The Tabula Rasa servers may be shutting down on Feb. 29, 2009, but that doesn't mean new deployments are done just yet.

Deployment 15 has been implemented on the Public Test Server today, and it includes some interesting updates, such as FPS mode, a new instance map called "The Empire Sector," and holiday decorations.

You can check out the full patch notes here or after the jump. Here's the instructions on how to access the PTR if you want to get as much time with D15 as possible before the servers close.

The Tabula Rasa team announced today they are preparing to shut down servers after celebrating the game's one-year anniversary this month. Live service will end Feb. 28, 2009 and the game will be free to play starting Jan. 10. This news follows Richard Garriott's announcement on Nov. 11 that he was leaving NCsoft.

Last November we launched what we hoped would be a ground breaking sci-fi MMO. In many ways, we think we've achieved that goal. Tabula Rasa has some unique features that make it fun and very different from every other MMO out there. Unfortunately, the fact is that the game hasn't performed as expected. The development team has worked hard to improve the game since launch, but the game never achieved the player population we hoped for.

It's always a shame to see an MMO come to an end, but the Tabula Rasa team seems to be putting the players first as they plan some fun things in-game in the coming months to go out with a bang. Also, current subscribers will have access to some parting gifts, including three free months of City of Heroes and Lineage II, and Aion beta access.

Keep reading after the jump for the full farewell letter and how this will affect subscribers.

Richard Garriott announced today through a letter on the Tabula Rasa Web site that he will be leaving NCsoft. His recent trip into space has sparked new interests, which triggered his departure.

Many of you probably wonder what my plans are, now that I have achieved the lifelong dream of going to space. Well, that unforgettable experience has sparked some new interests that I would like to devote my time and resources to. As such, I am leaving NCsoft to pursue those interests.This news is difficult for me to deliver. I am honored to have worked with the team I've had and I'm grateful to the community who makes this game so unique and fun.

Read the full letter here or below.

Tabula Rasa celebrated its one-year anniversary on Nov. 2, and the development team recently posted a narrative account of the Bane's massive assault that day. The Alliance of Free Sentients emerged victorious, and the developers thanked the players for their efforts and support of the game.

Developers and Game Masters were online to personally thank all the players in game for their participation and to deliver various goodies for their diligent efforts. Many thanks to all who participated in and helped celebrate the one year anniversary events of TR. The worlds of Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa are safe for now, and even though it only began a year ago, the battle for control of the cosmos still rages on as we begin to fight our way back home to Earth.

The full post can be found here or after the jump.

In honor of Halloween, this week's Feedback Friday post gives us some treats: previews of upcoming camera changes.

The changes are all part of a new camera system and include first person view, weapon scopes, a mech cockpit view and increased camera distance from characters.

There is nothing better than walking around in a hulking mass of metal and firepower. That is, unless you are sitting in the cockpit of one. Yes, that is right! Click zoom yourself into a cockpit of walking death and lay waste to your foes. Try not to step on your squad.

Read the full post on the Tabula Rasa Web site or below.