GH Interview: Tabula Rasa - You ask the questions!

WhO_KnOwS · Sep 19, 2007, 01:55 PM

Tabula Rasa is probably one of the most well known MMOs in the making. How could it not be, with Richard Garriott (aka Lord British) at the helm. And while it is true that the game's development had a few bumps (changing from a fantasy MMO into a Sci-Fi one) we will soon be able to experience what could possibly be the next big MMO.

This is where you guys come in. The folks at NCSoft have given us the opportunity to ask them a few questions about Tabula Rasa, so we would like you to come up with the questions. Let your imagination run, as this could be your chance to learn more about how MMOs are made.

That is not all however - to give you guys even more incentive to do this, 10 Tabula Rasa beta access keys will be given away to those of you who will ask the best questions. You have 48 hours to come up with your questions - just post them in this thread and we'll make sure the best ones get sent to NCSoft.

**ChaosMinionX** · Sep 19, 2007, 07:31 PM

Will there be vehicles implemented? Or some sort of transportation the players can control? I couldnt find this being addressed anywhere on the site so good time to ask I guess.

**Vikingod** · Sep 19, 2007, 10:32 PM

What ideas from other MMO's did the dev's build on, and what ideas did they reject, when making the game.

What pricing model is the game going to incorporate, traditional monthly fees or such as NCSoft's Guild Wars. And why did they chose the pricing model.

What do they feel is the most important online game to date, why?

jasperchc · Sep 20, 2007, 02:03 AM

As the Logos will be a key element of the game, is there a scientific and logical explaination as to how the Logos are harvested and used?

kelston · Sep 20, 2007, 04:26 PM

Am I allowed to attempt to ask multiple? Dunno, but here goes

1) Player versus Player - The only real detail regarding PvP in Tabula Rasa is the mention of a voluntary PvP system. With some of the biggest names and issues currently cropping up regarding PvP - with World of Warcraft attempting to be an eSport, Warhammer being PvP centric, with the release and hardcore PvP community's support of the PvP game Fury - combined with NCSoft's criticisms for City of Heroes/Villains afterthought/tacked-on "voluntary" PvP, how does Tabula Rasa plan to implement a worthwhile voluntary PvP system for those looking for some competition on that front?

2) Player versus Enemy/Environment - NCSoft is (I realize the possible lack of political correctness of this phrasing, I don't mean offense by it as this seems to be the accepted terminology in the MMO community) largely a Korean-MMO style MMO company. What this means is that there is a lot of emphasis on hardcore grinding to advance your character. There is very little detail also about how characters will advance in the game be it killing aliens (grinding) or questing or perhaps alternate advancement (ie advancement via PvP). How is Tabula Rasa implementing character development, group vs solo play, and end game content? Will there be the issue that every MMO has faced when it comes to gear gaps a la risk vs reward balancing for casual players versus hardcore players?

3) Game Story - Tabula Rasa is pretty much a fictional world that is being invented on the fly as it goes along. Is there a writing team with experience that is carrying along the persistent storyline? Will the individual players feel as though they are contributing to the furthering of it or will it be standard examples of 10,000 people "assassinating" the same NPC over and over to advance the story individually rather than on a global scale? Will gameplay be affected by the story or will the story be affected by gameplay a la World of Warcraft's "LORELOL" issue?

**ChaosMinionX** · Sep 20, 2007, 06:30 PM

Wow Kelston, Im impressed

I have been looking at TR and trying to analyze some stuff about it, those are some solid questions though

SkyBum · Sep 21, 2007, 12:04 PM

1. As a long time MMO fan, I have found that some of the most enjoyable aspects of the MMO for myself are the vibrant economies and auctions. Many MMOs tend to have fairly rudimentary auction UI's which leave much to be desired. Will Tabula Rasa bring anything new to the table in terms of auction hall functionality (i.e. more powerful search, user history, historical data)?

2. When condoned by developers, player made mods can add a great deal of refinement to a game when it comes to interacting with the game world and it's various UI's (WOW for example). Where does the Tabula Rasa team stand on the issue of allowing community made mods to be incorporated within the game UI?

3. What details can you give us regarding the size and duration of the beta testing phase?

4. Upon release, what methods are expected to be available to players for getting from one landscape to another? Obviously foot travel...what else do we have to look forward to in terms of increased travel rate and/or alternative methods of travel?

5. Will we have access to additional storage space? If so, are there any planned options to upgrade our "bank" storage? Additionally, will our on-character storage space be upgradable through either crafted items or level related upgrades?

6. Can you share any details about VOIP in Tabula Rasa?

WhO_KnOwS · Sep 21, 2007, 12:29 PM

Keep em coming. There are a few hours left!