Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[APB: What it was and what GamersFirst hopes APB: Reloaded will be]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/apb-what-it-was-and-what-gamersfirst-hopes-apb-reloaded-will-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/apb-what-it-was-and-what-gamersfirst-hopes-apb-reloaded-will-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/apb-what-it-was-and-what-gamersfirst-hopes-apb-reloaded-will-b/#comments With the news of APB rising from the grave as APB: Reloaded, Joystiq spoke with GamersFirst's CTO and COO Bjorn Book-Larsson. The company is a free-to-play publisher which maintains a steady following and, as you can imagine, we were left with plenty of questions following the announcement -- the biggest being: why?

APB was largely seen as a failure, both commercially and critically. It was called "ambitious" by some, which may have been its biggest problem. But for Book-Larsson, it's all about opportunity. "We think of it as an opportunity," he told Joystiq. "It's worth our effort to take it and combine it with all of the user data we have and let the game take its time to reach its full potential."

Continue reading APB: What it was and what GamersFirst hopes APB: Reloaded will be

JoystiqAPB: What it was and what GamersFirst hopes APB: Reloaded will be originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinAPBBjorn-Book-Larssongamersfirstk2-networkk2-network-incmacmmopcrealtime-worldsTue, 16 Nov 2010 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[APB acquired by GamersFirst, relaunching as APB: Reloaded in the first half of 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/apb-acquired-by-gamersfirst-relaunching-as-apb-reloaded-in-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/apb-acquired-by-gamersfirst-relaunching-as-apb-reloaded-in-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/apb-acquired-by-gamersfirst-relaunching-as-apb-reloaded-in-the/#comments The earlier reports are true: Reloaded Productions Inc., a subsidiary of GamersFirst -- which is, in turn, part of K2 Network -- has purchased the presumed-deceased MMO, APB, from its creator Realtime Worlds. The publisher plans to relaunch the game sometime in the first half of 2011 as APB: Reloaded, a free-to-play iteration utilizing the micro-transaction model.

Come back later today for an interview with GamersFirst's COO and CTO, Bjorn Book-Larsson, for an answer to the most crucial question: Why?

Continue reading APB acquired by GamersFirst, relaunching as APB: Reloaded in the first half of 2011

JoystiqAPB acquired by GamersFirst, relaunching as APB: Reloaded in the first half of 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinAPBeafree-to-playfreemiumgamersfirstk2-networkk2-network-incmacmmopcrealtime-worldsreloaded-productionsTue, 16 Nov 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[APB turns handsome gentleman into human avatar]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/apb-turns-handsome-gentleman-into-human-avatar/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/apb-turns-handsome-gentleman-into-human-avatar/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/apb-turns-handsome-gentleman-into-human-avatar/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We really hope that Realtime Worlds' living APB avatar, Josh, is getting paid quite a few duckets, as he's not only getting the future-punk rocker haircut of an in-game character, but also a septum piercing, not to mention two giant wings tattooed on his back. He's being called "The Human Avatar," and, well, he's a living advertisement.

Fans of the game (and generally folks with cruel hearts) have been voting on various stages of the gentleman's development over the past few weeks at the project's official website. At this point, all but the final stage has been completed: clothing. Apparently, Josh will be donning a steampunk outfit. And you know, we're okay with the outfit. Heck, we're even okay with the piercing. It's the life-altering, less than easy to remove tattoos on his back that seem like the bigger issue here. Hopefully Realtime's paying him enough to get them removed (with lasers!) after all this madness is over with.

JoystiqAPB turns handsome gentleman into human avatar originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 06:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinAPBjoshpcrealtime-worldsthe-human-avatarFri, 23 Jul 2010 06:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: APB (Day 4: Cards on the table)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/09/review-apb-day-4-cards-on-the-table/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/09/review-apb-day-4-cards-on-the-table/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/09/review-apb-day-4-cards-on-the-table/#comments

Review Diary

This is the final part of a four-day review diary about the first MMO from developers Realtime Worlds, APB.

One of the hardest parts about reviewing an MMO is that the genre takes full advantage of being online and persistent. Because players need to log in to an updated client every time, developers can quickly and relatively easily push out new bugfixes and content with regularity. Realtime Worlds has already released one patch post-release for APB, and while I've talked about certain issues with repetitive gameplay and earning customization levels, both of those issues can be fixed with updates if the developers choose to do so.

So the final question in reviewing an MMO isn't necessarily if you should buy this game today or not. It's: Does the game offer enough promise to invest your time and attention? Future plans included, out of all the games you could spend your free time on, is APB capable of rewarding that investment with a quality experience?

Continue reading Review: APB (Day 4: Cards on the table)

JoystiqReview: APB (Day 4: Cards on the table) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 18:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinAPBcustomizationdave-joneseaea-partnersgameplaygenreissuesmmoonlinepatchespcrealtime-worldsreviewupdatesFri, 09 Jul 2010 18:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Realtime Worlds suffers layoffs and downscaling of second, unannounced project]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/realtime-worlds-suffers-layoffs-and-downscaling-of-second-unann/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/realtime-worlds-suffers-layoffs-and-downscaling-of-second-unann/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/realtime-worlds-suffers-layoffs-and-downscaling-of-second-unann/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Only one week out from the game's official release, APB development house Realtime Worlds confirmed today (via Develop) that "a small number of staff will be made redundant, and a second unnamed project will be downscaled." Oddly enough, the studio also announced that it's still hiring. Rather than commenting on specifics of the layoffs, Realtime CEO Gary Dale noted: "We now have to focus our efforts and resources on running APB as a 24 / 7 online live operations, creating new content and services for the future and ensuring the best possible experience for players."

Dale also assured that the restructuring doesn't have to do with the reception of the new MMO at retail, saying, "APB experienced a very smooth launch for an online dedicated game along with a great reception from consumers and we're immensely proud of the game the team has produced." We've followed up with RTW for more specifics, and we'd like to offer our consolences to anyone at the studio that lost their job.

JoystiqRealtime Worlds suffers layoffs and downscaling of second, unannounced project originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinAPBgary-dalelayoffspcrealtime-worldsrestructuringWed, 07 Jul 2010 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: APB (Day 1: Welcome to San Paro)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/review-apb-day-1-welcome-to-san-paro/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/review-apb-day-1-welcome-to-san-paro/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/review-apb-day-1-welcome-to-san-paro/#commentsAPB: All Points Bulletin

Review Diary

Reviewing an MMO is a famously tough thing to do. The things that make a good massively multiplayer game (a strong update schedule, a solid community, and a mechanic that supports gameplay across a wide audience) are tough to quantify in a one-shot writeup. Many outlets avoid the task completely, leaving the judgment of newly-released MMOs to their own communities. If an online game floats, it's good, goes the conventional wisdom. If it sinks, it wasn't any good anyway.

But reviewing a game can shine a harsh light on its weaknesses, put a spotlight on its best features and help bring attention to lesser-known yet still deserving titles. Despite its differences from more traditional boxed products, don't MMOs deserve the same treatment?

So, in that spirit, we're presenting a review for All Points Bulletin, the latest game and first MMO from developer Dave Jones and his Realtime Worlds. MMOs are an evolving investment in both time and money, so rather than a simple writeup, I'll have a few posts over this week to look at all of the different aspects of the game critically. Today, I'll install the game and create my character. Tomorrow, I'll talk about the actual grind and how it works. Thursday will cover the game's community and customization options, and Friday will feature APB's current state and Realtime Worlds' future plans for the title, along with final impressions and the overall review score.

Gallery: APB

Continue reading Review: APB (Day 1: Welcome to San Paro)

JoystiqReview: APB (Day 1: Welcome to San Paro) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>All-Points-BulletinAPBcharacter-creationeaea-partnersmmopcrealtime-worldsreviewtech-supportTue, 06 Jul 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[APB video preview needs more Enforcers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/apb-video-preview-needs-more-enforcers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/apb-video-preview-needs-more-enforcers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/apb-video-preview-needs-more-enforcers/#commentsThe violence in this APB video is jarring. Staff from Realtime Worlds will be talking about one of the game's features, like character customization, and then the camera cuts to a few criminals casually interacting, in order to show off the variety of character appearances. Then, one of them pulls out a machine gun and starts spraying bullets. Were the other guys just wearing the wrong colors?

Aside from the juxtaposition of design discussion and graphic violence, this preview also introduces locations found in the game and fleshes out the Enforcers vs. Criminals gameplay.

JoystiqAPB video preview needs more Enforcers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionall-points-bulletinapbmmopax-east-2010realtime-worldsvideoMon, 29 Mar 2010 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[More APB beta invites going out]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/more-apb-beta-invites-going-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/more-apb-beta-invites-going-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/more-apb-beta-invites-going-out/#commentsDid you miss out on the APB beta last year? Tipsters have begun alerting us that a new wave of invites is going out. If you still want an early look at Realtime Worlds' massively multithug online game, you should probably head over to the site and apply now. At least with the knowledge that more invites are going out, there seems to be more chance that you'd be able to get one now, right?

While you're on pins and needles about your potential beta invite, why not read this Eurogamer interview with RTW CEO David Jones? In it, he says that APB is a release during the first half of this year is "achievable" (though EA says pretty much exactly the opposite). He also describes the game's pay model as "a very unique business model because it's a unique game." He did not say what that model was.

[Thanks, Paul & Jesse!]

JoystiqMore APB beta invites going out originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapbbetadavid-jonesmmorealtime-worldsFri, 12 Mar 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[APB beta bustin' caps next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/apb-beta-bustin-caps-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/apb-beta-bustin-caps-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/apb-beta-bustin-caps-next-week/#comments If you're chomping at the bit for some virtual crime, we're here to let you know that the wait to get your fix is almost over: Realtime Worlds CEO Gary Dale confirmed (via GI.biz) that a beta for the PC version of APB is currently on the docket for next week -- a beta which Realtime Worlds began taking applications for mid-August.

If you haven't yet applied to be in the beta, you should probably get on that. Not sure if you're interested? Did you know the game is part GTA, part San Francisco Rush: Extreme Racing?

JoystiqAPB beta bustin' caps next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapbbetagary-dalerealtime-worldsThu, 01 Oct 2009 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Realtime Worlds explains shift to MMOs, says online market is 'untapped']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/realtime-worlds-explains-shift-to-mmos-says-online-market-is-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/realtime-worlds-explains-shift-to-mmos-says-online-market-is-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/realtime-worlds-explains-shift-to-mmos-says-online-market-is-u/#comments
(click to MMO-size)

Crackdown developer Realtime Worlds -- currently working on upcoming MMO All Points Bulletin -- is pretty excited about cashing in on the online market. During his keynote at the Develop conference this week, RTW exec David Jones explained his company's shift to MMO development as one with the intention of heading where "the big dollars are."

"Online ... is very, very much untapped -- it's kind of like winding the clock back 10 or 15 years," he said during the speech. Jones apparently cited Call of Duty 4 and Halo 3 as examples of games where players "invest hours" in the single-player campaign but "ten times that online" -- but isn't your game PC-only, Mr. Jones? We're not so sure, considering Jones' repeated references to "next-gen technology" throughout the keynote, 100-person servers for online play, and the recent EA partnership announcement -- though we'd be a lot more inclined to believe it if even a single MMO existed on current-gen consoles in any real capacity. When we asked RTW for comment on the possibility of APB coming to consoles, a representative told us, "There's no update on that front." Hey, we tried, right?

JoystiqRealtime Worlds explains shift to MMOs, says online market is 'untapped' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapbbusinesscall-of-duty-4crackdowndave-jonesdevelop-conferencehalo-3mmopcrealtime-worldsWed, 15 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: EJ Moreland, lead designer of APB]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/09/interview-ej-moreland-lead-designer-of-apb/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/09/interview-ej-moreland-lead-designer-of-apb/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/09/interview-ej-moreland-lead-designer-of-apb/#comments
APB was probably one of the most impressive games we didn't actually see played at E3 -- while Realtime Worlds didn't have any actual gameplay to show off, they did have a nice demo session (in a booth guarded by these two tattooed ladies -- don't worry, EJ's wife, we asked him to pose for this one) where they talked about how their persistent MMO shooter will combine emergent cops-and-robbers gameplay with an extremely impressive level of customization.

After the demo session, lead designer EJ Moreland sat down with us, and cleared up most of the wanted bounties we still had on the game: what's advancement like? How is the game using Last.fm? And just how will they balance out the ad-hoc gameplay of criminals committing crimes and enforcers catching them with the usual MMO process of character advancement? Read on for more.

Gallery: APB

Continue reading Interview: EJ Moreland, lead designer of APB

JoystiqInterview: EJ Moreland, lead designer of APB originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapbe3-2009ej-morelandinterviewmmophotosrealtime-worldssocialtattoosvideoTue, 09 Jun 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA brings APB to E3, trailer 4U2C]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/ea-brings-apb-to-e3-trailer-4u2c/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/ea-brings-apb-to-e3-trailer-4u2c/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/ea-brings-apb-to-e3-trailer-4u2c/#commentsEarlier today, EA announced its plans to bring the crime-inspired All Points Bulletin to the online masses. Planned for release on PC, the upcoming MMO action game is one part Grand Theft Auto and one part Grand Theft Auto. This trailer showcases some of the gameplay, and we see a lot of traditional over-the-shoulder shooting in an open world city environment. We can't complain, especially after the hours we've spent in GTA IV's online lobby, mindlessly shooting our friends.

JoystiqEA brings APB to E3, trailer 4U2C originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapbe3-2009eaElectronic-ArtsTue, 02 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA publishing Realtime Worlds' All Points Bulletin]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/ea-publishing-realtime-worlds-all-points-bulletin/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/ea-publishing-realtime-worlds-all-points-bulletin/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/ea-publishing-realtime-worlds-all-points-bulletin/#comments
Just announced at EA's press conference, we now know that Realtime Worlds' ambitious MMO All Points Bulletin will be backed by an equally ambitious company. Realtime Worlds founder Dave Jones took the stage to announce that EA will help the 100-player MMO reach awaiting gamers sometime next year, which is the current release window EA is listing for the game.

JoystiqEA publishing Realtime Worlds' All Points Bulletin originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapbmmopcrealtime-worldsMon, 01 Jun 2009 18:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Realtime Worlds: APB at E3, first in-game screen released]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/realtime-worlds-apb-at-e3-first-in-game-screen-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/realtime-worlds-apb-at-e3-first-in-game-screen-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/realtime-worlds-apb-at-e3-first-in-game-screen-released/#comments
(click to MMO-size)
Looks like we'll be seeing more capri pants from All Points Bulletin developer Realtime Worlds in a few short weeks, as the company announced this morning its intentions to attend E3 2009. RTW community manager Chris 'Ulrich' Dye dropped the knowledge on APB fansite APB Evolved, along with the "first in-game screenshot" of APB (seen above), saying, "Yes, we WILL be at E3 this year and this will mark the start of lots more news, activities and information coming out about APB: All Points Bulletin."

He also teases a bit of info on the game, noting that the screen provided is meant "to give you another look at the awesome character customizations that will make up a large part of APB," rather than just show you some more folks holdin' gats. Like you, we're stuck waiting for another two weeks to find out more. Thanks, Realtime Worlds!

JoystiqRealtime Worlds: APB at E3, first in-game screen released originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 May 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapbe3-2009mmopcrealtime-worldsscreenshotsTue, 19 May 2009 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Realtime Worlds teases APB appearance at E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/realtime-worlds-teases-apb-appearance-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/realtime-worlds-teases-apb-appearance-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/realtime-worlds-teases-apb-appearance-at-e3/#comments
We've been hearing rumors of Crackdown developer Realtime Worlds' appearance in the upcoming Microsoft E3 Conference for a while now, though we've heard no confirmation of All Points Bulletin's involvement in the highly anticipated, green-hued showcase. However, Eurogamer recently got an intriguing response from Realtime after inquiring about the crime-filled MMO's MicroCon debut.

Realtime Worlds boss Colin MacDonald responded to Eurogamer's query, saying, "I couldn't possibly comment at the moment," but went on to add, "if we happened to be going, I'm sure we would make it known before too much longer, and we'd certainly give Eurogamer a shout to try to meet up." Jeez, you guys. Get a room.

JoystiqRealtime Worlds teases APB appearance at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 May 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapbe3-2009eurogamerMicrosoftrealtime-worldsXbox-360Thu, 14 May 2009 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Realtime Worlds puts out an APB for job seekers at GDC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/20/realtime-worlds-puts-out-an-apb-for-job-seekers-at-gdc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/20/realtime-worlds-puts-out-an-apb-for-job-seekers-at-gdc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/20/realtime-worlds-puts-out-an-apb-for-job-seekers-at-gdc/#commentsIt may be an awful time to be searching for a job, but Crackdown developer Realtime Worlds is apparently doing just fine -- and looking to share the wealth. If you're interested, all you have to do is A) attend GDC, B) be good at some aspect of game development (obviously) and C) be willing to temporarily relocate to Scotland.

In a press release titled "Realtime Worlds Offers Lifeline in Credit Crunch," the company announced plans to look for "more than 40 additional staff" at next week's Game Developers Conference. "In contrast to many other companies and sectors at the moment, our biggest challenge is in recruiting staff of the calibre, and in the quantities we need," John Duffie, Head of PR, said in the release. "Already 25% of our workforce comes from outside the UK because we aren't able to find everyone we need here."

Contract employees from outside the UK will receive "free quality accommodation" in Scotland during their tenure, and a free return flight afterward. The new positions are for All Points Bulletin and one other unannounced project.

JoystiqRealtime Worlds puts out an APB for job seekers at GDC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapbemploymentgdc-2009realtime-worldsFri, 20 Mar 2009 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Realtime Worlds: APB's release 'not that far away']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/30/realtime-worlds-apbs-release-not-that-far-away/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/30/realtime-worlds-apbs-release-not-that-far-away/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/30/realtime-worlds-apbs-release-not-that-far-away/#commentsFiled under: ,

Been eagerly awaiting news about Realtime Worlds' console MMO All Points Bulletin ever since they showed a tech demo during GDC? Well, good news for those patiently waiting, because Realtime Worlds' studio manager Colin Macdonald has just hinted that progress is being made and that a release isn't that far off. "Things have been going really, really well" Macdonald told videogaming247, admitting that development is "still going to take a little while, but we're not talking about that far away now."

Good thing too, because we were beginning to think that APB was slipping away into the magically mystical category of vaporware. A place no game wants to be.

[Via Eurogamer]

JoystiqRealtime Worlds: APB's release 'not that far away' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jul 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapbmmorealtimerealtime-worldsWed, 30 Jul 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Realtime Worlds hires community manager, APB-eta mentioned]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/realtime-worlds-hires-community-manager-apb-eta-mentioned/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/realtime-worlds-hires-community-manager-apb-eta-mentioned/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/realtime-worlds-hires-community-manager-apb-eta-mentioned/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Realtime Worlds announced in a press release today that the company has hired a community manager, Chris "Ulric" Dye, for its MMO APB. RW's Business Development Manager Mario Rizzo says the hire signals an "important milestone" as the company moves the game into alpha and prepares for a "full public beta."

APB has popped back on radar over the last couple months since Realtime Worlds took back the distribution rights from Webzen in April and rumors surfaced the game was trying to become Grand Theft Auto Online. Here's an APB for Mr. Community Manager: Feel free to contact us when you get a chance, we'll be happy to talk about the game.

JoystiqRealtime Worlds hires community manager, APB-eta mentioned originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapbrealtime-worldsTue, 10 Jun 2008 13:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Realtime Worlds hopes APB becomes GTA Online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/rumor-realtime-worlds-hopes-apb-becomes-gta-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/rumor-realtime-worlds-hopes-apb-becomes-gta-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/rumor-realtime-worlds-hopes-apb-becomes-gta-online/#commentsFiled under: ,


As far as rumors go, this one isn't much of a surprise. A mysterious masked man told Eurogamer that developer Realtime Worlds recently bought the distribution rights to its forthcoming MMO All Points Bulletin (APB to you kids) with one specific goal in mind: "so that it could try and sell it to Rockstar as GTA Online."

Now, Realtime's motivation for the purchase can really only be parsed two ways: either it's going to go it alone or it'll partner with "someone else who may well be interested and have the infrastructure [to support it]." Though the founders of Realtime Worlds used to call Rockstar Games "home" - not to mention the instant similarities between APB and the money-printing franchise - the developer is opting to downplay the GTA Online link, only saying that it re-secured the license to give itself "some options."

Gallery: GDC08: All Points Bulletin

[Via X3F]

JoystiqRumor: Realtime Worlds hopes APB becomes GTA Online originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 May 2008 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>All-Points-BulletinAPBGTA-OnlinePCRealtime-WorldsRockstarRumorXbox-360Thu, 08 May 2008 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Realtime Worlds buys back rights to APB franchise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/realtime-worlds-buys-back-rights-to-apb-franchise/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/realtime-worlds-buys-back-rights-to-apb-franchise/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/realtime-worlds-buys-back-rights-to-apb-franchise/#commentsFiled under:

Big news comes from Realtime Worlds today with word that they are putting their recently acquired $50 million to work, acquiring the global distribution rights to their upcoming MMO All Points Bulletin.

GamesIndustry.biz is reporting that Realtime Worlds purchased the APB distribution rights back from Webzen to "ensure that gamers around the globe experience the revolutionary gameplay we envisioned when we first began creating the property." We aren't sure exactly what their global release plans entail or how much they had to put up for the rights, but we're sure they didn't come cheap. Lesson learned kids. When sleeping with Webzen and things turn sour, know that you'll have to buy your way out of the relationship. That said, you could probably apply that lesson to all relationships you encounter.

JoystiqRealtime Worlds buys back rights to APB franchise originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapbrealtime-worldswebzenMon, 21 Apr 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Realtime Worlds takes APB distribution rights from Webzen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/realtime-worlds-take-apb-distribution-rights-from-webzen/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/realtime-worlds-take-apb-distribution-rights-from-webzen/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/realtime-worlds-take-apb-distribution-rights-from-webzen/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It always seemed to us that MMO-maker Webzen had a bit too much on its plate, what with working on APB, Huxley and Soul of the Ultimate Nation year after year with no signs of any actual releases. Well, Webzen's plate got a little less full today, as developer Realtime Worlds announced it has regained the global distribution rights to APB.

Realtime Worlds' announcement follows a an intriguing demo of APB at February's Game Developer's Conference and a $50 million cash infusion for the Crackdown developer in March. As for Webzen, maybe this disquisition will finally give it the focus it needs to finish up the long-dormant Huxley.

JoystiqRealtime Worlds takes APB distribution rights from Webzen originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinAPBPS3publishingrealtime-worldsrightswebzenXbox-360Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[All Points Bulletin may make its way onto the PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/all-points-bulletin-may-make-its-way-onto-the-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/all-points-bulletin-may-make-its-way-onto-the-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/all-points-bulletin-may-make-its-way-onto-the-ps3/#commentsFiled under:

Realtime Worlds is the developer of a game called All Points Bulletin. It's okay if you haven't heard of it -- we hadn't either. Apparently it's an MMO that plays a lot like Grand Theft Auto. Sound interesting? We thought so. The possibility has been put on the table for this game to make its way to the PlayStation 3. So far, it has been confirmed for the PC and Xbox 360.

Realtime's studio manager, Colin MacDonald, clarifies the situation somewhat: "The situation is that yes, all the consoles are an option for us, and we'll be looking at them. But there's nothing decided, nothing to report at the moment I'm afraid ... Yes, we'll be looking seriously at [PS3] ... But that doesn't mean it's going ahead, and it doesn't mean it's not going ahead." We'll have to find out before the game launches in 2009. With a facelift, hopefully.

JoystiqAll Points Bulletin may make its way onto the PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Apr 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapbrealtime-worldsWed, 16 Apr 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Realtime Worlds undecided on All Points Bulletin for PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/realtime-worlds-undecided-on-all-points-bulletin-for-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/realtime-worlds-undecided-on-all-points-bulletin-for-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/realtime-worlds-undecided-on-all-points-bulletin-for-ps3/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

"The situation is that yes, all the consoles are an option for us, and we'll be looking at them, but there's nothing decided, nothing to report at the moment I'm afraid," said Realtime Worlds studio manager, Colin MacDonald. The only thing worth reporting then, as discovered by GamesIndustry.biz, is that the Crackdown developer has no concrete plans to bring its bandanna gangster MMO, All Points Bulletin ("APB" as it's known on the streets), to Sony's black behemoth.

It seems there was some jumping to incorrect conclusions after an article in the Scotsman suggested Realtime Worlds was looking to adapt APB "for games consoles such as XBox and PlayStation in the future." That's only partially true, as the game is currently bound for PC and Xbox 360. Still, there's loads of time between now and 2009, and plenty of ways to spend $50 million in funding.

Gallery: GDC08: All Points Bulletin

JoystiqRealtime Worlds undecided on All Points Bulletin for PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>All-Points-BulletinAPBMMOPCRealtime-WorldsRealtimeWorldsXbox-360Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[APB demonstration shows 'Cops and Robbers' gameplay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/24/apb-demonstration-shows-cops-and-robbers-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/24/apb-demonstration-shows-cops-and-robbers-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/24/apb-demonstration-shows-cops-and-robbers-gameplay/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Sure, these past few days have seen a number of megaton announcements come from the Game Developers Conference, but nothing tickled our collective fancy quite like Realtime Worlds' Crackdown-turned-MMO, All Points Bulletin. The above trailer more than justifies our infatuation -- with Ronin-esque car chases instead of corpse runs, and assault rifles in lieu of broadswords, there may be no country for old MMOs once APB hits the unsuspecting online gaming market.

JoystiqAPB demonstration shows 'Cops and Robbers' gameplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinallpointsbulletinapbmmopcrealtime-worldsrealtimeworldsXbox-360xbox360Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC08: Realtime Worlds' MMO darling, All Points Bulletin]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-realtime-worlds-mmo-darling-all-points-bulletin/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-realtime-worlds-mmo-darling-all-points-bulletin/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-realtime-worlds-mmo-darling-all-points-bulletin/#commentsFiled under: ,


Realtime Worlds and Webzen dropped an MMO bombshell today during their "My first MMO" GDC panel, officially revealing (for the first time) All Points Bulletin. And it's impressive.

APB is a cops and robbers, Crackdown / GTAIV hybrid, open world MMO that'll do away with the tediousness (or the "grind") that traditional RPG based MMOs are known for, focusing more on the community and the world. Customization will be key, as every player will be able to completely makeover their in-game character, changing things from hairstyle to eye color to whether or not a tshirt is tucked in. That same level of customization lends itself to vehicles as well. Realtime Worlds also revealed that APB will not have a leveling up system, instead players will be rewarded by gaining more and more character customization options. Realtime then showed off a quick pursuit demo where a group of cops had to band together to take apprehend some TV stealing thugs. The placeholder graphics aren't great, but we get the idea and yes ... it's delicious. Make the jump to read Joystiq's APB impressions and learn why APB is where you'll wanna be.

[Thanks, xenocidic]

JoystiqGDC08: Realtime Worlds' MMO darling, All Points Bulletin originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapbgdc08mmorealtime-worldswebzenFri, 22 Feb 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC08: Realtime Worlds shows off All Points Bulletin]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-realtime-worlds-shows-off-all-points-bulletin/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-realtime-worlds-shows-off-all-points-bulletin/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-realtime-worlds-shows-off-all-points-bulletin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

What word is perhaps most synonymous with the current MMO playing field? Grind. Realtime Worlds' Dave Jones (no relation?) is setting out to change that with the studio's first massively multiplayer title All Points Bulletin we caught wind of back in September. He's hoping the formula Crackdown + MMO = crack will be proven true with variables like infinite, professional-looking character and vehicle customization, contemporary setting, integration with last.fm and dynamic, variable team-sized missions hidden in the equation.

In today's innocuously-titled "My first MMO" panel at GDC, Jones revealed a number of details about those variables and showed off some gameplay and character customization demos that left a packed house audibly oohing and ahhing. Read on for a breakdown of the session and details on the game.

Gallery: GDC08: All Points Bulletin

Continue reading GDC08: Realtime Worlds shows off All Points Bulletin

JoystiqGDC08: Realtime Worlds shows off All Points Bulletin originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinAPBdave-jonesGDCMMOMMOsPCrealtime-worldsUGCuser-generated-contentXbox-360Fri, 22 Feb 2008 09:30:00 EST