Wednesday, May 10, 2017

CW3323 Pre-War Interview With Don Davis #398405 By John Ringo #899287

GG: Today we have Don Davis in the Galaxy Gathering studio. Welcome Don, can I offer you something from the wet bar or a cigar from General Nova’s private stock?

Don: I'm fine, thanks!

GG: Not a problem. We only offer the best to our guests here at GG. Thanks for taking the time to talk with me again Don. Your interview last war was a fan favorite and well read. Ok let's get down to it!

GG: For the record, what is your name, ID number and the clan you are fighting with in this war?

Don: Don Davis, 398405, CLAN: Juggernaut

GG: What are you most looking forward to this war?

Don: I'm pretty excited about the Strangelove Clan War, LOL - I've been building missile capability behind my overall Fire specialty for almost a year now.  It'll be interesting to see how the damage and weapon hits change.

GG: Yeah, the +50 speed to missiles this war was an interesting announcement that Nick made yesterday. It will be interesting to see if these changes affect how people fight this war.

GG: There are 4 specialists this war. Do you enjoy running a specialist formation or do you enjoy fighting as an unlimited more?

Don: I'm happy either way, but I rarely get a chance to be one of the designated specs.

GG: Sounds like you might have to take that up with the boss and put your foot down *Wink*

GG: This war every clan must have an SRB specialist to enter. Are you a fan of a clan being required to have a specialist just to enter the war?

Don: I can't say that's my favorite requirement.  In a lot of cases, I can see where that would significantly undermine the basic purpose of specialists - which is primarily defensive.  A lot depends on the chosen spec.  Common specs aren't so bad, but I can see how that could get stupid really quick if something like a 25-ton spec was chosen, where you have some players with half a formation of Novums and others who haven't won a Novum in over two years.

GG: Yes, I can see how the more rare specs could be a larger disruption to the event like that.

GG: Do you think Nick will give a bonus prize to the SRB specialists this war like he did for the 20T guys last war?

Don: I have no idea, but it seems like a trend.

GG: If he does I am sure the MOAR crowd will not complain unless they were not a SRB spec and missed out on the free loot *Laughs*

GG: Which specialist formation do you least enjoy fighting against and why?

Don: Well I'd say 25T for the very reason mentioned above.  People that have a significant advantage by sheer chance as opposed to skill, investment or diligence tend to prevail there.

GG: Point taken Don *Smile*

GG: This war missiles are getting a +50 Speed boost. Are you excited about this and will this change how you set up your formations?

Don: Of course, it prompts a change in formations.  To what extent and how to manage that is what makes some players more effective.  To me, that gets back into the essence of what is enjoyable about the game on the individual player level.  Clan Leader stuff, rosters and playing Field General is on a different level, but this causes me to go back in and reevaluate my formations in a way that helps alleviate the kind of stagnation that sets in once everybody *thinks* they know who they can and can't beat.  Shaking things up at that level is a good thing.

GG: Do you see this speed boost effecting how this war will go in D1?

Don: I don't think it will be enough of an effect to change final medal outcomes in Div 1.  I see no indication that this will favor one Clan vs. another in any measurable sense.  Where we will see some changes is maybe in some of the individual matchups and overall formation performance.

GG: I am sure the clan who watch you guys slug it out will find it interesting to see how this plays out.

GG: What clan do you most enjoy fighting against and why?

Don: It varies.  Of course, we most respect those that don't just throw in the towel.  As we've seen in the last two wars, the way the multipliers align and stack now, anything is possible.  The important thing is to take your best shot and try to apply what you've learned.  Otherwise, the prizes you get will certainly not be what makes the difference for you in any other war.  Some clans get beat, while others are defeated.  There's a difference...

GG: Very true words Don. Let's hope more pilots listen to this and find the courage to pick up that stone and throw it at the giant they are facing.

GG: What clan do you least enjoy fighting against and why?

Don: Well, I'm not gonna call anybody out.  What I said about not throwing in the towel applies.  If the shoe fits...

GG: Fair enough Don *Smile*

GG: Is there something in your career as a mech jockey you are proud about and would like to share?

Don: Well, being the first "Legendary Pilot" was a pretty cool thing, but what I'm most proud of is the success that Kris and I have had working together in the Dual-Clan Leader dynamic.  It's just one of those inexplicable things that just works.

GG: Yeah most of the time sharing the leadership role gets messy. You both did a good job though *Smile*

GG: Is there anything else MG's first Legendary Pilot would like to add or a shout out to a friend or foe you would like to give?

Don: Just good luck to all, and we'll see everybody planetside.

GG: Thanks Don for stopping by. It was a pleasure having you in the studio again. My best to you and your crew.


Don: Thanks and keep up the great work at GG!