Monster Factory is a web series available in Polygon.com's official YouTube channel. The show is hosted by Griffin McElroy and his older brother Justin McElroy, Polygon's senior video producer and editor-at-large, respectively. The show's premise consists of both brothers opening character creation tools from several video and computer games and use their creations in-game as they cause all sorts of havoc.
May 4, 2015 - 22m
In this pilot for a soon-to-be smash hit video franchise, Justin and Griffin create Squirtle using the character creation tools in Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin.
May 12, 2015 - 22m
Griffin and Justin create a cybernetic Garfield and kill roughly two-hundred horses in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim in this installment of Monster Factory.
May 29, 2015 - 22m
Justin and Griffin turn their dark Monster Factory arts toward The Sims 4, and recreate a beloved television sitcom in the process.
Jun 4, 2015 - 22m
Fallout 3 is a really great game, so Justin and Griffin have decided to destroy it from within during this installment of Monster Factory.
Jun 29, 2015 - 22m
Justin and Griffin attempt to clone Rock "The Dwayne" Johnson, but spill a little big of Gogurt into the mix, birthing a Monster Factory creation they've lovingly named "The Pebble."
Jul 13, 2015 - 22m
Justin and Griffin rebuild Commander Truck Shepard into something non-human and non-killable when they take Mass Effect 2 into the Monster Factory.
Aug 7, 2015 - 22m
In this episode of Monster Factory, Justin and Griffin try to solve a few dino-mysteries with the help of a time-traveling Angela Lansbury in Ark: Survival Evolved.
Sep 11, 2015 - 22m
In this harrowing episode of Monster Factory, we shape a new dictator for Second Life out of some primordial ooze we found in a dumpster behind the Citgo.
Oct 12, 2015 - 22m
In this installment of Monster Factory, Griffin and Justin abuse the character creation tools of Bloodborne and somehow end up with a human-bird hybrid who adheres to a strict anti-gun platform.
Oct 27, 2015 - 22m
Justin and Griffin create an army of beautiful banana men to fight against the noodly final boss of The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion in this episode of Monster Factory.
Nov 12, 2015 - 22m
Griffin and Justin play around with Fallout 4, and incidentally create one of the most horrific creatures to ever roam the wasteland.
Nov 25, 2015 - 22m
Having accepted her terrible losses in the last episode of Monster Factory, The Final Pam carves a path of destruction across the Commonwealth. Things get very, very, very violent.
Dec 15, 2015 - 22m
The Monster Factory ballad of The Final Pam comes to a close as we quite literally destroy Fallout 4 from the inside out.
Jan 14, 2016 - 22m
Griffin and Justin discover the beautiful, intricate character creation system of Black Desert Online, and, naturally, use it to produce a nightmarish version of a beloved cartoon character.
Jan 29, 2016 - 22m
Explore the world of Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen with a team of legendary heroes: All-Star pitcher Randy Johnson, a boy named Panpan, Elsa from the movie Frozen and TV's Dr. Phil.
Feb 11, 2016 - 22m
Griffin and Justin make a couple of Monster Factory children in the new MMO Blade & Soul, but end up getting completely shut down by Big Analog.
Mar 7, 2016 - 22m
Justin and Griffin play through an absolutely ruined version of Dark Souls while role-playing as a pizza-destroying mascot. Please note that framerate hiccups are on our end, not yours. Because, like we said, this version of Dark Souls is sick.
Mar 29, 2016 - 22m
Justin and Griffin attempt to recreate themselves in WWE 2K16, but along the way, something goes horribly wrong.
Apr 15, 2016 - 22m
Griffin and Justin play Dark Souls 3 on launch day, create a rowdy, dirty boy version of The Joker, and then get absolutely manhandled by every enemy in the game. Welcome to Monster Factory!
May 16, 2016 - 22m
Welcome to Second Life, Second Chances, a three-week miniseries Monster Factory event, sponsored by Totino's. Can the Boy Mayor of Second Life reclaim his throne on the hard, hard campaign trail? Or will the endless march of Second Life sex clubs finally wear him down?
May 23, 2016 - 22m
The Boy-Mayor and his campaign manager, Totino's, do a quick makeover, then make some highly targeted appearances all across the wonderful world of Second Life.
May 31, 2016 - 22m
The day of reckoning is upon the Boy-Mayor of Second Life. It's Election Day, and we're honestly unsure whether Totino's and the Boy Mayor's actions have gained or lost them votes. Either way: We're going to throw the greatest party this video game has ever seen.
Jun 24, 2016 - 22m
Can Mëlissa complete her nearly perfect Sly Cooper costume before the big con? Or will her attempts at cosplaying be thwarted by her nemesis, Leather Daddy Voldo? Find out in this installment of Monster Factory, featuring the character creation tools of Soul Calibur 5.
Jul 8, 2016 - 22m
Now we're getting into our core competency: Being good at Golf. In this episode, we borrow the core facial structure of a late, great character actor, and then mold it into something dark and profane. Behold: DAZ.
Jul 22, 2016 - 22m
There is one thing you need to know about Trüllbus — this tough dude absolutely hates crime. He hates it nearly as much as he loves Dairy Queen, and boy, does he love Dairy Queen.
Aug 9, 2016 - 22m
Look at your current household pet. What a sweetheart! Now, pick them up and put them in the garbage can. Because here at Monster Factory, we dream big. Why would you ever own a dog or cat or a fish or a bird when you could own ... a JAA'M? Thanks to Spore, that dream can be a reality.
Aug 30, 2016 - 22m
We weren't anticipating our encounter with Spore to turn into the latest three-part Monster Factory saga, but here we are. The game is so rich with potential, but also so rich with game-ruining crashes and design problems that it makes it difficult to stick with any one creation. Hence our abandonment of the "Sequel to Dogs" project — our apologies, Jaa'm — and our migration to a new cause: The long-overdue revitalization of the Shrek intellectual property.
Oct 7, 2016 - 22m
Justin and Griffin perfect their Shrek-like creation, and — thank God — bring their time in Spore to a close.
Oct 28, 2016 - 22m
Meet Turbovicki: Sports Champion, Ruthless Warrior and our latest Monster Factory creation. None can stand in her way on her quest for Wii Sports Resort domination — though a particular former vice president will try.
Nov 14, 2016 - 22m
In this, the second part of our exploration of Wii Sports Resort, Hyper-Athlete Turbovicki faces her greatest challenge yet: The endless hordes of the Cheney Foot Clan.
Jan 13, 2017 - 22m
Knife Dad is not the hero that the world needs, but he is also not the hero the world deserves. It MIGHT be a stretch to call him a hero at all — he could be more accurately described as "a bunch of knives stuffed into a shirt."
Jan 27, 2017 - 22m
In the last episode, a legend was born — a legend made out of knives and, like, rat fur. But leveling up in an MMORPG takes too long, so in this episode we seek help from dozens of monstrous, heroic strangers.
Feb 17, 2017 - 22m
Please do not tell on us to YouTube for this episode. We tried to hide every bepis that we saw, but we saw A LOT of them.
Mar 10, 2017 - 22m
WARNING: Individuals with photosensitive epilepsy should be advised that this video contains flashing lights and could be dangerous to those susceptible to seizures. Viewer discretion is advised.
Apr 2, 2017 - 22m
In this special episode, Eleven of Polygon's most dangerous monsters collide in the squared circle at Monster Mania. See friendships tested, rivalries unleashed, and barriers broken. This is the grandest stage-- the final confrontation. This is Monster Mania!
Apr 7, 2017 - 22m
We're kicking off a new miniseries here in the Monster Factory! It's called Sweeps Week, and it's going to CHANGE THE FACE OF TELEVISION AS YOU KNOW IT.
May 5, 2017 - 22m
In the second episode of Monster Factory "Sweeps Week", Griffin and Justin play a fun game with the Full House family and make Dharma and Greg pay the blood price.
May 19, 2017 - 22m
"Everybody Loves Raymond"? Not Boba Fett, he HATES HIM. Featuring the cast from the OC.
Jun 2, 2017 - 22m
In the conclusion of Monster Factory Sweeps Week, television exec Todd Coolbody wraps up his streak of improving all the classic sitcoms you know and love. And Family Guy.
Jun 12, 2017 - 22m
Nick, Griffin and a team of anonymous external contractors have collaborated to create the most exciting piece of software to come out of E3 2017: Super Mario Bros. Maker.
Jun 30, 2017 - 22m
Griffin and Justin create a sad brain man who yearns to be a cat man.
Aug 18, 2017 - 22m
Griffin and Justin play some b-ball with Stang, who is absolutely not Sting in a disguise.
Sep 13, 2017 - 22m
Welcome to Monster Factory: Just Like Art, a new series where we push Skyrim's character customization to the limit in an attempt to create genuine, gallery-worthy masterpieces.
Sep 15, 2017 - 22m
Griffin and Justin try to teach a small alien boy how to play golf in a respectable way.
Sep 20, 2017 - 22m
Welcome to the second episode of Monster Factory: Just Like Art, a series where we push Skyrim's character customization to the limit in an attempt to create genuine, gallery-worthy masterpieces. This week, we learned two very valuable lessons: a) art isn't always beautiful, and b) motherhood is its own reward.
Sep 27, 2017 - 22m
Welcome to the third installment of Monster Factory: Just Like Art, a series where we push Skyrim's character customization to the limit in an attempt to create genuine, gallery-worthy masterpieces.
Oct 11, 2017 - 22m
What's the one thing that could make Skyrim better? Recreating one of the most popular '90s sitcoms inside of it. Ladies and gentlemen, meet Snakel from Frands.
Oct 18, 2017 - 22m
In the final episode of Monster Factory: Just Like Art, Griffin and Justin give themselves an easy task: creating the most powerful and poignant work of art in the history of mankind.
Oct 20, 2017 - 22m
On the latest episode of Monster Factory, Griffin and Justin make a rebellious, long-armed skateboarder whose three dimensions are seriously in question.
Nov 3, 2017 - 22m
Zeke Teenweed is just your typical teen. He loves skateboarding, drawing Shrek graffiti, and not being an undercover cop.
Dec 8, 2017 - 22m
Griffin and Justin's galactic adventure with Adult Cool is just getting started.
Dec 15, 2017 - 22m
Griffin and Justin take Adult Cool on a galactic kicking adventure in part two of their Phantasy Star Online 2 extravaganza.
Feb 2, 2018 - 22m
It's been a while since Arby "The Meathead" McDonald donned his wizard shirt and stepped in the ring. So maybe it's high time Griffin, Justin, and special guest Wrestling Expert Patrick Gill bring Arby's famous tooth out of retirement.
Feb 23, 2018 - 22m
Griffin and Pat get Arby ready for his first match by spending entirely too much time on his intro. Still worth it.
Mar 9, 2018 - 22m
Alliances are broken. Enemies become friends. Will Arby be able to pull off his special finisher? All that and more on the exciting conclusion of Arby "The Meathead" McDonald's epic trilogy.
Apr 13, 2018 - 22m
Monster Hunter: World is so metal and it doesn't even know it.
Dec 5, 2018 - 22m
The boys are back in town, baby! Gather the children 'round, cause this new hidden object game is guaranteed to be fun for the whole family.
Jan 2, 2019 - 22m
If you thought you'd seen the last of Dr. Sexgun and his clandestine cache of audacious armaments, think again.
Feb 6, 2019 - 22m
Donny, you're out of your element.
Mar 6, 2019 - 22m
At long last, it's Jim Johnman's turn at bat. And also pitching. And also refereeing.
Apr 3, 2019 - 22m
On this episode of Monster Factory, the brothers try very hard to create a character in Fallout 76 despite Todd's best efforts.
May 1, 2019 - 22m
Slime Burger goes on a journey through Todd's twisted vision of West Virginia in search of legendary Camden Park in Fallout 76.
Jun 5, 2019 - 22m
A wise forest elf, Tammy Radbody always knows the best places to find river Skittles.
Jul 3, 2019 - 22m
Tammy Radbody may be a protector of the forest, but she'll totally start a forest fire for a new dress and some baguettes.
Aug 7, 2019 - 22m
Boldly going where no forehead has gone before.
Sep 5, 2019 - 22m
Yoba Skywalker Starwars has a killer outfit, but Starfleet is making him wear nerd armor. Where did his sick fashions get too? THE SEARCH IS ON!
Oct 16, 2019 - 22m
You're losing money by NOT signing up, come on!
Nov 6, 2019 - 22m
Avakin Life let's you do a lot of things, but is there a video game in there? Join your friend Nanci Budin 73 as we found out!
Dec 4, 2019 - 22m
Zachary "Zack Boy Bradley" i.e. SNACK BRAFF is really just Zach Braff if only he'd just get off his duff and commit to going a little harder at the gym in 2020.
Jan 15, 2020 - 22m
We gather here today in memory of Snack "Zachary Zach Boy Bradley" Braff, not to mourn, but to celebrate his brief but exceptional life, and in his memory raise a bright new star, burning with revenge for Snack.
Feb 16, 2020 - 22m
Well, it's come to this. Griffin and Justin are actually going to do the unthinkable and play WWE2K20.
Mar 11, 2020 - 22m
Don't talk to me or my vampire son ever again!
Apr 8, 2020 - 22m
Dugls n’ Richard are adventuring with their friends, fighting weird slime boys and hunting for that magical elixir we all crave, Awake MJ018.
May 20, 2020 - 22m
Yep, let's go into battle. *long sigh* See you guys in the adventure.
Jul 8, 2020 - 22m
He might have to become large, indestructible, and turn all his enemies into barrel, but dang it, Hungry-Faced Gil is going to beat Dark Souls 3 EXTREME EDITION.
Aug 19, 2020 - 22m
Can glitches and crashes prevent Gil from beating Dark Souls 3 EXTREME EDITION? Unfortunately the answer is yes, but there's still a lot of fun to be had along the way!
Sep 30, 2020 - 22m
Monster Factory is de-industrializing and making a bespoke, handcrafted monster for a change.
Oct 28, 2020 - 22m
jIM jELLY likes two things: Buffalo Wilds Wings and completely re-writing the rules of gymnastics... and jIM's all out of wings.
Dec 16, 2020 - 22m
The first NEXT GEN Monster Factory fully utilizes the power of the PS5 to create an updated version of McDonald's burger clown.
Jan 27, 2021 - 22m
In a Monster Factory first, the boys create a monster that's zero years old: a baby king that everyone hates. Huzzah!
Mar 25, 2022 - 25m
Monster Factory is back! We’ve got a fistful of boiled prawns and we’re diving into the world of Elden Ring to see if we can answer the age-old question, “What if a Who kicked ass?”
Apr 20, 2022 - 22m
The Humdinger returns. He’s shirtless and ready to hunt Grinches, collect fingers, and snack on his beloved prawns.
Nov 9, 2022 - 28m
Someone call Jimmy Cams - we used Chimeraland to make a new version of Avatar 2 starring Uncleberry, the uber-sexy sharkman made exclusively of fins.
Dec 7, 2022 - 25m
Join Uncleberry as he tackles Chimeraland’s many fantastical challenges, like cleaning, cooking, caring for pets, and playing video games! Try to kill a 500 year-old demigod, learn the importance of following the recipe, and unwind with some aspirational home decor programming. It’s Chimeraland!
Jul 5, 2023 - 25m
Lower body? Check. Pudding fist? Check. Turbo cupping scars? Also a check. We used only the most powerful shapes to build this ass-kicking prince, and he’s gonna give Prince Friday what for.
Aug 2, 2023 - 22m
Prince Legday hits the streets, putting pros, death robots, and lit majors alike to sleep, in hopes of getting enough sweet sweet cash to step up his fashion with some truly haute couture looks.
Mar 6, 2023 - 20m
Toddddddd, we fixed your game – you’re so welcome. Just jammed in a whole buncha extra sliders for our own personal uses, so we can create the twisted villain of a man we needed. You know how it is.
Mar 20, 2024 - 22m
He’s here to fight tooth decay but he’s not above taking a little cereal treat for himself when he can find one. Everyone needs little treats sometimes, you know?
Oct 23, 2024 - 30m
Despite Capcom's efforts to the contrary, we're kicking off a new season of Monster Factory with some pro strats and manips to speedrun building our new friend Killford in Dragon's Dogma.
Oct 30, 2024 - 31m
Killford is preparing for his quest by recruiting the perfect squad: our pupating lord Gorge Washin, the teacher's pet Speical Boy, and the ever-judgemental Dr. Hotdog. Surely they'll find something productive to do other than throwing people to the brine eels.
Nov 6, 2024 - 29m
Killford and the gang rely on the kindness of strangers as they head into the questionable frame rates of scenic Vermund and take on a foolproof plan for regicide that may in fact be a little foolish.
Nov 13, 2024 - 22m
Our newest creation is bringing a real Lord Farquaad silhouette and a new non-nicotine, non-branded, nutrient-rich, cool-for-kids vape product. It’s definitely not a pyramid scheme.
Nov 20, 2024 - 25m
The Vita-Vape CEO is back and she’s out to spread the good word of her powerful, nutritious vapes. The marketing strategy is a little heavy on the violence, we’ll admit, but there are also free samples!
Nov 27, 2024 - 23m
This time around, Justin is in the driver’s seat. He’s taking big swings and asking big questions like, “What if the man is a park?” or “Where can you go if you want to get wet AND you want to prove the existence of ghosts and aliens?”
Dec 4, 2024 - 22m
Come for the super sloppy meditation experience, toilet toes, and Sprute’s drink it al, stay for the kid-friendly greasy prices and the horridor.
Dec 11, 2024 - 25m
Justin’s inadvertent love affair with fences continues as the boys construct a coaster that swiftly reaches into the realm of non-euclidean existence, and discover the face of their monster at last.
Nov 12, 2025 - 25m
Ten years ago we left her in a watery pocket dimension. Today, The Final Pam returns to see what, if anything, can be salvaged of her Sanctuary.
Nov 19, 2025 - 25m
Pam is back and facing her greatest challenge yet: finding an actual completable quest on the critical path.
Nov 26, 2025 - 20m
Pam grapples with her morality as she continues on her mission, and faces an unexpected conflict with Justin and Griffin’s actual responsibilities as fathers.
Dec 3, 2025 - 24m
It’s the final installment of Pam’s redemption mission. Can she beat the game and earn the approval of Adult Fatherson at last? Will Todd succeed in his quest to thwart our efforts to see the final cutscene? And what will happen to our beloved large Dean? The only way out is through.
Apr 30, 2026 - 1h 13m
Griffin and Justin are clocking in for a shift in everyone’s new favorite game, Tomodachi Life (sorry, Pokopia). Join them as they test the limits of creation, and then set their newfound angel free.
