Yes, we do anticipate these problems. The Realm has been hacked like mad and we are redoubling our efforts to provide a hack-free environment. Yes, we will complete an extensive beta cycle before releasing this product, probably beginning in mid-1999. As much as it takes to get it right. We plan to avoid falling into the trap that other products of this type had to contend with, as regards proper pre-release testing.
Social interaction is key.
That's the major lesson. You must foster, at all costs, the social element in your persistent on-line game. To ignore this is certain doom. I'm quite certain that we will have the BEST massively multi-player game world out there. That should stand for itself.