Interview with TheBattletechChannel
BattleTech has been inspiring tabletop fans worldwide for decades, and the community continues to grow. One of the central places for exciting content about BattleTech – from the classic variant to Alpha Strike – is the YouTube channel @TheBattletechChannel. With in-depth tutorials, exciting reports on new features and information, the channel has become an indispensable port of call for established fans and new players alike.
Recently, @TheBattletechChannel also started offering memberships that give supporters access to exclusive content and other exciting benefits. But what is behind this successful channel? What drives the content creator and what is his vision?
In this interview, we take a look behind the scenes of the channel. We talk about the origins, the motivation, the challenges and, of course, the heart of it all: BattleTech.
Below you will find the questions I asked the creator of @TheBattletechChannel.
1. introduction and background
1.1. Wie bist du persönlich zum Tabletop-Hobby und insbesondere zu BattleTech gekommen?
I discovered Battletech on vacation in 1992 when I was browsing through the science fiction section of a small bookshop in Wolgast. I think it was first a novel of the Blood of Kerensky triology, because when I bought the second one a few days later, I wondered why I suddenly found backward technology here.
I only got into tabletop myself in 2012. I was practically giddily persuaded by Michael Engel that I should finally buy a basic box. Okay, the 25 Years of Battletech box wasn’t that great, but it was my first contact.
1.2. Was hat dich dazu motiviert, einen YouTube-Kanal über BattleTech zu starten?
My brother was to blame for that. I tried to establish Battletech on my main channel “Ullric Kerensky my world”, but that didn’t go one hundred percent well. Somehow I remembered my younger brother’s first recommendation to start a Battletech channel at the beginning of my late “YouTube career” (lol), which I didn’t do.
1.3. Kannst du uns etwas über den Namen und das Konzept deines Kanals erzählen?
The name was quickly found. Simple: The Battletech Channel. I’m not sure why I chose the English version. In any case, it sounded good at the time and I kept the channel name.
The concept is also simple. I like to introduce new things that interest me and that I like to use myself. This starts with the miniatures (Lance Packs), continues with terrain and buildings and ends with the basic boxes, technical readouts and a few background books. And this is reflected in all the playlists on the channel.
At some point I also felt like taking the piss out of myself and that’s how Basti and Ullric – The Battletech Professionals came about. Although my acting talent shouldn’t be taken too seriously. I was inspired by Varion. I think he’s great.
2. the YouTube channel
2.1. Wie würdest du deinen Content beschreiben? Gibt es einen Fokus auf bestimmte Themen (z. B. klassische Variante vs. Alpha Strike)?
No, that doesn’t exist. Of course, you’ll find more Alpha Strike than Battletech topics on my channel, but that’s because I’m not so well versed in the rules of Battletech and prefer shorter games. Although duels via CBT are really fun. How can you describe the content? As answered before: I just show the things that I enjoy, that interest me and of course I also try to pass on information about Con’s etc.
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Recently, there have also been a lot of suggestions from subscribers or on Discord. I like to include these, because people are always looking for interesting topics. See also your Mechstrategen page, the Let’s Play about the forest etc.
2.2. Wer ist deine Zielgruppe, und wie versuchst du, diese anzusprechen?
I’ll leave the YouTube statistics out of it for now. For me personally, any curious gamer, young or old, is my target group. The main thing is that they enjoy the game and if my videos arouse their curiosity, then that’s perfect.
How do you address the target group? To be honest, I don’t know exactly. I create videos based on gut feeling, try to avoid mistakes and also respond to the reactions and wishes of my viewers. What I can implement, I’m very happy to implement.
2.3. Was war die bisher größte Herausforderung beim Aufbau deines Kanals?
The biggest challenge was and is time management. You have to balance your family, job (I work shifts), hobby and your own well-being. It doesn’t always work perfectly, because creating content can sometimes turn into a compulsion. You effectively force yourself to keep to your rhythm without a break and that’s not good.
2.4. Gibt es ein bestimmtes Video, auf das du besonders stolz bist? Warum?
Spontaneous? The Battletech pros – Jump for Joy. In my opinion, this was the first time I managed to show a good “acting” performance. The theme was just right.
Editor’s note: Link to the video: https://youtu.be/9Am0uHWndfA?si=fe8PVQjBzqjEtQsu
3. BattleTech and the community
3.1. Was fasziniert dich am meisten an BattleTech?
Oh, that’s very easy to answer. I like reading military sci-fi and, gameplay-wise, I think it’s great that I can cover different timelines with one mech.
3.2. Wie empfindest du die aktuelle BattleTech-Community? Gibt es Entwicklungen, die dir besonders positiv oder negativ aufgefallen sind?
These are questions. By and large, the community is relaxed. There is friction everywhere, in every family, club, among friends. The main thing is to get along again. I can only say that I have no problems with those I know personally. If you want, you can visit the Phönix Con in Hohegeiß at some point and meet really cool people there. I even met Luigi from Italy there for the first time, who I’d only known on Facebook for years.
I was surprised.
3.3. Welche Rolle siehst du für Content-Creator in der BattleTech-Community?
It’s not so easy for me to answer that, because I honestly haven’t thought about it yet. We’re just contact points for those who want to get a first impression of the game, the product and everything that goes with it. Just with different orientations. Well, I’m not that professional that I can make an adequate statement here. Weighting – no idea, task – source of information about the hobby
3.4. Hast du das Gefühl, dass BattleTech im Vergleich zu anderen Tabletop-Systemen wächst oder eher ein Nischenhobby bleibt?
Pi times thumb, a currently growing niche product.
4. memberships and monetization
4.1. Seit kurzem bietest du Mitgliedschaften auf deinem Kanal an. Was hat dich dazu inspiriert, diesen Schritt zu gehen?
The intention behind this is that I need some breathing space. For a while, I was able to cover some of the expenses for the product presentations with the main channel, but this has become difficult since last year. The views are good, but the income has dropped by two thirds.
So I’m paying a lot more out of my own pocket.
Well, there’s still a long way to go before I reach 4,000 hours of video time a year. As a result, the membership has offered itself (from 3,000 hours of annual viewing time). There are a few wishes that I would still like to realize. A new green screen, new lighting is probably due soon and a little support would be appreciated.
4.2. Was können deine Unterstützer von einer Mitgliedschaft erwarten? Gibt es exklusive Inhalte oder Vorteile?
There are three main features. Firstly, there is advance access to all videos (Monday videos even 14 days in advance), from Lieutenant upwards, exclusive videos are added for members only and members of the Commander level are entered into a prize draw once a quarter for a voucher or a Lance Pack. Of course, this also depends very much on the total membership of the level. You can find more details on my channel or ask me directly. There are also photos and status updates, emojis etc.
4.3. Wie wichtig ist die Unterstützung durch die Community für dich, sowohl finanziell als auch motivierend?
Support is always important. Financially, you can say that I invest a lot privately and it helps if you can monetize and I am very grateful for the first members. That gave me a real aha effect. I was really happy about that.
Nevertheless, the motivation comes primarily from the feedback. I’m always happy to receive positive feedback, it motivates me immensely, because there are also comments that are below the belt. Even if you can delete them, it’s a low blow at first.
Constructive criticism, on the other hand, gets me further. Well, the viewing figures speak for themselves. A channel runs well from 20 to 30 percent views according to the number of subscribers. And it does. I’m grateful to everyone for that and it makes me proud at the same time.
Sounds stupid, doesn’t it? But that’s the only reason I lasted so long.
4.4. Gibt es Pläne, die Mitgliedschaften oder andere Projekte in Zukunft weiter auszubauen?
Not at the moment. I want to establish the existing offers first, as this is new territory for me. After all, I don’t want to alienate you with countless promises that can’t be kept.
5. future plans and vision
5.1. Welche Ziele verfolgst du langfristig mit deinem YouTube-Kanal?
Uh, none in that sense. I just want to share my hobby and as long as I enjoy it, there will continue to be info, Let’s Plays, the Lance and Clan Pack performances, Basti and Ullric etc. etc.
5.2. Hast du Pläne, inhaltlich neue Bereiche abzudecken, z. B. Tutorials, Kampagnenberichte oder andere Formate?
To be honest, I don’t know yet. I have now set up “What’s going on” exclusively for members, where there will be regular channel updates. In other words, behind the scenes and what’s going on. The Let’s Play playlist will be further expanded this year. There are a few requests from Battletech fans as to what I should address. Extended rules, unit structure etc.
5.3. Wie siehst du die Zukunft von BattleTech, insbesondere in Bezug auf die Alpha Strike-Variante?
As the gaming community has become more open to Alpha Strike in recent years, I continue to see a lot of potential for the tabletop variant. Compared to 2013, the year Alpha Strike was released, there are many more newcomers coming to Battletech via Alpha Strike and established Battletech warriors can actually be found more often at the hex-free tabletop. The German Alpha Strike Championship 2024 also had a very good starting field. All available places were taken and that makes me feel quite positive.
5.4. Gibt es andere Projekte (z. B. Kooperationen, Events oder Turniere), die du in Betracht ziehst?
No. YouTube and the like take up a lot of my time and the rest mustn’t fall by the wayside. This year I’ll only be at the Phönix Con (29.10. to 02.11.2025). Maybe I’ll offer something there again. My Fledderer also need a night out. And if something comes up spontaneously, I’ll of course jump at the chance.
6. personal impressions and recommendations
6.1. Was war dein denkwürdigstes Erlebnis mit BattleTech – sei es in einem Spiel, auf einem Event oder in der Community?
Many years ago, the following happened in an Alpha Strike game against my son: Since we were playing with forced retreat, one of my mechs had to retreat. My son decided to attack it and said: “Dad, I’m going to shoot it now.” After we did the math and the hit roll was a twelve, I asked again if he still wanted to do this. The answer was yes. The dice rolled and I couldn’t believe my eyes. A twelve on a 2w6. Junior grinned and just blurted out: “See, I told you! I’ll shoot it.”
6.2. Hast du eine Lieblings-Fraktion oder einen Lieblings-Mech? Warum?
Faction: Mercenaries. Quite simply mercenaries. You somehow have more freedom in your choice of mech and are not tied to a house.
Mech: Wolverine, pretty tough for his weight class. Actually also the Jenner. Fast and designed for energy weapons.
6.3. Welche Tipps würdest du jemandem geben, der neu in BattleTech einsteigen möchte?
If you know someone who already plays Battletech (whether AS or CBT), make an appointment with them and just play a round. Then decide if you enjoy it.
6.4. Gibt es andere Content-Creator oder Ressourcen, die du den Fans empfehlen würdest?
You of course via Mechstrategen.de, Daniel Isberner via HPG Station, Bastis Battletech Bunker via Sahra Malt on YouTube and of course the Battlepod.
7. concluding
7.1. Gibt es etwas, das du der BattleTech-Community oder deinen Zuschauern unbedingt mitteilen möchtest?
No, not really. I can only emphasize again and again that I am very grateful to you. Grateful for the support and encouragement on YouTube and for the absolutely easy-to-maintain members in my Facebook groups Battletech Alpha Strike and Battletech Germany Austria Switzerland.
7.2. Wo können unsere Leser dich und deinen Content am besten finden?
Just search for The Battletech Channel on YouTube and you’ll stumble across me. Didn’t you link me too? I think so.
Many thanks to @TheBattletechChannel for the detailed and exciting interview! It’s great to see how much passion and dedication you bring to the BattleTech community. Your videos offer valuable insights to both newcomers and experienced players and help to make the BattleTech universe even more vibrant.
I wish you continued success with your channel, exciting battles on the battlefield and many enthusiastic viewers! May your mechs always find the right hit zone! 🚀🔥
If you @TheBattletechChannel yet, be sure to check it out and leave a subscription – it’s worth it!
Editorial note: The interview was conducted in writing by sending the questionnaire. Thank you for your willingness to participate.
