NEWS: Noclip Leaves California for Greener Pastures
Added 2017-09-17 13:01:00 +0000 UTCHey Patrons!
So, on yesterday's Birthday Stream I announced the news that my wife and I are moving. We're leaving the sunny skies of Oakland, California to go live in a lovely, rural house in Maryland. Our next move has been something we've been trying to figure out for over a year, so I wanted to give you some insight into why we're moving, and what it means for the future of my work.
As you are probably aware, I currently live in the most expensive housing market in North America. As somebody running a business which is essentially location agnostic, this is insane. As you know from my patron-only posts, I almost went crazy working in my apartment this past year. My wife and I live in a one-bedroom place, and my "office" is a desk beside our couch. Noclip has basically been run from the corner of a room for 12 months.
This is because we pay a lot of rent to live close to a commuter belt we're not a part of. It makes no sense. A few months back we looked at Petaluma in the north bay as a place that would give us more space for less rent, but even areas that far from major cities cost a fortune in California.
Aside from pure financial logistics, we're both satisfied with our time in California. This place was my dream home for many years. I listened to Deftones, I skateboarded, I wanted to work for GameSpot. California was my Graceland. I came here and did it. I lived this life and loved it. But the reality is we're entering a new chapter of ours lives and other things have become more important. My wife's family is in DC, and mine in Ireland. I've lived in some of the biggest metropolitan areas in the world for a decade, but I grew up in a town of 40 thousand people on the quiet, Irish coast. I've had my fill of cities that never sleep. So it's time to return to my original dream. To live near the people I love and grow a sustainable business in a cool corner of the world. So that's what's happening in Maryland.
First thing's first - Noclip is getting a studio. The home we're moving to has a large finished basement which I'll be using as Noclip headquarters. It has space for a dedicated streaming set. It has room for a dedicated voice-over booth. It has room for an edit suite, a classic game section and more. This location means I'll be able to make more streams and episodes of Danny's Disk Club then ever before. Maryland also has some of the best internets in America so I'm looking forward to a wonderful future of fiber and low-pings.
Noclip is going to thrive here too. Not only will our taxes be more favorable, but the cost of running a company in rural Maryland is significantly lower than the Bay Area. I'll still be able to contract Jeremy as camera-operator and colorist when on remote shoots, but relocation to Maryland will allow Noclip the real opportunity to grow. Something we never truly had in California. We're also more centrally located for both North American and European shoots (and general livestreams). While a 3 hour train-ride from New York for fun collaborations. Oh and did I mention there are a lot of game companies and communities in the area?
Aside from that, I'm going to be happy there. My wife and I are looking forward to living in a home where work happens downstairs, and life happens in the rest of the house. Where nature and family are right around the corner. Where life is slower, and more intentional.
I'm incredibly excited for the future. Not only will I be closer to the people I care about, but Maryland provides real opportunity for Noclip to thrive. In the short-term that will mean a lot of fun "studio building" videos and a lot more features and streams from me. In the long-term, I hope it means building a team and expanding Noclip's creative influence.
None of this would have been possible without your support. In the past year you have catapulted Noclip from an idea in my head to a business that works. Now you have catapulted my family across the country. You made this happen, my success is yours, and Noclip's future is brighter for it. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
If you have any questions, please stick them below. I'm more than happy to answer them. Now I've got to get back to packing - we leave in three weeks!
Danny
Comments
LOVE!
2017-10-30 19:03:58 +0000 UTClove
1
2017-10-19 15:56:02 +0000 UTCHi Danny, do you want to support each other?
2017-10-13 22:36:49 +0000 UTCquick question..are you looking for any local team members? im based in MD close to DC and would really like an opportunity to gain some experience in the both the gaming and filming industries and would love to help you all continue to grow and expand.
2017-10-02 14:13:45 +0000 UTCHey danny hope your move is going smoothly,
2017-10-02 14:09:43 +0000 UTCAll the best for the move, mate! Just moved out of Oakland myself back to Australia for the same reasons. Keep up the good work! Enjoying everything you're putting out bloke!
Theron Miles
2017-09-26 23:38:05 +0000 UTCThat's awesome man, congrats on the decision and best of luck with the move and setup. Looking forward to seeing the results in a couple of months.
Neal Hewson
2017-09-22 09:24:24 +0000 UTCNo questions from me, I'm just glad to hear you're moving to a quieter and more affordable place so you can kick back a little. I hope you find what you need in Maryland and poke your camera up into Canada from time to time as I know there are some good stories to be told nearby! Best of luck, Danny!
Matt K
2017-09-20 02:38:57 +0000 UTCcongrats man very very proud of you and the company for what youre achieving. sincere best wishes for continued success!
2017-09-18 20:08:39 +0000 UTCSounds like the best move all around. Looking forward to more great work. Appreciate what you do and happy to support it.
2017-09-18 18:57:05 +0000 UTCWelcome to the Beast Coast!
Kevin O'Neil
2017-09-18 18:52:22 +0000 UTCDid Danny actually say he'll be able to get fibre at his new place? If so, very cool.
Fred Fryolator
2017-09-18 18:41:24 +0000 UTCDanny congrats again mate, I'm genuinely happy for you and wish you and your family all the best. No doubt that this will increase the quantity and quality of Noclip going forward so that's a selfish reason I'm happy for you haha. I'm from the UK and actually start a 6 month sabbatical soon travelling America, hopefully I can tie in a Patron hangout whilst I'm over there as I'd love to meet you and shake your hand for the excellent work you've done mate. Congrats again and I hope to see you in the coming months...potentially!
Michael Josephs
2017-09-18 17:38:33 +0000 UTCSounds great, for Noclip and you guys. All the best with it, wishing you a frustration free move!
James Bowman
2017-09-18 14:45:00 +0000 UTCGreat too hear, it all sounds very exciting! Hopefully this is the final big move for you! One question: you'll now be able to separate family life from work better, but I was wondering, will you have something similar to KFG Daily Show to get you out of the house or are you filling that up with streams?
Bavo Debraekeleer
2017-09-18 09:26:06 +0000 UTCHey Danny, firstly this news is great, I'm super excited for you and your wife :). Just a quick one, will your move effect your appearances on the Kinda Funny Games Daily Show?
2017-09-18 07:31:41 +0000 UTCWe don't have all that much stuff so we're having it shipped for us in pods. The car too - it's going on the back of a truck across the country. We're flying cos the cats will meow the whole way if we drive. It's gonna take just short of a couple of weeks to get all the furniture over (cheaper that way) so we're staying with family in the interim. Thankfully my laptop is good for editing :)
Noclip
2017-09-18 06:05:09 +0000 UTCYou move to rural Maryland and get fibre internet, I'm 4 miles from Australia's second largest city and my internet is two tin cans attached with string. Best of luck Danny, No Clip basement HQ is gonna be dope.
2017-09-18 05:02:38 +0000 UTCGreat news Danny, good luck in the move!!!
2017-09-18 04:18:39 +0000 UTCvery wise move. congratulations, on all of your success out there. And, welcome beltway neighbor!
2017-09-18 00:57:53 +0000 UTCI totally get it. I live in Sydney, which is one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in, purely for work reasons, and I know exactly what it means to be paying too much for a home that could be obtained elsewhere for a fraction of the price. Good business -- especially for a small one -- means the lowest overheads you can arrange, and so if location doesn't matter, then I'd be clamouring for cheaper rent / mortgage! All the best Danny
Tom Hauville
2017-09-17 23:27:49 +0000 UTCAll the best, Thank you for living your dreams. It's an inspiration for anyone who thinks they can't or don't deserve the things in life they wish for.
2017-09-17 22:46:22 +0000 UTCGood luck on the move and maybe you'll take some of the 3 hour train rides to steal some shines and get some Danswers from that 28th st office.
Stanley Yeung
2017-09-17 21:59:51 +0000 UTCHope you like living in Maryland as much as i do .i live in Pasadena,MD and love it 15 mins from Annapolis 30 mins to Baltimore
Kc Wright
2017-09-17 21:45:19 +0000 UTCGood to hear more money actually goes into the docs instead of overpriced living expences. But I'm a little curious how that worked, logistically. I don't think you put everything into a truck and drove it across the continent for a couple of days (I heard a story of the founders of Naughty Dog doing that, driving for a couple of days from Boston to California and in the car they came up with the concept of Crash Bandicoot).
Sokar
2017-09-17 20:39:31 +0000 UTCCongrats and a preemptive welcome to the Beast coast!
Craig Parker
2017-09-17 19:22:43 +0000 UTCDamn you make Marlyand sound like a magical place. Hope the move goes smoothly. So excited to see the new studio set up!
2017-09-17 18:24:56 +0000 UTCCongrats Danny, that is very exciting news! Definitely seems like a great choice for you and your wife! Good luck with the move and everything!
2017-09-17 18:23:44 +0000 UTCHell yes, buddy! I'm envious that you're close to that tasty tasty Peruvian chicken I can't seem to find here on the west coast. How exciting, congratulations!
2017-09-17 18:22:29 +0000 UTCWelcome, thrilled you're coming! Maybe we'll see you at a brewery.
2017-09-17 17:50:11 +0000 UTCI moved cross country 2+ years ago in the opposite direction: DC's Northern Virginia suburbs to Seattle. The move was for both personal and professional reasons and I couldn't be happier with how It turned out. I'm confident you're going to have the same experience; the logistics and planning and actual moving will be a nightmare of stress but it will be so worth it in the end. Cheers and good luck!
Matthew Hoerig
2017-09-17 17:44:03 +0000 UTCCongrats Danny sounds like a lot of fun. Hope you and your wife enjoy the east coast. Looking forward to all the new creations you have in store with noclip!
Eric S
2017-09-17 17:35:49 +0000 UTCThanks so much Alex!
Noclip
2017-09-17 17:22:26 +0000 UTCVery excited for all that's to come for ya Danny! Happy to hear about the overall life improvement this will provide for you. Love Noclip and the inspiration it gives me every day, much love from Okc.
Luke Spencer
2017-09-17 17:09:24 +0000 UTCStoked for you guys!!
2017-09-17 16:43:11 +0000 UTCReally gonna miss you on KFGD but this seems essential not only for No Clip but for you and your family's well being. Hope you have a smooth move and transition! ❤️
Steven Oslund
2017-09-17 16:13:30 +0000 UTCCongrats man! That's my home turf. Not sure how I could help but I'm willing if you need a hand. I assume you're going to give Bethesda a visit?
2017-09-17 16:02:33 +0000 UTCMr. O'Dwyer, I am super happy for the both of you as you take this next big step! From day one, I believed in what NoClip could be and has become, and no matter where you go (To Maryland, back to Ireland, or for some bizarre reason somewhere else), I'm more than happy to continue to support your effort in creating what is a unique form of video game coverage and entertainment! I know life is incredibly hectic, so it may push the release of your current projects back a bit, but that doesn't lessen my enthusiasm to see them release! I can't wait for the future of NoClip as it continually gets bigger and better. While I hardly ever travel, I hope to once again briefly say hello at another Kinda Funny Live or maybe one day be able to attend PAX East. Either way, the best of luck with how everything is going and whatever you decide next, know the support will never waver! Have a wonderful day.
Brandon K Gann
2017-09-17 15:49:14 +0000 UTCYou're gonna be a local!!! YAY! If you're ever looking for someone that loves working with cameras ;-) Gimme a ring! Congrats on the move, you'll love it over here. Hope this is what you, your wife, and NoClip are looking for :-) Congrats again Danny!
Brian Johnston
2017-09-17 15:42:28 +0000 UTCWelcome to the east coast my Irish cream. Maybe when you get it all up and running you can remote cast with Gregg. PTI does it all the time lol.
2017-09-17 15:42:20 +0000 UTCSo happy for you guys!
2017-09-17 15:30:19 +0000 UTCI'm so excited for the new adventure for you both. 💖🎉
2017-09-17 15:28:14 +0000 UTCCongrats Danny! Excited to see what's next for noclip and wish you the best on your future in Maryland.
Jon Cordeiro
2017-09-17 15:24:59 +0000 UTCCongrats Danny! Going to miss you on Games Daily but you're onto bigger things.
2017-09-17 15:22:53 +0000 UTCCongrats Danny! That’s a great part of the US. I know you’ll love the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis, and all your new pastoral surroundings.
Peter
2017-09-17 15:09:36 +0000 UTCBig Congrats are in order Danny. I hope this allows you the flexibility in your business and your personal life that you seek. It'll be sad not seeing you around at events in the Bay. Here's to another year and to bigger and better things! PS get in on some of that amazing Oakland donut scene before you head out and get some highly recommended Donut Savant before you leave.
2017-09-17 14:59:04 +0000 UTCCongrats! Good luck with the move☺👍
Xx
2017-09-17 14:57:02 +0000 UTCCongrats Danny. Sounds like this will be a great thing for you and your wife. I was born in Baltimore and know what a great state MD is. Good luck with be move and thanks for all you do!
Josh in Tampa
2017-09-17 14:45:04 +0000 UTCCongratulations! I was born in Annapolis and have lived here in Maryland my whole life. If you have any questions about the lay of the land, feel free to ask away.
2017-09-17 14:44:59 +0000 UTCMaryland is bizarrely the 5th best connected state in the union. I'm getting FIOS for cheaper than I pay now. Also Nick Taylor on twitter told me most of the US data centers are in Virginia so SUPER LOW PINGS!
Noclip
2017-09-17 14:29:42 +0000 UTCGood to know, Annapolis is our closet town :)
Noclip
2017-09-17 14:28:04 +0000 UTCI'll kiss KFGD a lot too. It was really fun popping over there twice a week :)
Noclip
2017-09-17 14:27:25 +0000 UTCCongrats Danny! Bummed a little bit about KFGD but pumped to see the future of NoClip!
2017-09-17 14:25:35 +0000 UTCThat is great news danny.....OMG IS YOUR WIFE PREGNANT!?!?!?!?! Ooooh danny you dirty boy 😂😂😂
2017-09-17 13:47:51 +0000 UTCThis is a big deal Danny. Congradulations on making this monumental decision. Seeing you take some of lifes biggest steps - moving countries for your dream job, getting married, quiting your dream job, and now, moving to a new area - has all been truly inspiring. I'm so happy to be a suppporter as you continue to build not just your own future, but also the future of high quality video games coverage.
2017-09-17 13:45:48 +0000 UTCBest of luck! Can't wait to see what year 2 brings!!
Joey Melone
2017-09-17 13:44:37 +0000 UTCNice, that all makes perfect sense. Can you let me know if they sell Mayland cookies there and if they're still 2 for a pound. Cheers.
2017-09-17 13:32:28 +0000 UTCAs a native Marylander, we welcome you with open arms! I apologize in advance for all the crab propaganda you will be inundated with,
2017-09-17 13:24:26 +0000 UTCBummed you won't be on KFGD any more but happy that you are making some smart decisions that will benefit both noclip and your general wellbeing. Best of luck! 💛
2017-09-17 13:18:27 +0000 UTCBut you're going to have a 200ms+ ping in Final Fantasy XIV! Literally unplayable! But yeah, it's a move that makes the most rational sense in the world for your circumstances. I hope the move is seamless, and I'm glad it'll shave a couple of hours on any flights you have back to this lovely, grand isle of ours.
2017-09-17 13:15:28 +0000 UTCJust moved from Maryland after living there for 13 years. Annapolis and downtown Frederick were the highlights for me.
2017-09-17 13:14:49 +0000 UTCCongrats! Curious what this means for Shift-F1, will you and Drew still try and do it remotely?
Chris Cobb
2017-09-17 13:12:19 +0000 UTCCongrats Danny. Will miss you on KFGD, but looking forward to the future of Noclip. Sidebar: what a race so far!
Wesley Bray
2017-09-17 13:11:53 +0000 UTC3 Hour train-ride from New York? Danswers Revival?
2017-09-17 13:09:41 +0000 UTCStoked you've got such a good place to move to and grow, you deserve it. Excited for the future of Noclip.
2017-09-17 13:08:25 +0000 UTCThis is awesome Danny! Really happy for you guys. Plus selfishly excited because you'll be within a "stone through" from NY. And that I visit D.C. For work almost every month :) Jokes aside - great to hear you guys are doing something that will hopefully affect positively both your personal and professional life!
Tohir Tillyaev
2017-09-17 13:08:01 +0000 UTCVery excited for you Danny! 💜
Amy Gilroy
2017-09-17 13:07:43 +0000 UTC
