my love for Mega64 just grew so much

This was fantastic. So proud of the boyz.

This is such a fucking great talk. Awesome job guys!

Super inspirational. Been watching Mega64 for a long time and hearing the struggles you guys had to go through and persevered through was awesome to listen to. Keep doing what you're doing, Internet Soldiers.

3/10 pretty cool. didn't see nearly enough myspace pics of shawn.

Incredible stuff boys. Love you guys. Long time fan forever, always.

This was really great, excellent work guys.

Been watching since 2004. This was so beautiful and you guys absolutely rule

I'M SO PROUD OF YOU ALL AND SO GRATEFUL TO HAVE A STEADY SOURCE OF LAUGHS AND DISTRACTIONS OVER THE PAST DECADE. Keep kicking ass and creating unique and wonderful content. Y'all rule!

You guys deserve all the success you're getting. Even though I haven't visited your channel for 8-10 years probably.

I remember you guys since the RE4 skit and watching Mega64 is totally like hanging out with friends. Thanks and love you all 🙂

really enjoyed this fellas! Yall mean a lot to the gaming scene. We're lucky to still have you guys around.

This was an amazing Keynote by you guys. Mega64 has brought lots of laughs and creativity in ways no other entertainment could and the team have earned every bit of respect that has come their way. Keep on keepin' on Mega64. Y'all rock.

Incredible presentation, super genuine! Kings of the internet.

I remember being a junior in high school in 2004 and friends at school showing me your Resident Evil and Myst videos. I've been a fan ever since.

Man this was so wholesome and awesome love you guys

I miss conventions and seeing these guys live and these talks that they have really get me fired up for making stuff, thank you, so ducking much

Will always love the creativity, DYi, and the inspiration Mega64 has provided for me through the ups and downs 💚

Wow that was really touching and inspiring. I've been a regular viewer for a at least 7-8 years and there's not better than tuning in to your podcast. It's not just about watching you guys shoot the shit, it's also about seeing you guys grow and get what you deserve. To be part of such a lovely community which is big and small at the same time is a blessing.

this was fantastic, I love you guys

Wow! What an incredible story. These guys are so underrated. May all the success you deserve come to you guys and more!!!

MEGA64 FOREVER.

Mega64: pioneers of internet comedy, straight the fuck up.