Welcome to the first annual (???) episode of THE FEELINGS FACTORY. It’s me, ya’ boy, and I’m here to bring a little fluff to the proceedings here at GarbageRollers.com

You see, our editorial team is built on a foundation of synergy among our diverse skillsets, as well as a certain undeniable sexuality that informs most of our best work. We’re not all good at everything, so we have to play to our strengths. That leaves me as our acting CFO (Chief Feelings Officer).

Why am I the man for the job? Process of elimination, it turns out. Justin has never been burdened by human feeling, though we leave the machines hooked up to his parietal lobe just in case there’s a blip. Tyler has been largely emotionally unavailable since the early 1990s, aside from a brief period in ’98 shortly after Saving Private Ryan was released to American theaters.

For my part, I’m coming to the table with an absolutely spectacular hug game, a willingness to ask my doctor about Lexapro, and a nearly debilitating compulsion to be liked, even by mean people, Philadelphia Eagles fans, and my Dad. I talk to people in line at the grocery store not out of extroversion, but out of perceived obligation. I cried during the first 10 minutes of Paddington. We’re firmly in my wheelhouse.

Now that my qualifications are in order, let’s talk about the enviable collection of emotions I’ve curated regarding this weekend’s Star Wars Unlimited Community Celebration.

Feeling #1 – “Intrigue” About The Weekend

The Community Celebration is unprecedented territory for FFG. The day we received our official invitation stands out as one of the most astonishing I’ve had in a while. Personally speaking, I just never expected writing about games to ever result in anything, let alone something that seems so special and community oriented.

I’m obviously very much looking forward to it, but I’m also just so fascinated by the whole thing. I’m so curious about how this event will play out, and whether it will represent another solid step towards rectifying FFG’s shaky reputation amongst the faithful. We’ll all see together, won’t we?

Feeling #2 – “Energized” About The Community Coming Together

Whenever I speak about the high hopes I have about SWU’s community, I have to start by giving another shoutout to the talented, caring, amazing found family that is Ashes Reborn. They’ve really taught me how meaningful relationships in an online card game can be.

The friendships I’ve made through card games are something I treasure, which means I just can’t stop dwelling on this event’s name– “Community Celebration” – and how it represents the beginning of something exceptional. One of the biggest items on my wishlist is that this beginning wouldn’t feel exclusive to the attendees- I’m really hoping that it’s exciting for those watching the stream as well.

Feeling #3 – “Enthusiastic” About The Design

It’s cool that we’re all getting to experience more SWU early…but this weekend just as easily could have been an exploratory mission about a game that we were all hesitant about. Instead, every card revealed over the past months has steadily painted a picture of a game that is, truly, a marvel of CCG design. Moreover, the savvy (and player-friendly!) distribution model and pack makeup have made this, bar none, the best draft experience in a TCG ever. Sure, the early meta may not be as diverse as the ones to come. That’s par for the course for these games. What is there left to be hesitant about? It’s time to play.

The design team has hit such a home run with SWU that we get to go into this weekend not wondering whether the game will be a good experience, but just privileged to all be getting to see it unfold from the beginning. That’s pretty remarkable.

Feeling #4 – “Wistful” About Prelaunch Winding Down

That said, it’s definitely possible that no period in the game’s (presumably very lengthy) lifespan will be quite as magical as the prelaunch spoiler season has been.

Getting to speculate, experiment, and experience together has been such a joy. There will be more spoilers, and more surprises, but as the game settles into a more standard pace, it’s hard to imagine another season quite like this one. If you’re reading this, thanks for sharing it with me.

Feeling #5 – “Hopeful” About The Future Of SWU

It all adds up to this- hope.

Star Wars is important to so many of us. And thankfully, Fantasy Flight seems to have taken the opportunity to make this Star Wars game to heart. They have poured their best efforts, their love for tabletop, and their commitment to progress into SWU. I’m more than ready to do the same.

If you’re reading this, I’ll either see you in Minnesota, or I’ll see you on stream! May the force be with you.