Interview

Audri Sampson
Danville Illinois

This is my first of the many interviews of the UFS girls that we have been able to track down. Up first is Audri Samson she is the scout at her store and is a great influence on her local Meta. She was responsible for getting all the current girls into UFS as well as various guys at her store.  She is also going to be organizing a big group from her store to journey to Gen Con in 2008.  In addition to the great influences in her city she also got 2 other girls to be interviewed by me for this long series of articles.

1. Have you ever played a CCG before UFS?

Star Trek, MTG, Pokemon, card captors, sailor moon, DBZ, legend of 5 rings, raw deal, and Babylon 5.

2. Are you a fan of any of the games and/or licenses?  Or, do you just like the UFS engine? 

I just like the system. I didn't like Soul Caliber or Street Fighter but I did like SNK.

3. If you did play one of these games does that sway you to that license for choosing a character when in the deck building process?

Definitely, if I don't like the character I don't build the deck.

4. How did you hear of UFS and STG? 

In a local gaming store, I met Gary during a store trip.

Ok enough background information now that our viewers have a general idea about you lets see your input on girls in the CCG world.

General Questions:

  1. Of the girls who play UFS do you think it is better for them to learn from guys/girls? 

Non-gamers should learn from a girl. If you're already a gamer it doesn't matter.

2. Is there an advantage if a guy teaches a girl, or is learning from a girl better? 

Learning from a girl is an advantage, they explain the game better.

3. Do you think girls have enough girls to play against in a general playgroup or do you view this as a current problem? 

It's definitely a problem. Luckily, we have 3 girls. 

4. Do you think sometimes a reason a girl won't get into a CCG like UFS is because they aren't comfortable playing against a group of guys being the only girl?

Definitely. It is a pretty intimidating environment being the only one with a skirt. They might harass me or start hitting on me.

5. Would you feel comfortable showing someone else how to play the game, why or why not? 

Does the answer change depending on the gender of your student? 

No I don't have problems either way I think guys pay attention better.

6. Do you prefer your opponent to play to their full potential, or let you feel like you're in the game?  Do you want cat-n-mouse, or reality? Does the answer change if the opponent is willing afterwards to give you their tips on plays and deck building and how they were able to win (if they won, that is, hehe)?  

Definitely full potential, especially if they're teaching me in the process.

7. If you ever lose a match do you ever ask your opponent for some help and what is the general answer? 

That doesn't happen in my city but when I played in Michigan I was asking questions like crazy. 

8. Do you ever go to a local tournament or travel to a tournament? 

Yes, I'm going to worlds. 

9. Do you only play with 'pretty' characters? (I know guys that do this, so don't be offended) Have you ever used, for example: nightmare, Hugo, Cervantes, or Astaroth? 

I used Andrew Olexa hehe...   General I go for the pretty cute thing.

10. What kind of hobbies do you have outside of playing UFS?"

I have lots of pets. I am girly girl going shopping. I am also a video gamer.

11. How often do you get harassed by male players when you play against them and how do they take it when you beat them?

That doesn't come across anymore in Michigan it was very respectful so I think the UFS male environment is very nice.

12. Do you try to bring other friends who are non-gamers (Guy/Girls) to play the game? 

Not really, generally a lack of interest but they still know I play UFS.

13. Did you get dragged into gaming by a significant other or was it always one of your callings?

 I have always been a CCG player I have always been nerdy and hanging out with other guys with the same interest.

14. Who do you think is the strongest player in your area?

Forest Green.

15. Do you feel comfortable approaching this person and asking for advice? Why or why not?  Yes he is the only one I let go over my decks with me? 

He learned from me and surpassed me eventually.

16. Do you ever feel intimidated?  Why?

I am always scared unless I am in my day play group.

17. How much do you buy?  If you're in a relationship with a gamer, do you ask said gamer to build you decks, or do you take initiative and acquire your own cards?" 

I share cards with my friend and her BF and we buy a box or 2 each when a set comes out.

18. Do you have other girls that game in the group or are you the only girl in the group? 

Yes, we have 3 including me.

19. Do you think there is a different play style between males and females? 

It depends if the guy helps the player excel then yes if the girl is alone she generally pays more attention to details. Girls play to win but don't always use the top tier card and try different cards then the top Meta players do.

20. Do you think it is possible for men or women to step out side the box and try to think like one another to get in their heads or are our brains just too different? 

Brains are wired too different.

21. Do you ever try to play mind games with your opponent thinking that will underestimate you? 

All the time, not shuffling my deck properly they often since a non-commanding presence.

22. Do you ever intentionally act like you're new at the game to get your opponent to take match lightly? 

Yes I often act like a noob to get the advantage.

23. How do you play in the your normal playgroup compared to the matches you might get at a Nationals or Worlds event?

Nationals and worlds I will try to use psychology and mind games and at my group I am more serious.

24. Do you think the general CCG market is affect by groups like MTV?  Do you think that CCG's are viewed as dorky and that inhibits people from trying the game?

Definitely they are made to be dorky and inhibit people from playing.

Closing thoughts:

If you have any questions about any of the topics discussed or anything in general contact me on the boards or email me This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .