NCSoft on PS3 plans, PSP MMO, and Tabula Rasa

JoyStiq managed to score an interview with NCsoft boss Richard Garriot and Executive Producer Brian Clayton. The talk revolved mostly around the MMORPG industry and their (NCSoft) plans to support the PlayStation 3 with MMO-type titles. Their latest project – Tabula Rasa – was also touched; and surprisingly, they also signified plans to dabble on developing for the PlayStation Portable in the future.

According to Clayton, they’re looking at a number of ways on how to beef up the PSP games frontline. A fully immersive and working MMO for the said handheld isn’t that farfetched, with Clayton saying that they “see a number of opportunities with the PSP as a standalone MMO or as an extension to our full-blown MMOs on PC and PS3”. Hmm… MMO game on PSP, sounds good ‘ey? Their plans are best summed in this quote:

I would argue that developing a handheld MMO could be the largest challenge in game development. For example, the game needs to be developed from the onset to address limited communication tools, screen real estate and controls, which are all intrinsic to providing a quality MMO experience. We have a number ideas and solutions to address the above-mentioned concerns, but can’t go into those details right now.

The full article awaits after the jump!

JoyStiq managed to score an interview with NCsoft boss Richard Garriott and Executive Producer Brian Clayton. The talk revolved mostly around the MMORPG industry and their (NCSoft) plans to support the PlayStation 3 with MMO-type titles. Their latest project – Tabula Rasa – was also touched; and surprisingly, they also signified plans to dabble on developing for the PlayStation Portable in the future.

According to Clayton, they’re looking at a number of ways on how to beef up the PSP games frontline. A fully immersive and working MMO for the said handheld isn’t that farfetched, with Clayton saying that they “see a number of opportunities with the PSP as a standalone MMO or as an extension to our full-blown MMOs on PC and PS3”. Hmm… MMO game on PSP, sounds good ‘ey? Their plans are best summed in this quote:

I would argue that developing a handheld MMO could be the largest challenge in game development. For example, the game needs to be developed from the onset to address limited communication tools, screen real estate and controls, which are all intrinsic to providing a quality MMO experience. We have a number ideas and solutions to address the above-mentioned concerns, but can’t go into those details right now.

Of course another issue that was brought up in the interview was their decision to back up Sony, instead of Microsoft or Nintendo, on their goal of having MMO invade the console scene. To this, Clayton answered that:

Sony has shown a commitment to developing robust console hardware with strong longevity which is crucial to any viable MMO console strategy. In addition, Sony understands that our MMO business model is different than the traditional console model and is giving us the flexibility to develop and publish AAA MMOs.

Finally, Lord British (or Richard Garriott to some) took part in the discussion and revealed their plans of making Tabula Rasa veer away from the level-centered feel of most MMORPGS in the market today. Rather, they’re looking at making people keep on playing the game because of its story and gameplay. Here’s Garriott on how they’re planning to achieve this:

In Tabula Rasa, we’ve worked very hard to make your character’s attributes and equipment less of a focus then they typically are in other MMO’s. We also wanted to make content accessible through story and accomplishments rather than through leveling. Because in Tabula Rasa we have tried to downplay the importance of leveling, players can instead spend their time focusing on gameplay instead of manically grinding to reach new content.

Looks like NCSoft has some very promising tricks up its sleeve for the videogaming industry. These MMO projects, plans for consoles, and (hopefully) PSP MMO will be highly anticipated indeed. The full interview is available via link below.

Via JoyStiq