Featured CMDR Dave Burn

What was your first experience with the Elite universe and what keeps you playing it today?

Although I could well have come across Elite in the 80’s, I actually only stumbled across it on the Xbox way back in 2015. There was a free 60 min trial that I used, it was like a massive “WOW” moment for me. The experience of being able to fly a spaceship was amazing. A short time later it was bought. Then Horizons came and again, “WOW”, landing on a planet.

What keeps me playing Elite? Several reasons, there’s so much I haven’t done yet, new features being added always draw me back, but the biggest is the community. They make this game what it is.

Tell a quick story about your favorite moment in Elite: Dangerous.

There’s several I’ve enjoyed, but thinking back, taking off and flying out of that station for the first time was an experience like nothing else.

Before all the tutorials there are now, running through a system check, and lifting off the pad, and trying to head out through the mail slot that first time. No auto dock, nothing, like watching a baby deer stand for the first time.

Now, flying with other Fatherhood Commanders.

Tell us about your favorite ship in the game.

I can’t say I have a favourite. My Asp (TFS Shadow Explorer) took me to Sag A. My Imperial Clipper (Ultra Icier Temp) did LS2. And my Anaconda (Green Lantern) has been my combat ship of choice. I am trying to build a decent Corvette, it’s a work in progress.

What drew you to join The Fatherhood?

I bought the game on PC, discovered Discord and joined a couple of communities. Then saw some Squadron invites in one of the channels and The Fatherhood stood out with “When the kids go to bed, we go to space”, very fitting for me. Requested to join Aplha, then sorted out my Xbox account and joined Bravo too.

Considering you have been with The Fatherhood for a while, how have you got away with not falling foul of the famous callsign award from your fellow Green Squadron members?

Well, keeping my mouth shut about things has seemed to help. If no-ones sees it, did it really happen?

What’s your day job, and how do you balance your home, work and gaming life (or do you)?

I’m an automotive technician for a dealer. Though I love IT and tech generally.

I’ve struggled to game at times in recent years with either work and/or family commitments, but my kids are older now and I generally have time in the evenings to relax and game.

I can usually be found online between 21:00 and 23:00 UK time (GMT/BST) most nights. More if I can get away with it.

How did you come up with the name of your Commander?

It’s my Xbox Gamertag that I’ve used since the OG console way back. Nothing special really.

Any fatherly advice for new CMDRs trying to make their way in Elite: Dangerous?

There’s no rush, this game takes time achieve things. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Join a squadron, it gets lonely in space.