IS STAR WARS UNLIMITED GOING TO FAIL?

Summary

Nick, a tournament organizer and dedicated fan of *Star Wars Unlimited*, offers a candid analysis of the game's current state. He highlights issues such as overprinted products, declining player engagement, and the devaluation of cards, particularly following the release of sets like *Twilight of the Republic*. Despite these challenges, Nick emphasizes the importance of local tournaments and community involvement in saving the game. He urges players to continue supporting *Star Wars Unlimited* while hoping for necessary changes from Fantasy Flight Games (FFG) to revive interest and ensure the game’s longevity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Initial excitement for *Star Wars Unlimited* (SWOO) was high, with strong turnout at pre-release events and a dedicated fanbase.
• 😀 The launch of *Spark of Rebellion* saw product scarcity, driving up excitement and value for the cards, but also leading to speculation and scalping.
• 😀 Interest in SWOO began to wane with the release of *Shadows of the Galaxy*, despite its solid gameplay elements, due to the set’s lack of appeal and the introduction of new, less popular archetypes.
• 😀 *Twilight of the Republic* was a major setback for the game, with poor card design, low power-level cards, and no standout legendaries leading to a significant drop in player interest and market value.
• 😀 Despite the game’s struggles, there was hope for recovery through products like *Carbonite boxes*, which were initially hyped as prestige items, but eventually failed to live up to their expectations due to poor print runs and high availability.
• 😀 The *Secrets of Power* set, although offering exciting new gameplay mechanics, suffered from a lack of valuable legendaries, with cards like Queen Amidala and Darth Nihilus seeing extremely low prices compared to previous sets.
• 😀 The overprinting of products in SWOO has led to a situation where cards have little monetary value, which is harmful for both players and local stores that rely on card sales for tournament prizes and events.
• 😀 The value of legendaries in SWOO sets has drastically decreased, with some of the most powerful and sought-after cards now being worth less than the cost of a booster box.
• 😀 Nick encourages players to support local events and attend tournaments to help keep the game alive, as local engagement is essential for the sustainability of SWOO.
• 😀 Despite the current challenges, there is optimism for the future of SWOO with the upcoming *A Lawless Time* set, which could help reenergize the game by introducing stronger cards and setting the pace for future sets.
• 😀 The key to the game's survival lies in the community’s involvement, and Nick calls on players to show up for locals, participate in events, and actively engage with the game to keep the interest alive and demand positive changes from the developers.

Q & A

What was the initial excitement surrounding *Star Wars Unlimited* and how did it fare in the early stages?

The initial excitement for *Star Wars Unlimited* was high, especially with the release of the first set, *Spark of Rebellion*. Players were captivated by its unique gameplay mechanics, including action-based turns and dual arenas. During pre-release events, many stores saw large turnouts, and the game's early products were sought after, despite some early issues with availability.

What issues did the game face after the release of *Twilight of the Republic*?

After *Twilight of the Republic* was released, the game's popularity took a significant hit. The set's cards were considered low power and lacked valuable legendaries, leading to a drop in interest from both players and stores. Despite the game being accessible, with reprints and availability, the enthusiasm around the product waned.

What caused the fluctuation in prices and availability of *Star Wars Unlimited* products?

The fluctuation in prices and availability was largely due to the oversaturation of the market with products. Initially, *Spark of Rebellion* was in high demand, with boxes being sold at a premium. However, as subsequent sets like *Shadows of the Galaxy* and *Twilight of the Republic* introduced less impactful cards and overprinted products, prices dropped, and interest began to fade.

How did the *Carbonite* booster boxes contribute to the decline in product value?

The *Carbonite* booster boxes, although marketed as a collector's item with prestige cards, failed to live up to expectations. Despite promises of a limited print run, these boxes were widely available at below MSRP, which further deflated the value of the cards. The inclusion of prestige variants, which made regular versions less desirable, also contributed to the problem.

What is the current situation with the *Secrets of Power* set and its impact on the community?

The *Secrets of Power* set, although offering some new and exciting gameplay mechanics, has not had the same positive reception as earlier sets. The most valuable legendaries in the set are worth very little, and the overprinting of regular booster boxes has led to a decline in both product value and player interest. Many players have stopped buying boxes and have instead turned to other games like *Riftbound*.

Why are low card values and overprinting problematic for the *Star Wars Unlimited* community?

Low card values and overprinting create a negative feedback loop. When cards are worth little, players are less likely to purchase booster boxes or participate in tournaments. This reduces store engagement and makes it harder for the game to sustain itself. If players can buy singles at low prices, it further reduces the incentive to purchase new product, causing stores to cut back on stocking and organizing events.

What is the importance of local tournaments for the survival of *Star Wars Unlimited*?

Local tournaments are crucial for maintaining community engagement and store support. When stores see players actively participating in local events, they are more likely to continue hosting tournaments and ordering product. It's essential for players to keep showing up to these events to keep the game alive at the grassroots level, especially during challenging times like the current one.

How does rotation impact the future of *Star Wars Unlimited*?

Rotation will remove older sets like *Spark of Rebellion*, *Shadows of the Galaxy*, and *Twilight of the Republic* from the main competitive format. This shift could help rejuvenate interest in the game by focusing on newer, more powerful sets and encouraging creative deck building. However, this change also represents a critical test for the game's future, as it will determine whether the community and product line can adapt.

What does the video suggest needs to change in *Star Wars Unlimited* to ensure its longevity?

The video suggests that *Star Wars Unlimited* needs to address its overprinted products, improve card values, and provide more meaningful set designs that encourage both competitive play and collection. FFG needs to find a balance between creating desirable cards and maintaining product accessibility. Additionally, keeping the community engaged at a local level is vital for ensuring the game's survival.

What role does player participation in local events play in improving the game's situation?

Player participation in local events is critical to improving the situation. By showing up to tournaments, players help support local stores, which in turn supports the game's presence in the community. It's a way to keep the game alive, even when the product isn't performing well. The video encourages competitive players to return to locals and be active ambassadors for the game.