The virtual world of MMOs is proving to be a profitable investment, and even Harvard Business School is taking notice. The Ivy League institution recently held a panel with six of the industry's most influential members to discuss the status quo, and just as important, the future of the virtual realms in gaming as a business market. Check out what they deem to be the biggest barrier to overcome, and for some more analysis on how money culture is making even the virtual world go spinning 'round.

Seems like intel reports leaking for Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa are blazing hot like the California brushfires as yet another one is intercepted, this one on the steadily rising Bane activity at Wedge Rock and Fort Defiance. All AFS troops, as well as any troops stationed at the said locations, have already been commanded to maintain heightened awareness while on duty.

This heightened alert came about after General British came back from his mission in Wedge Rock's AFS research lab. Corporal Melissa Nigel reports to General DarkStarr that General British started showing unusual symptoms, including minor memory loss, headaches, and a feeling of overall paranoia. The General has already been placed under quarantine.

Obviously, this is not a matter to be taken lightly, as it is sure to affect not only the AFS' strategies, but also the disposition of the soldiers if they hear that one of their most respected generals has been compromised.

Action sure's packing at the camps. So stay tuned and watch out for more of NCSoft's Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa updates. For now, you can click on the screenshot to get a bigger view of the transmission's transcript.

The planet of Foreas in Richard Garriot's much-awaited MMORPG, Tabula Rasa (NCSoft), is highly significant because it is one of the very first few worlds that players will be setting foot upon. Unfortunately, it is fool-hardy for one to hope that their stay will be welcomed here. The planet of Foreas is infested with Bane, and there is none left untouched and uncorrupted by this evil force.

Although that may seem like a very bleak forecast on the planet, all is not lost because the local Foreans can be considered as an ally. Although they view humans as a reckless race, mainly because of their reliance on technology (which they abhor), they may be relied upon to help in the cause of defeating the Bane. It is their planet, after all, that is at stake.

The planet is very lush, with a rich abundance of forests and mountains. But behind this beauty lies a danger lurking and waiting to pounce on those careless enough. There are two main locations that should be looked at intensively: Concordia and Valverde. These two places embody the bipolar character of Foreas, with the former embodying the general lush environment of the planet, while the latter is more abundant with wetlands and pools of water. As mentioned earlier, you must not be deceived by the pretty exterior, because they are not as innocent as you would want to perceive them to be.
 
What makes Foreas not suitable for a walk in the park? Check out the list of creatures you'll meet in the planet behind the Full Article link below.

This could actually be a first: Richard Garriott grants a video interview to talk about his newest baby, Tabula Rasa. Fortunate GameZone had the opportunity to have this chat with him over at the NCSoft TR press event.

Here, he expounds on what makes Tabula Rasa more than just your typical sci-fi MMORPG. He says they have taken a really fresh approach with the title by coming up with a variety of gameplay mechanics, such as tactical combat system, which he deems to be unique in an MMO.

He also provided more insight as to the storyline of TR and how it turned out to be that way. According to him, it's because he has this affinity for contemporary social issues and finding ways to recast them that ultimately molded the game's storyline into what it is.

Anyhow, the video interview is a full 33 minutes and 52 seconds, so we suggest you just check it out below.

You can watch the video interview behind the Full Article link.

Well we've just brought to you the Screenshot of the Week, so there won't be anything new just yet for NCSoft's Tabula Rasa. But we do have news for you on its featured preview article in the upcoming July 2007 issue of the magazine PC Gamer.

If you're interested to find out more about the ins and outs of Tabula Rasa, then this edition just might be the thing for you. There will be about three pages worth of game input right there, so that should be more than just plain sufficient in giving you the heads up on the game. Apart from that, there will also be a sidebar article which reveals details on two of the eight Tier 4 classes: Grenadier and Engineer.

Anyway, until that edition comes out on bookstands (and until beyond, actually), you always have good ol' trusty QJ to fill you in on the latest with Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa.

 

Last week, we saw an AFS soldier armed and standing over a comrade mercilessly butchered by Bane in Richard Garriot's Tabula Rasa screenshot of the week. Today, we'll finally see a Bane Interior Hallway. It gives us a good view into the lair of the enemy, so to speak.

So what's going on in the screenshot? Those folks at the upper end of the hallway would be the AFS soldiers fighting their way into the Interior Hallway. Directly across them valiant soldiers, captured by the camera from the back, would be the Bane. Obviously, this guy doesn't like trespassers in his own turf. So he's armed with a launcher and is relentlessly firing at the AFS soldiers.

Lots of action, indeed. Unfortunately, that's all we have for you guys this week on NCSoft's Tabula Rasa. Not to fret, though. We'll be sure to be back next week for another dose of screenshot of the week.