Interview: The Runaways bassist Jackie Fox on her new tabletop game

As a history enthusiast and tabletop game designer myself, I must say, Jackie Fox is truly an inspiration! Her journey from being a rock star to creating games that shine light on overlooked historical figures is nothing short of remarkable. It’s fascinating how she manages to captivate both the music world and the board game community with her unique creations.

Jacqueline Fuchs, better known as Jackie Fox from her days as The Runaways’ bassist, is well-versed in the challenging aspects of the music industry. Yet, she also appreciates its pleasures and the potential riches it offers. These experiences are reflected in “Rock Hard: 1977“, a tabletop game she developed, which simulates the arduous journey up the music industry’s treacherous ladder to mainstream fame.

The design of the game is influenced heavily by Jackie Fox’s professional experiences in the gaming industry, but it retains an enjoyable, non-grim atmosphere suitable for a board game. Recently at Gen Con in August, Jackie showcased the game and connected with numerous new admirers. During a recent conversation with TopMob, she shared her longstanding passion for tabletop games and the motivation behind creating her own board game.

Our interview has been lightly edited for clarity and concision.

TopMob: So, why a tabletop game?

Jackie Fox: Regrettably, I’m not present where my tabletop games are located, but if I were, you would witness my deep affection for them. While I enjoy video games too, there’s an authentic, tactile aspect to tabletop games that offers a unique experience, transporting you to another realm and providing a brief respite from screens. Moreover, it fosters social interaction in a way that online activities don’t quite manage.

As a game creator, crafting an engaging narrative can prove quite challenging. When brainstorming designs for the game’s flow and character development, I often ponder on how to effectively weave a captivating tale without overwhelming players or compromising their immersion in the gaming world.

In this creative work, I aimed to portray characters as authentic and relatable individuals from the 1970s, based on people I knew. Much of the additional text on the cards is derived from personal experiences. This allows for a captivating narrative to unfold, but with room for player decision-making. Essentially, it’s a European-style game blended with elements of American-style gaming, offering an engaging strategy experience where unpredictability is key.

As a fan, I’m curious about the level of darkness you aimed for in your creation. The images suggest that instead of actual drugs, you’ve opted for “candy” within your game. Additionally, I’d love to know what age range you had in mind when designing this game for players like me.

In essence, I’ve always understood that candy wasn’t a form of drugs, and I realized this early on. I’ve had friends who have faced challenges with extreme daily exercise routines, which became harmful over time. There are also issues like gambling, sex addiction, and craving attention. These things can start off healthy but become problematic when an internal switch gets activated in your brain, and you don’t know when it will happen. I aimed to convey this concept in the design of my game.

The game carries a maturity recommendation for ages fourteen and above, as it leans towards adult themes like subtle sexual references rather than being primarily child-oriented, much like sweet treats.

It’s logical. The desire to be part of a rock band usually emerges around the age of 14, yet it might be beneficial to gain some insight into what it truly entails.

Absolutely, and let’s talk about the gameplay too. However, I have my doubts if all 12-year-olds would be keen on a game that requires prolonged stillness. Some might find it engaging, though.

So it’s like, use your judgment.

On the final day of Gen Con, this family arrived, and among them was a 10-year-old. Approaching them, I mentioned, “By the way, you might want to be aware that some cards could be somewhat mature.” To which they replied, “Oh yes, he’s capable. He even hosts a podcast.”

Gosh, modern-day youth! It’s fascinating that you’re into board games and video games. Would you be open to discussing some sources of inspiration for this particular game?

One of the games that sparked my interest in controlling amps through adjustable dials was “Abomination: The Heir of Frankenstein,” a game by Plaid Hat Games. In this game, you construct a Frankenstein’s monster and attempt to bring it to life. It also includes worker placement and features a rather grim theme. To be precise, the theme is quite bleak, but it incorporates small spinner dials for tracking your stats. I found the experience enjoyable as it evoked the mad scientist atmosphere. Essentially, anything in the game that emphasizes the theme, making it more immersive, appeals to me greatly.

The inspiration behind this game might stem from my childhood experiences with games featuring the Pop-O-Matic bubble, giving it a playful vibe. Many individuals grew up enjoying board games before life got busy, and I wanted to create a game that would appeal to rock and roll enthusiasts who also enjoyed playing as kids. The goal was to make it accessible without being overwhelming, offering a sense of comfort and familiarity.

Does it seem educational as well, perhaps more so for those born after the 1970s, who might not be familiar with how the music industry functioned back then?

I think there are definitely things that are educational. The fact that I’m who you are. [laughs]

The design aims to capture an iconic period, but falls short, in my opinion. It’s common knowledge what a rock star represents. When a theme is skillfully integrated into a game, it becomes more engaging, easier to grasp, and simpler to instruct. That was my goal – to create a game where you wouldn’t need to survey the entire board when starting to play. Instead, you could focus on just a third of it, dealing with that section first, then moving to the next third, and eventually managing the entire board. As you become familiar with the game, you can start planning ahead. Essentially, it’s meant to be an enjoyable experience. Initially, you’re captivated by the flavor text and learning the rules. After several plays, a more strategic aspect begins to emerge. Ideally, future expansions will enhance complexity and bring us closer to my original intention – a game for enthusiasts.

What are some of your dream expansions?

Sure thing!

Yeah, you’d have to make music videos!

Yeah! So it’s fun. I mean, the music industry is such a natural fit with worker placement.

In play-testing, was there anything that surprised you about how people play the game?

As a gamer, let me tell you, COVID-19 took me by surprise. I ended up doing a lot of solo play-testing since I couldn’t join in-person gaming sessions. While Tabletop Simulator is a great tool, nothing beats being in the same room with players, observing their levels of engagement and disengagement.

There’s always that push and pull of players wanting more of an in-game resource, huh?

If you’re open to making less-than-ideal moves during off-hours to occasionally take the first turn in the next round, you should be successful. Your character strengths and managerial skills are valuable tools, so make use of them. However, don’t rely solely on these abilities; instead, lean on them when necessary.

Any other tips?

As a bassist, contributing to the band’s rhythmic foundation, let me share that our game primarily revolves around precision in timing and synchronization. It’s essential to master these skills to excel!

In this game, you need to adapt to unexpected situations since unforeseen events may arise. If you’re uncomfortable with unpredictability, there are options to reduce the randomness. For instance, you could opt out of using the event deck or use a non-random card as an alternative. However, it might make the game less immersive. Ultimately, feel free to play in whatever way suits your preference; I’m not here to judge. My primary goal is for players to enjoy their experience.

Right, come up with some house rules.

Sure thing!

Do you have other games that you’re thinking about making?

I’ve been working on converting a board game I designed for Board Game Geek’s Game Night into a nine-episode series, though it could be considered three larger episodes divided into smaller segments. This way, each session lasts about an hour and serves as a brief break, similar to a light RPG or cooperative game. In this game, all players assume the same character within the ’80s big hair bands scene, which has a fun, Spinal Tap-like vibe. That project is nearly complete.

Later, I’d like to work on projects that delve deeper into history. Specifically, my historical games often highlight women who have been historically underrated or overlooked.

In music, or just in general?

As a history enthusiast with a particular interest in unexplored eras and women’s roles during those times, I am eager to shed light on such untold stories. One such narrative that intrigues me is set in the late Gilded Age, a period known for its wealth and power concentration among men. However, there were women who were equally influential, if not more so, behind the scenes.

What is it like to be a different kind of “star,” in the tabletop world?

In simpler terms, I wasn’t very well-known before, you could walk the streets without recognition. But when it comes to a board game convention, I’ve become known in that world, which feels strange. People often approach me and ask, “Excuse me, are you Jackie Fox?” Yet, everyone in the board game community has been incredibly friendly. At Gen Con…

Did you expect that? Was that a surprise?

As someone who has spent countless hours in line for the release of highly anticipated video games, I can wholeheartedly affirm the camaraderie and excitement that such events bring. One memory that stands out is my first encounter with early-risers for a game launch. I recall saying to myself, “If these folks are waking up this early just to grab my game, then I’ll join them in line and share the experience.” Arriving around 7:30, I was taken aback by the dedication of the first person, who had been there since 6:15. The sense of community among these enthusiasts was palpable as they took turns entering the store and, for those who didn’t manage to secure a copy, I happily signed their badges and posed for pictures. It was an unforgettable experience that showcased the passion and kindness shared by fellow gaming aficionados.

Few music-focused board games exist, but more are on the horizon, and they aren’t deeply immersive in their themes. However, when one finally arrives that truly embodies the theme, it satisfies many who have long been anticipating such a game.

Rock Hard: 1977

• $50

  at Devir Games

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2024-08-10 00:19