Next Tabula Rasa update to include "eagerly awaited" spy class features

The next major content update for Tabula Rasa is to include "eagerly awaited" features for the MMO's spy class, lead designer Paul Sage has told VG247.

"The team is working on many varied projects; our release schedule for new content is at about every three weeks right now," said Sage. "I would say the team’s next major update is going to include some eagerly awaited changes to the spy class, and we have some changes in the works to make sure all summoned or controlled AIs respond to battle better, which will help a lot of our classes, not the least of which is the exo-biologist."

Sage fell short of detailing the exact additions the the class's functionality.

He also revealed that the team is in very early stages of working on new faces and costumes for the game's female characters.

"We do have very early plans right now to work on getting some new outfits and faces for our female characters," said Sage. "Especially with the Hybrids, we want to make sure there are options players find attractive."

Hybrids are alien-human crosses just released into the game.

Tabula Rasa is Richard "Spaceman" Garriot's latest game, an action-heavy sci-fi MMO from developer Destination Games and NCSoft. Sage said that the game's userbase has now stabilised after a surge of players during the launch period last year, but wouldn't be drawn on an exact number of current players.

"The community had a massive influx of players around game launch and now has settled itself, forming a strong, dedicated base," he said. "The recent 1.4 update has encouraged new players to give Tabula Rasa a try, so we are seeing a good number willing to fight for humanities survival."

More info on the game here. Read all of Paul's answers to our questions after the link below.

VG247: How many people are playing Tabula Rasa at the moment?

Paul Sage: The community had a massive influx of players around game launch and now has settled itself, forming a strong dedicated base. The recent 1.4 update has encouraged new players to give Tabula Rasa a try, so we are seeing a good number willing to fight for humanity's survival.

You currently releasing Hybrid features into the game, and have said you may launch Hybrid-specific missions later this year. Have you anything more concrete to say on that right now?

We have a ‘wish list’ of game features we want to add over the coming months; including PAU’s (Personal Armour Units), class specific missions and more of the ethical choice missions. Missions for Hybrids are something that will be introduced into the game at a later stage, as we prioritise all of these new elements. No firm details as yet, certainly on the drawing board.

When can gamers expect the next major content update?

The Tabula Rasa team feels strongly that releasing content as soon as we are done with it is important. That’s why we’ve released the Sanctus Grotto instance, Hybrids, Military Surplus, Attribute Changes, etc, when they have been done, as opposed to stockpiling features to make one large update.

The team is working on many varied projects; our release schedule for new content is at about every three weeks right now. I would say the team’s next major update is going to include some eagerly awaited changes to the spy class, and we have some changes in the works to make sure all summoned or controlled AIs respond to battle better, which will help a lot of our classes, not the least of which is the exo-biologist.

In terms of art direction, what plans do you have for the look and feel of the game in the future?

That’s an interesting question. Much of our focus lately has been on improving performance of the game and making it look better on lower end spec machines. However, we do have very early plans right now to work on getting some new outfits and faces for our female characters. Especially with the Hybrids, we want to make sure there are options players find attractive.