Community Spotlight - Richard

We’re not sure where the time has gone but here we are, a month after the launch of Sea of Thieves and it feels like just yesterday we were harping on about Closed Betas and Scale Tests. In that time we’ve been solving launch issues, plugging away at content updates and generally getting to know our community, which is bigger now than it’s ever been!

Of course, that means even more players to shine our spotlight on. Today we catch up with another one of the illustrious Deckhands, Richard (otherwise known as Zoream), who’s here to tell us more about himself and his role in the community.

[Q]: Tell us a little about what got you into gaming?

[A]: My first console was an Atari 2600 ‘Woody’. I used to love playing games against my father or trying to beat his high score. I progressed onto an Amstrad CPC 464 and then owned almost every console since, as well as having a PC to game on.

[Q]: Were you a Rare fan before Sea of Thieves and do you have any favourite Rare games?

[A]: I sunk so many hours into playing GoldenEye. It’s probably my third or fourth most played game and I would love to get my hands on it again. I should definitely search the gaming shops for a second-hand setup…

[Q]: What games are you playing currently? Any favourites?

[A]: At the moment I have very little gaming time available as work is ridiculously busy, but I am working on becoming a Pirate Legend on Sea of Thieves and I'm also looking forward to State of Decay 2.

[Q]: What was it that first drew you towards Sea of Thieves?

[A]: The social aspect and the ability to create your own story, the role-play aspects as well as it being a very good-looking game.

[Q]: When did you first become a Deckhand, and what is it like to take on the role?

[A]: I was trialled in October of 2017, predominantly as an Xbox Club Deckhand. I did venture onto the Forums but liked the interactions on the Club app on my phone, which also ran really well! As I didn’t have a lot of time I ended up hanging out in the Club.

[Q]: Previously our Deckhands have been exclusive to the Forums, but now branch out and moderate our Club too. Are there any differences between moderating the Forum and Club communities?

[A]: I haven't modded the Forums, only the Club, but I find the Club easier to moderate as it's still relatively small compared to the Technical Alpha Club. However, I'm hoping more people will utilise the Xbox Club and we can grow the community.

[Q]: Having now played Sea of Thieves, do you have any standout moments?

[A]: My first time playing, I leapt into the ship and having studied Nautical Studies at college I kind of knew what to do. I had one person in voice chat speaking and the other two were not speaking, so I messaged one and asked if they were using party chat. They answered “yes” and invited us both to the party.

We then decided to use in-game chat, sailed off and got chests casually until we spotted another ship and chased it down. I shouted "Ramming speed!" and as we connected I jumped aboard, instantly dying as I got shot.

[Q]: What's your greatest achievement in any game, Sea of Thieves or otherwise?

[A]: Probably during Beta, landing a pistol shot on someone from quite a fair distance. It wasn't record-breaking but felt satisfying.

[Q]: Now that Sea of Thieves has released, how has that impacted your responsibilities as a Deckhand?

[A]: Predominantly I worked in the Xbox Club, we have gone from a big club of testers to an invite- and recommendation-only Club. I'd love for more people to join, we are running unofficial competitions in there now. I think of myself as a community helper with a little bit of magic to keep things clean and uphold the Pirate Code.

[Q]: As a gamer, is there anything that you feel you've learned about the hobby since becoming a Deckhand?

[A]: I've been involved in a few game development cycles. It’s taught me to be more patient and curbed my inner evilness.

[Q]: If you had to choose a pirate name, what would it be?

[A]: Ferocious Fisher is my given name, so I'd go with that.

[Q]: What are you looking forward to most in Sea of Thieves' future?

[A]: To see how the game develops, and the new additions. I like the route they are taking at the moment.

[Q]: What kind of hobbies do you enjoy outside of gaming?

[A]: I like to go swimming, and I also like photography even though I hate my picture being taken. I used to coach Archery and Fencing but I haven't the time now which is a shame as I would love to have kept that up. I also love airsofting at a friend’s site situated in a local quarry – again, it's time I went back.

[Q]: Share a fun fact about yourself. Anything is fair game!

[A]: I played World of Warcraft for three days straight with my good friend Shimion! We only took a toilet break and sandwiches on the go.

…

And that’s a wrap! Thanks to Richard for taking the time to answer our questions and for all the work he’s doing in the community. Remind us never to shout “Ramming speed!” when attempting to make a surprise assault on an enemy ship.

More Community Spotlights are on the way but while we get the cannonball rolling on those, make sure to keep an eye on our social channels for all of the latest Sea of Thieves updates. See you next time!