Interview

STG's Head of Volunteer programs,
Stacy Bailey

All right Stacy, let's start with some background questions for those viewers who haven't had the pleasure of meeting or knowing you yet.

1. Have you ever played a CCG before UFS?

Yes

2. Did you play UFS before working for the company?

Yes I did, but hadn't played for very long. George (our web guy) and I have been friends for awhile and he showed me the game about 2 weeks before I applied at Sabertooth. After playing the game I loved it. It's not like a lot of other CCGs. It's more involved and it really makes you think about your next move.

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

Not at all. I like a lot of different types of games. I've been into fighting video games for quiet some time. I like board games and tabletop games too. And if it sounds interesting, I'm not opposed to trying a new game that comes out. I'm an all around gamer I guess. I don't limit myself to one area.

4. 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?

Not at all. I like seeing what all the characters can do.

5. How did you hear of UFS and STG?

From George.

6. How did you get into working for such a great company?

I was looking for a change in jobs and George told me about the position here. I sent in my resume and was called a few days later for my first interview. This started the journey....

Ok enough background information. Now that our viewers have a general idea about you, let's see your input on girls in the CCG world.

General Questions:

1. Of girls who play UFS, do you think it is better for guys or girls to teach them?

I really don't think it matters. If the guy/ girl showing you how to play is a good teacher then you should be able to learn.

2. Depending if another girl or a guy teaches a girl, do you think it holds an advantage one way or the other?

I don't think so. Like I said before, if the person showing you how to play is a good teacher then it doesn't matter.

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

To me, I don't think there are enough girl gamers out there, but I won't say it's a problem. All the females I've meet and played against, while on the road or at convention, have been great. A lot of them want to play against me because they don't have the chance to play a lot of girl gamers. Seeing more girl gamers in this industry would be wonderful, but still I don't think it's a problem.

4. Do you think sometimes the 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?

I can't really answer for other girls on that one. I would hope that's not the case.

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?

Well first it's part of my job to demo the game. I enjoy this game and I like to show others how to play it, guy or girl. I like meeting all the new people anyway.

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)?

Well I definitely don't want someone to take it easy on me because I'm a girl. This question is kind of difficult. First, if you're showing someone how to play and they haven't played before, I think you should play with your hand showing. You should walk them though a few games first. That's how I learned. After they have it down a little better and you're ready to play a "real game" tell them you're not going to hold back, but you'll explain why you did what you did or what they should have done or whatever. Now if both players know how to play.... THEN BRING IT! Don't hold back. Always play the best you can. At the same time though, have good sportsmanship.

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

A lot of times people offer advice or suggest cards I should use to make my deck better. Sometimes I ask too. Everyone has been willing to help so far.

8. Outside of playing in the office do you ever go to a local tournament or travel to a tournament? If yes do you ever feel awkward from any special attention from the other players?

I personally prefer to play for fun. We don't have a lot of hobby stores here in Memphis. The one store that is close and runs tournaments is Reel World in Olive Branch, MS. But I've never gone to play in a tournament. I've just always liked sitting around the house, with my friends, playing games. If there were hobby stores where I lived when I started playing CCGs then I might have been more into tournament play.

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 Astraoath?

I try to use a character for their abilities, but I have picked a few ‘pretty' characters.

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

Drawing, painting, photography, writing, music... I like to do a lot of things.

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?

I don't think harassed is the right word. Since I work for STG, I'm always asked to play so people can get my staff card, and the ones that I have beaten don't seem to take it bad.

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

Well I guess no (the non-gamer part) because all my friends are already gamers in some way.

13. Did you get dragged into gaming by a significant other or was it always one of your callings (Is this also a reason you decided to work for STG)?

It's not so much a calling, I'd say more like a hobby. I've been playing video games since I was little. I started off with an Atari playing Frogger. And the first card game I ever learned how to play was poker from my dad.

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

That's hard to say. There are so many in the office that are strong players. I couldn't name just one.

15. Do you feel comfortable approaching this person and asking for advice? Why or why not?

I feel comfortable asking anyone in this office or the people I meet at conventions/ stores for advice. The more knowledge you have the better.

16. Do you ever feel intimidated? Why?

There's no reason to ever feel intimidated by an opponent.

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

I think everyone has a different style. It doesn't matter if they're a guy or girl.

18. 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 the brains of guys and girls just too different?

You don't have to think like someone to get inside their head. You just have to know your opponent.

19. Knowing that guys strongly dominate the CCG world do you ever use that knowledge to your advantage?

Never. Most of my friends are male and all of them play some type of game, whether it's video games, a CCG, RPG, or table top game. I'm use to this industry being mostly male.

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

No. I want my opponent to be at their best. If I lose because my opponent played to the best of their ability then I need more practice.

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

The answer here would be the same as above.....

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

I always try to play to the best of my ability.

23. Do you step up your game during a staff challenge compared to when you are just playing someone who isn't interested in winning your card?

Like I said above, I always try to play to the best of my ability. But at the same time, I enjoy having fun with my game. It doesn't matter if I win or lose. I always have a good game.

24. If you play someone new to the game at an event and they lose do you ever give out your card knowing you might never see them again?

Well I just got my cards, but for those of you I have played you know all about my little book.... I've let people put their name and address in there if I didn't get to play them or didn't have time to play. But I'm not sure if I've given out to anyone that I lost too...

25. 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?

I'm not too sure about this one, so I think it's best not to answer. Well, I'll say this, I don't think CCGs or any type of game is dorky. And if it is, I guess I'm a dork.

Closing thoughts:

Stacy I would like to thank you for your time and insight on UFS and the CCG world. Are there any closing thoughts you would like to share to new players out there (guys and girls)?

Well first, if you're new to the CCG community, then welcome. This is a totally different world if you're not used to it, but don't let that scare you. I love this industry and everyone that I've met has been wonderful. Play hard and always to the best of your ability. If you lose don't let that get you down either. Ask what you can do to make your deck better and then try again. Practice makes perfect. If you have any questions about UFS then please e-mail me at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Is there any advice you would like to give to anyone out there who is looking into break into the CCG market?

Well now is the perfect time to come into UFS. With our block rotation this month, it will make it easier for new players to come in. You won't have to feel like you've got to find all these cards from previous sets. And just because you lose, don't let that make you quit. Practice and keep playing!

Thanks,
Scubadude