Well, going back to Magic, because they have had articles explaining a lot of the theory behind the game:
http://archive.wizards.com/Magic/magazine/article.aspx?x=mtgcom/academy/19
What exactly is this "meta?"
So, game homework.
That's part of it, but not all of it. New paint jobs, modifications to the models, coming up with campaign rules, ect.. those would also all be part of the meta game.
I wouldn't necessarily call those part of the metagame, I can't really say I've heard it used like that either?
I can't really say I've heard it used like that either?
The term simply means beyond the game. So pretty much anything done involving X-Wing could be part of the Meta. Although that's not how the term is used most commonly.
But I was making the point that the meta is about more then just homework.
'Meta' in the parlance the OP was asking about was referring to common (and commonly assumed effective) lists used by local players.
Or he could have just done a google search.
it has nothing to do with paintjobs and everything about what the expected field looks like at a certain scale of event/region. An expected swarm dominated meta at x event/region for example is one where you'd think a significant # of tie fighter squads is expected to the point that you might make a decision to alter your list to be able to thrive in that environment.
I do expect though that the meta will shift due to paint jobs when FFG releases Imperial Aces II, which will include an a tie and and an advanced in the 80's movie Batmobile paint scheme replete with logo on the wings. People will be so apeshit excited over it that it will be run in huge numbers everywhere. A global meta-shift if you will.
I purposely try and run AGAINST the meta if I can. My first tournament saw absolutely NO Swarms at all (which was a good thing). Everyone seemed to want to try something new and different, although quite a few people came EXPECTING to see a swarm, so they built counters to the swarm.
It was a lot of fun, and an interesting day..
meta game is out - meta-meta game is in
just add another meta when people start discussing meta n-1 ...
Meta with cheese on rye is awesome.