Oh, I just got a brilliant idea! Somebody should make up sticker sheets with all the upgrade symbols. People can sleeve their cards, then apply the stickers on the backs (or even on the front if that's ok with them) to indicate which upgrade slots are available! It will sell like hotcakes! Then you can just remove the stickers if things change.

Alright, which intrepid entrepreneur will undertake this endeavor? Anybody? ...No one? Yeah, I agree. The app is way better. I'd guess most of us use online squad builders already anyway. The app just frees me up from using data when I'm at the store, which is even better.

2 hours ago, Lace Jetstreamer said:

I have banned my children (and myself) from ALL games that include gambling mechanics for acquiring the game components. I strongly feel games that include loot boxes such as Magic are harmful to children as its exposing them to gambling. Gambling is highly addictive in adults let alone children. There are ample amounts of studies to defend the position that gambling is detrimental to the development of children.

As a father, I must not be hypocritical and so I stopped playing some of my favourite games like CS: Go and Dota 2. We also do not play SW Destiny for the same reason. I am very careful now of which games we are allowed to play. For instance, Star Realms is a very fun deck building card game without loot box gambling mechanics. So we play that. Obviously, x-wing is our favourite miniatures game so are very happy and excited for 2.0!

I think gambling is a much greater risk to my own children as gambling consumes their thoughts when they are away from the game. Smashers seems to be the current craze at primary schools in my country. My children talked about them for about a week or so asking for them. We went to our dept store as we were going to buy them since their friends at school were playing. Well, it turned out to be a blind box toy/game (loot box). So I had to tell my children that they were not allowed as its a form of gambling. They really wanted these toys and I assume their friends were talking about getting rares. I also think the toy/game would not be nearly as addictive if the game just sold the components outright instead of hiding behind a loot box. Have you researched loot boxes and other gambling mechanics? I found this article an interesting read.

Plan

What is my plan for x-wing 2.0 and my children's exposure to screens? Its very simple. I have old mobile phones that I will lock down. The only app that will be installed is the FFG x-wing 2.0 app. I will only allow them access to the phone when they are building their x-wing 2.0 lists. It will be limited and will be supervised. I have already gone through the issues of just letting them have access to tablets, phones, and even their Nintendo Switch (which they are currently banned from using due to their behaviour). Its my experience that my children do better when they are not using electronic components; however, I think restricting them to the x-wing 2.0 app and only the app to build lists is ok for them.

7 hours ago, Larky Bobble said:

To that end, I would propose to FFG that they could include one sheet in the ship boxes that gives a "casual" points rating to each pilot and upgrade included in the box, along with possible upgrades availble to the ship (E.g Luke - 70pts T A M M ). But with the caveat that points and upgrades for tournaments have to be colated online as there they are tweaked for optimal fairness.

Isn't that essentially the point of the threat-based cards? If you want to build lists quickly without going online, use the quick-builds. If you want more choices, use the app or take a couple minutes to find and download the pdf. We really don't need FFG to put out dozens of different options for building lists when those two will cover the vast majority of the community. If you want another option, feel free to come up with one, but odds are that your preferred solution will be very different from another's preferred solution, so let those alternate solutions be personal rather than official.

On 7/8/2018 at 12:02 AM, Darth Meanie said:

Ever see the Striker bomb something?

Me neither.

If the movies are your only reference Y-Wings should not be able to drop bombs either, B-Wings should not be able to fire torps and the Tie-Advanced should have no missile slot.

Or maybe just admit that FFG made the Tie-Striker, the Tie/SF and the Silencer with not 100% knowledge of the lore.

On 7/8/2018 at 3:07 AM, Larky Bobble said:

As a father, I have to say that the obligatory access, even just for downloading stat sheets, really turns me off of 2.0. The evidence of the effects of excessive online access is accumulating. I expect it to hit tobacco levels of disgust in a decade as the addicts wean themselves off.. Note Apple's recent PR ploy to reassure parents like me that they are aware of the problem. Anyone that expects their child to take the hard route via paper is kidding themselves. The appmis obligatory for all. My family only squad builds with cards.

I would really like to get into 2.0. It looks great, from a general play perspective. But this Autumn, GW will be getting my money. I want to buy a full product that is fully referencable within itself, and I'd rather get new stuff.

Next year, if anyone in my area really gets into 2.0 I'll probably get the conversion packs. But I really hope this fails as a wargaming precedent.

Just ******* print the document. It's about 5 minutes of screen contact every few months. You really ******* love to create problems, don't you?

22 hours ago, Commander Kaine said:

Remember when that pesky new invention called Radio came in? People said LITERALLY the same thing. Also with TV. But, get this, also with books

So, how does it feel to be old? History won't be on your side on this one, thought you might wanna know.

There have been plenty of studies done that watching television has an adverse affect on brain development. An article I read awhile back mentioned something about the speed of the motion and scene cuts, and even the frequencies of the screen refresh that the eye can't even detect, all affect how neuron connections are made in the brain.

15 minutes ago, Scrivner said:

There have been plenty of studies done that watching television has an adverse affect on brain development. An article I read awhile back mentioned something about the speed of the motion and scene cuts, and even the frequencies of the screen refresh that the eye can't even detect, all affect how neuron connections are made in the brain.

I'm not gonna go into this at length, but there are way too many factors in this, that we are unaware of.

Plus, you really don't know what the effects are of children using these devices. The world they will grow up into, will be quite drastically different from ours. Technological know-how, which these kids possess on a very deep level, as they are socialized with these inventions, is pretty much necessary for our lives even today.

So maybe not having those crucial few years of extra time with devices will place the kids at a disadvantage.

I'm not saying this is the case, but we don't know (and it seems reasonable).

Regarding 2.0 not putting certain things on the cards, I love the idea. Some have said it is "lazy" or "incompetent" that the developers can't see into the future when designing the game, but I completely disagree with that thought. No one can possibly predict how everything will turn out. Being nimble and agile (ooooh, I hate that word!) is a requirement and shows good stewardship of the future, not a display of laziness or incompetence. Some very intelligent people in software/systems design have laid down the basis for this thought. In programming there is the concept of "loose coupling" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loose_coupling) that exists to solve the very problem of tying things together tightly so that (required) changes are not easily made. I think it is very smart and forward thinking of the developers to have done this. Frankly, I wonder why any numbers are on the cards. Frankly, I wonder why we have cards at all. (I know, they have to sell them, but you know what I mean.)

Regarding 2.0 using an app or a website, I also love this idea and how it fits into the loosely coupled idea. First, as some have mentioned, the threat level cards will be great for children, I think, and those do not require any electronic device. But, for squad building, I do not see how using a website (or app) is bad for younglings. I do not remember if anyone has said the age of the children they do not want on a website/app, but that definitely has an impact on how much exposure they have. I feel that we, as parents, need to regulate and steer our padawans in *everything* they do, including online. With guided teaching and an explanation of what can lead to the dark side, I feel that we can allow them lightsabers on occasion. My (non-metaphor) point is that allowing children online can result in a good thing like playing X-wing as a family, and is certainly not absolutely a bad thing. This is simply my opinion, and please do not misconstrue this as an attack on anyone's ideas of child raising.

As far as no PDFs, I am at a loss. Rulebooks exist. Textbooks exist. I can assure you that the data in those books existed electronically before it became ink on paper. If you cannot be online yourself even, have a friend print it for you.

For those that disagree with me, that's OK of course. We each have our own thoughts and beliefs. Maybe X-wing just isn't for you and your family. That's OK, too.

1 hour ago, Commander Kaine said:

I'm not gonna go into this at length, but there are way too many factors in this, that we are unaware of.

Plus, you really don't know what the effects are of children using these devices. The world they will grow up into, will be quite drastically different from ours. Technological know-how, which these kids possess on a very deep level, as they are socialized with these inventions, is pretty much necessary for our lives even today.

So maybe not having those crucial few years of extra time with devices will place the kids at a disadvantage.

I'm not saying this is the case, but we don't know (and it seems reasonable).

Science isn't on your side on this one. ?

2 minutes ago, Scrivner said:

Science isn't on your side on this one. ?

"not enough research" does not mean you can assume anything you like. And we don't have enough research.

6 minutes ago, Commander Kaine said:

"not enough research" does not mean you can assume anything you like. And we don't have enough research.

While I don't disagree that there's more research to be done on the topic, taking into account a volume of existing research that mostly points in the same direction is not assuming anything one likes.

2 hours ago, Commander Kaine said:

Plus, you really don't know what the effects are of children using these devices. The world they will grow up into, will be quite drastically different from ours. Technological know-how, which these kids possess on a very deep level, as they are socialized with these inventions, is pretty much necessary for our lives even today.

So maybe not having those crucial few years of extra time with devices will place the kids at a disadvantage.

I'm not saying this is the case, but we don't know (and it seems reasonable).

I have researched this concept as I am a parent who was very much in favour of introducing electronics (tablets, phones, etc) to my children at an early age (had many fights with my partner over this one). The conclusion that my partner and I reached is humans require physical components and physical play to properly learn and develop ESPECIALLY at younger ages. Children that do not use physical objects to learn and play could end up with learning disabilities. The other big problem with using screens in young children is the development of 3d vision. Looking at flat objects for long periods of times especially flat objects that flash lights into the eye can be harmful. Young children need to see in 3d in order to develop their eyes properly. Young children NEED to engage with their environment. Screens effectively lock the children to the screen and disengage themselves from their surroundings.

There is no evidence to show that a young child who isn't exposed to tablets will be at any sort of disadvantage when it comes to using screen based technology. A child who is properly taught how to learn and self-teach, will be able to pick up screen based technology just like any other subject they are interested in. The key is teaching a child how to learn. I do not think conventional schools actually train children to self-learn; they teach children how to take orders. Not only that, but most screen based programs for children do not let them freely explore but feed them content over time.

How do we teach children how to learn? I think 'alternative' education philosophies like Montessori School are the answer. Montessori School allows children the freedom to explore their interests which leads to children enjoying and having FUN while learning. There is no testing because testing is pointless (other than to show who is able to regurgitate better than others). There is no homework because the children learn all they need during school hours. Children should be able to apply and create outside the classroom without teachers demanding/forcing them to do so. Montessori students learn and are encouraged to work with each other. As there is no testing and no competition, students are made to feel comfortable helping other students learn. In conventional schools, other students are the competition and so collaboration is not encouraged especially on homework and testing. Collaboration is just a part of the daily routine of Montessori students.

I personally believe that if ALL of the world's people were trained in the Montessori method of teaching from an early age, humans could resolve their differences and solve the majority of societal problems like poverty, pollution, war, and crime.

Hey, who here likes bacon? I know I don't.

17 hours ago, beardxofxdeath said:

If the movies are your only reference Y-Wings should not be able to drop bombs either.

y-wings drop bombs in Rogue one. also in Rebels I think.

17 hours ago, beardxofxdeath said:

If the movies are your only reference Y-Wings should not be able to drop bombs either, B-Wings should not be able to fire torps and the Tie-Advanced should have no missile slot.

Or maybe just admit that FFG made the Tie-Striker, the Tie/SF and the Silencer with not 100% knowledge of the lore.

Spoiler from rogue one. Y-wings drop bombs in the movies...

12 hours ago, Lace Jetstreamer said:

I have researched this concept as I am a parent who was very much in favour of introducing electronics (tablets, phones, etc) to my children at an early age (had many fights with my partner over this one). The conclusion that my partner and I reached is humans require physical components and physical play to properly learn and develop ESPECIALLY at younger ages.
[A]
Children that do not use physical objects to learn and play could end up with learning disabilities. The other big problem with using screens in young children is the development of 3d vision. Looking at flat objects for long periods of times especially flat objects that flash lights into the eye can be harmful. Young children need to see in 3d in order to develop their eyes properly. Young children NEED to engage with their environment. Screens effectively lock the children to the screen and disengage themselves from their surroundings.

[ B ]

Not only that, but most screen based programs for children do not let them freely explore but feed them content over time.

How do we teach children how to learn? I think 'alternative' education philosophies like Montessori School are the answer. Montessori School allows [C] children the freedom to explore their interests which leads to children enjoying and having FUN while learning. There is no testing because testing is pointless (other than to show who is able to regurgitate better than others). There is no homework because the children learn all they need during school hours. Children should be able to apply and create outside the classroom without teachers demanding/forcing them to do so. Montessori students learn and are encouraged to work with each other. As there is no testing and no competition, students are made to feel comfortable helping other students learn. In conventional schools, other students are the competition and so collaboration is not encouraged especially on homework and testing. Collaboration is just a part of the daily routine of Montessori students.

I personally believe that if ALL of the world's people were trained in the Montessori method of teaching from an early age, humans could resolve their differences and solve the majority of societal problems like poverty, pollution, war, and crime.

That means that

• [A] No more books or comic books for kids?
• [ B ] No more movies for kids?
• [C] Kids no longer should learn boring stuff like math or spelling, but only things they like?

It all truly sounds like a bunch of "parental flavor of the decade".
To learn something it's not enough if you just read or hear it once. Some concepts need to be explored with some time at your own pace. And memory comes from repetition and practice. That is why kids have homework. To go thru all they were taught that day, practice it, so that they can finally learn it.

And homework is mandatory because otherwise god knows that I would have skipped all that math and grammar crap back in the school, and instead go play videogames. But it happens that we need math and grammar to develop properly as pieces of the machinery in modern world, we like it or not, so it needs to be forced. At that age we don't know better.
Telling kids to do homework is like telling kids to eat their vegetables. They need it, even when they don't like it.

In conventional schools, other students aren't competition... or your school is seriously messed up! What are you competing for? Your teacher's love? Grades? What keeps a teacher from givings A+s to all pupils if they happen to all be awesome students? I don't know the USA's education system, but never in my life I ever felt like my schoolmates were competitors!

15 hours ago, thomedwards said:

Some have said it is "lazy" or "incompetent" that the developers can't see into the future when designing the game,

Always in motion is the future.

15 hours ago, Do I need a Username said:

Hey, who here likes bacon? I know I don't.

Then you are a heretic and will be purged at the earliest available opportunity. Please take a number; light entertainment and reading materials are provided in the waiting area to your left.

We have a whole wall of LEGO creations. My kids love it! They have plenty of tactile play. They also play lots of tag in the house, much to my dismay.

While children can totally play X-wing, my 9 and 7 year old just don't have the attention span/patience. I think it's okay if your kids don't play X-wing. If the app is that reason for you, fine. There are plenty of other things to play. For me, I'll just wait til they're older, trying X-wing every few months to see if they have the stamina. It's part of the reason I'm excited for quick build cards to make it easy to build smaller games.

Oh, and we're diehard Mega Man fans, so we get a healthy dose of screen time fighting Dr. Wily's evil robots. Maybe I'm a bad parent .

3 minutes ago, Parakitor said:

We have a whole wall of LEGO creations. My kids love it! They have plenty of tactile play. They also play lots of tag in the house, much to my dismay.

While children can totally play X-wing, my 9 and 7 year old just don't have the attention span/patience. I think it's okay if your kids don't play X-wing. If the app is that reason for you, fine. There are plenty of other things to play. For me, I'll just wait til they're older, trying X-wing every few months to see if they have the stamina. It's part of the reason I'm excited for quick build cards to make it easy to build smaller games.

Oh, and we're diehard Mega Man fans, so we get a healthy dose of screen time fighting Dr. Wily's evil robots. Maybe I'm a bad parent .

Co-operative games is a whole 'nother ball game to 'go play on the X-box, I can't be bothered to interact with you'.

For an equally ridiculous and fun game, try playing Trials HD as a family (pick the 'unicorn' option for the bike if required to engage children's interest).

1 minute ago, Magnus Grendel said:

Co-operative games is a whole 'nother ball game to 'go play on the X-box, I can't be bothered to interact with you'.

For an equally ridiculous and fun game, try playing Trials HD as a family (pick the 'unicorn' option for the bike if required to engage children's interest).

I'll look into it. We love cooperative board games, so who knows?

Sadly, I have to agree with all the distraught parents on this one. I've been getting into the Star Wars rpg and bought the dice-rolling app, since there times I might need more dice than are included in the starter set (which is a shameless money-grabbing rip-off anyway! Where was the notice on the book, FFG!)

Anyway, anytime I load the app, I find myself losing no less than 2 hours of my life to the vicious cycle of internet-connected device ownership. The app leads to reddit, reddit leads to imgur, imgur leads to deviantart, deviantart leads to suffering.

I've already lost my job, my cat ran away, and three of my friends moved away, just because of this terrible app! If only my parents were still around to control my habits!

/s

20 minutes ago, Parakitor said:

We have a whole wall of LEGO creations. My kids love it! They have plenty of tactile play. They also play lots of tag in the house, much to my dismay.

While children can totally play X-wing, my 9 and 7 year old just don't have the attention span/patience. I think it's okay if your kids don't play X-wing. If the app is that reason for you, fine. There are plenty of other things to play. For me, I'll just wait til they're older, trying X-wing every few months to see if they have the stamina. It's part of the reason I'm excited for quick build cards to make it easy to build smaller games.

Oh, and we're diehard Mega Man fans, so we get a healthy dose of screen time fighting Dr. Wily's evil robots. Maybe I'm a bad parent .

Have you tried that non-LEGO-brand LEGO tape that you can stick to walls and whatnot to build on any surface?