So a while back we were lucky enough to have one of X-Wing’s designers Alexy Davy come to our store championship and have a little Q&A with us.
While we learned a lot during his visit, there were a few questions I had planned to ask that I didn’t get a chance to.
Well the owner of our awesome game store, Paradox Comics n Cards offered to pass on any questions I had to Alex.
Jodo Cast: Does being a designer make it easier or harder to have fun playing the game?
Alex Davy: A little of both! It’s quite thrilling to be able to hold something in my hands that I designed, put it on the table, and roll dice. That’s incredibly rewarding. On the other hand, I’ve played so many games of X-wing at this point (and thought about it so much), that I get a little burned out at times. I’m more likely to pick up a different game to play in my free time, though I still play a bit of casual X-wing now and then, and I still very much enjoy the game.
JC: What are the most crucial things you have to consider when designing a new ship for the game?
AD: Whether or not it’s fun, first and foremost! It ought to add something new and exciting to the game, or you’re just treading water. The next most important factors are its balance—you’re going for the Goldilocks “just right” effect, neither overpowered or underpowered—and its role within its faction.
JC: Were there any concepts or mechanics that you tried to make work but just couldn’t?
AD: Tractor beams! I’m not giving up, though…
JC: What releases were used in the most unexpected ways?
AD: I think the 86-point two ship list comprised of Soontir Fel and Whisper was a big surprise. A 20-point bid for initiative is quite extreme!
JC: What’s an example of player behavior that surprised you in a positive way?
AD: I’m constantly impressed by this community. People will go to great lengths to help each other out, like a group of players rescuing a total stranger who forgot his ships by pooling their resources to recreate his squad.
JC: Might we see ship titles *cough* Slave 1 *cough* get any new versions released, much in the same way Boba Fett and Kath Scarlet got new versions in wave 6?
AD: Anything’s possible! ;D
JC: Where do you think X-Wing will be in 5 years?
AD: Thriving, I hope! That’s a tough question, and I don’t have a concrete answer. I’m just trying to keep the quality of each wave high.
JC: Thanks again for coming out to Paradox for our store championship. Keep designing great things!
AD: Thanks! It was my pleasure.