I like most aspects of FFG: Their models are usually top-notch, their customer service is quick and responsive, and their game designer (well, Alex Davy at least) seems to care about the customer base/fanbase.

However, I find FFG's organized play model rather lackluster. Many other companies give out actual figures for prizes (e.g. Heroclix). I don't expect nor do I want FFG to design OP-exclusive figures. (That would make collecting the figures too difficult for some.) However, it would be cool if they would have prize kits that include existing ships, but with an alternate paint scheme, as prizes. (The prize ships would come with the same side items as a regular retail ship - e.g. dials, tiles, etc.).

Here is the issue with that. They would have to be made over in China. So, the prize kits would be subject to all the same kind of delays the regular releases. And it would happen. Just ask anyone who plays Wizkids games about delays in the prize kits. Not to mention requiring being much less flexible in how many could get them. Also a problem with Wizkids prizekits.

I understand the desire somewhat. But I get a tick whenever someone mentions Wizkids in terms of official play prizes.

I understand that prize kits could be delayed. However, as FFG only produces 3-4 prize kits for the whole year (about the same number of Waves/sub-Waves in a year), that should not be a big problem. To facilitate production, prize kit figures could be made alongside their counterpart regular Wave figures. For example, Wave 6 had Most Wanted as one of the expansions and the Z-95s in that expansion were given Black Sun insignia. FFG could have also made Z-95s in Binayre Pirate colors as prizes at the same time they were making the Black Sun Z-95s.

Giving away actual game pieces as prizes are not uncommon for other games either. I know that Pokemon (Nintendo) gives out promotional cards for people who participate in leagues or tournaments. They don't just give out a Pikachu coin that perhaps you might use. They give out actual cards (although the strength of those cards in the meta is kind of hit and miss but that's a different issue). I also heard that Magic the Gathering gives out prize cards too, but I don't play Magic so I wouldn't be able to verify that.

I understand that prize kits could be delayed. However, as FFG only produces 3-4 prize kits for the whole year (about the same number of Waves/sub-Waves in a year), that should not be a big problem. To facilitate production, prize kit figures could be made alongside their counterpart regular Wave figures. For example, Wave 6 had Most Wanted as one of the expansions and the Z-95s in that expansion were given Black Sun insignia. FFG could have also made Z-95s in Binayre Pirate colors as prizes at the same time they were making the Black Sun Z-95s.

Giving away actual game pieces as prizes are not uncommon for other games either. I know that Pokemon (Nintendo) gives out promotional cards for people who participate in leagues or tournaments. They don't just give out a Pikachu coin that perhaps you might use. They give out actual cards (although the strength of those cards in the meta is kind of hit and miss but that's a different issue). I also heard that Magic the Gathering gives out prize cards too, but I don't play Magic so I wouldn't be able to verify that.

I don't think working on a custom paint job only for a prize kit is realistic. With the quality FFG are able to get in their paint jobs, I'm pretty sure there's a lot of test runs, samples getting sent back, and other quality control work that goes into each paint job. Also, having the required tools made, etc. probably isn't cheap.

FFG have given out pre-release ships in the past (Assault on Imdaar Alpha and the Kessel Run events), and their most recent kit included a PTL alt-art card.

I like the prize kits as they are. The acrylic tokens are super nice

I wouldn't want them to start giving out prize-kit exclusive upgrades like WizKids does for Attack Wing (I think?).

I was hoping for some S&V alt cards.

Xizor and Guri to name a few.. Ig88 would be a funny too.. (Which one would get the card ABCD)

Also those dice bags are getting old..

There was already an Guri alt-art. Given out at Adepticon.

You were given a fake.

Ummm what?

http://www.adepticon.org/?p=9608

FFG made an official Guri alternate art for the 2015 Adepticon tournament. Definitely a real thing since I've seen it AT FFG.

i have the previous acrylic evades which are darker and imo nicer. these ones r similar to the acrylic focus tokens.

Retailers, contact your distributor or account representative before June 9th to place your orders for Summer Tournament Kits!

https://twitter.com/FFGOP/status/604310233947590656

WOOOOOOO! I don't need to buy a third phantom if i want to run a true panic attack now! I'm going to keep messing with variants but this certainly files under happy news!

Are you confusing Tactician (deals stress at range 2) with Flight Instructor (reroll eyeballs when defending) and/or Recon Specialist (focus action gives 2 tokens) ?

Yeah I have no idea how I looked at that and thought tactician. This does however mean that the only thing I'm interested in is the evades. Pretty meh about rest (bought and played a third phantom)

God I really hope I can win one of those Dash cards. He's my favorite pilot in the game and the one I had anticipated most after getting into the game. Here's to hoping, and some **** good flying!