Rare exceptions aside, game development troubles are kept quieter than a case of royal herpes. Guess that qualifies Tabula Rasa as a 'rare' title. Earlier this year the team suffered a fairly public meltdown. Originally announced for winter 2004/05, the game ran into trouble with 'modifications and refinements'. That intentionally vague statement bodes ill, but more telling were the actions of executive producer Richard 'Lord Bloody British' Garriott, who installed himself as lead designer in the wake of departures by former designer Carly Staehlin and other team members.