Joystiq

PSA: APB Reloaded now in open beta

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 23 May 2011 23:05:00 EST

Apparently it's the time of year when once-dead MMOs rise from the grave. Hot on the heels of closed beta tickets going out for Hellgate, the open beta for APB: Reloaded is now, erm, open. The beta includes several new features first introduced in the closed beta, namely a new skill rating system, reworked "witnessing" mechanics and some new items.

As previously announced, the beta is being hosted by GamersFirst. Those wishing to participate will need to create a (free) GamersFirst account and use its software to download and install the beta.

Continue reading PSA: APB Reloaded now in open beta

PSA: APB Reloaded now in open beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 May 2011 23:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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David Jones joins APB Reloaded in 'advisory role'

Mike Schramm — Sat, 14 May 2011 03:00:00 EST

You know what they say: If at first you don't succeed, join the team doing the remake. Veteran game developer David Jones, responsible for classics like Lemmings, Grand Theft Auto and Crackdown, made an MMO called APB a little while back that eventually closed up shop in record time. Then, a company called GamersFirst bought the rights to APB, and made plans to redevelop it as APB Reloaded. Now, that same David Jones has joined the free-to-play remake in "an advisory role."

Really? GamersFirst says it's excited to have Jones around to "share his vast game design experience during critical design stages of the ongoing development of APB Reloaded." That sounds good, we guess. Everybody deserves a second chance, right?

David Jones joins APB Reloaded in 'advisory role' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 May 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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APB Reloaded accepting some players in advance of May 18 open beta

JC Fletcher — Wed, 04 May 2011 00:00:00 EST

Though the original launch of APB could be considered an extremely costly beta for the free-to-play APB Reloaded, GamersFirst is still working out the details of the new version, starting with a closed beta that began back in February.

If you're ready to try the cops-and-robbers MMO again for the first time, GamersFirst is hosting an open beta starting May 18. You might actually play before that, as the company is beginning to let new players in now -- to "slowly turn up 'the heat' on our servers before going fully 'open,'" as GamersFirst's Bjorn Book-Larsson described it.

You'll need to be 17 (18 outside of the US), have a GamersFirst account, and then sign up online using the same email address. Good luck to those of you trying to get in, and those of you trying to maintain the servers!

APB Reloaded accepting some players in advance of May 18 open beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 May 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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APB Reloaded developer opening studio in Scotland

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 00:10:00 EST

We know that events in the video gaming industry are cyclical, but we never expected them to cycle quite this fast. Dundee, Scotland-based developer Realtime Worlds developed APB before being shut down last year. The IP was then picked up by developer GamersFirst, who is now opening a new studio in Edinburgh, Scotland under the moniker Reloaded Productions.

The new studio will import the staff that's currently working to rebuild the interrupted online FPS, and will also open up 22 additional positions for folks who live in the area. Perhaps some Realtime Worlds staffers who haven't quite gotten back on their feet yet could land in these new openings! Not only would that add to the cyclical nature of the project, but it would also be a great example of human resource recycling. Go green, Reloaded Productions!

APB Reloaded developer opening studio in Scotland originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Mar 2011 00:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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APB Reloaded beta gets over 100K registrations

Mike Schramm — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:00:00 EST

GamersFirst says that more than 100,000 people have registered to play in the APB Reloaded beta, the reboot of the ill-fated Realtime Worlds MMO crime shooter from last year. That's not bad at all -- at its height, APB was hosting 130,000 registered users, and that was after its release and the press that came along with it. Of course, those 130K weren't able to keep the game or the studio afloat, but with nearly as many players eager for the beta as played the original game, it looks like there's some solid interest in the title returning.

Of course, GamersFirst's version of the game will be free-to-play, and those games tend to out-populate their paid competition by leaps and bounds. Reloaded Productions, which is running the game for GamersFirst, says the beta registrations "far exceed the number of people [we] actually expected or even needed for the first Closed Beta," but says that only about half of the registrations will actually get into the beta, which will start at the end of this month.

APB Reloaded beta gets over 100K registrations originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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APB Reloaded closed beta to start in February

Mike Schramm — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 19:30:00 EST

The official Twitter account for APB Reloaded, the free-to-play relaunch of the troubled MMO shooter by GamersFirst, says that the closed beta of the new version will begin as soon as next month. Information will reportedly be sent out to interested parties (presumably including former APB players, though you can sign up on the official site as well) this week. Then, in February, closed beta servers will come back online as the game gets its second chance to succeed.

GamersFirst told Joystiq recently that its first priority is to "get the game up and live again" and then drop an unreleased patch, open up some of the zones originally locked to free players and, finally, institute microtransaction plans and offerings like premium accounts. The company also plans to target new markets with the game, specifically Brazil and South America. Here's hoping the second go-round turns out better than the first one did.

APB Reloaded closed beta to start in February originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

David Hinkle — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 15:01:00 EST

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

APB: 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.

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

David Hinkle — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 09:30:00 EST

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

APB 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.

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Josh Howard talks morale issues during APB development

David Hinkle — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 17:40:00 EST

Josh Howard spoke at the IGDA Leadership Forum last week, specifically about how to keep a team motivated throughout the dev cycle. However, on the minds of almost everyone attending was the closure of Realtime Worlds and APB: All Points Bulletin -- which has since apparently been purchased -- a game that the introduction to Howard's speech called an "ambitious" title.

"Ambitious is a polite way of putting it," said Howard, who served as executive producer on the ill-fated MMO. "If something fails, it's ambitious. If something succeeds, it's just a big hit." But, as he strayed away from APB: All Points Bulletin and got to the meat and potatoes of his chat -- a discussion on leadership solutions for development managers -- Howard did eventually come back to the MMO to talk a bit about how he felt the morale of the team was negatively affected over the course of development.

Continue reading Josh Howard talks morale issues during APB development

Josh Howard talks morale issues during APB development originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Nov 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: APB rights bought by K2 Network

Justin McElroy — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 10:30:00 EST

It seems the dead-on-the-vine action-MMO APB may get a second shot at life thanks to K2 Network, which just purchased the property for just over $2.4 million, according to GamesIndustry.biz sources. Those same sources say the game may be up and shooting again by year's end.

If you're unfamiliar with K2, the publisher makes a habit of taking in stray US and international MMOs with no place else to go. When Acclaim went belly up, for example, K2 picked up 9Dragons and carefully nursed it back to health. What we're saying, basically, is that K2 is the crazy cat lady of publishers.

Here's hoping they can do something for APB which was scarcely out of kittenhood before it was left in a cardboard box on the side of the road.

Report: APB rights bought by K2 Network originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Nov 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Realtime Worlds community manager details dev's final days

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 22:20:00 EST

Eurogamer's piece on Realtime Worlds' collapse is an interesting read for anyone curious about the final weeks of the developer. The studio collapsed in September, shortly after launching APB, a Grand Theft Auto-esque MMO that ran out of gas after 86 days.

Almost the whole piece is told through the words of Realtime Worlds' Community Officer Ben Bateman. His story is relentlessly optimistic about the state of the studio and the development of APB, especially so during the portion where he tells of QA's warnings and complaints from APB beta testers being acknowledged, but ultimately ignored.

Acknowledgment of reality doesn't set in until after APB launches and the hard subscription figures showed the game wasn't going to make it. Then come the painful details of how layoffs went down and how the studio eventually shut down. Give it a read for the human interest angle on a sad business tale.

Realtime Worlds community manager details dev's final days originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 22:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Realtime Worlds director Dave Jones not joining Epic

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 11:15:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

It was rumored yesterday that Realtime Worlds creative director Dave Jones was moving to the United States in order to join Epic Games. Jones has since contacted Develop, informing the site that the initial report seen in the Herald Scotland was incorrect. Commenting directly on the Develop story, Jones said, "I'm still in Dundee and not in any way joining Epic. No idea where that rumour came from."

Before founding Realtime Worlds and developing both Crackdown and the recently closed APB, Jones contributed to several well-known titles, including the original Grand Theft Auto and Lemmings.

[Image credit: Jon Jordan]

Realtime Worlds director Dave Jones not joining Epic originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Ex-Realtime Worlds head Dave Jones joining Epic [update: Jones not joining Epic]

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST

Update: Dave Jones has informed Develop that he is not joining Epic and has no plans to leave Scotland at this time.

The fallout from the closure of APB and developer Realtime Worlds continues this week, with the Herald Scotland reporting that creative director Dave Jones may be joining Epic Games. The report notes that Jones is "linked with a senior post" at Epic and adds that he is "known to be a close friend" of Mark Rein. If true, the report lends credence to recent rumors that Epic is interested in acquiring the rights to APB. (We've contacted Epic for comment and will update this story with any new information.)

Meanwhile, former Realtime artist Tahir Rashid tells the Herald Scotland that 70 percent of the Realtime staff has yet to receive redundancy payments.

Rumor: Ex-Realtime Worlds head Dave Jones joining Epic [update: Jones not joining Epic] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Some APB players receiving compensation, but denied refund

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

The short, brutal life of APB (and developer Realtime Words) recently ended, with consumers seemingly unable to reclaim whatever investment they put into the MMO. However, despite not receiving refunds, consumers are reportedly obtaining compensation in other ways.

Gamasutra and Dtoid both report that players have been offered a discount or free game after contacting EA's support line. According to the administrators behind Realtime Worlds' bankruptcy, consumers should contact the retailers from which they purchased the game in order to pursue "entitlement to any refund."

Report: Some APB players receiving compensation, but denied refund originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Sep 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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APB artist launches Montynero game art company

James Ransom-Wiley — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 20:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

APB lead character artist Jimmy O'Ready is moving on -- but not far -- from former employer Realtime Worlds, which hastily collapsed earlier this month. O'Ready will remain in Dundee, Scotland, where he has launched Montynero, made up of two art studios: Montynero Characters and Montynero Concept Art.

"The character art for APB was praised by the industry, thanks to a strong team effort over many years," O'Ready told GamesIndustry.biz. "For my part, I'm interested in basing this company in Dundee, which is a great city full of talent, and collaborating on the next generation of game art with companies across the globe."

Previously, O'Ready worked at EA on the SSX and Need For Speed franchises.

APB artist launches Montynero game art company originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Final Realtime Worlds employees let go, US branch also shutting down

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Though reports last week seemed to indicate that a buyer would swoop in at the last second and save the faltering APB developer Realtime Worlds, the studio has revealed that its remaining 50 employees have been terminated. Sixteen temporary positions are still active to finish shutting down the Dundee studio. The company's US branch, based out of Boulder, Colo., is facing a similar fate, letting go of 33 of its staff, leaving behind a skeleton crew to bring the branch to a close. A Realtime spokesperson told Develop that the studio is "now likely to apply for Chapter 7 Protection."

Begbies Traynor, the firm responsible for the company's administration, is also under fire from a handful of sources both internal and otherwise. Develop reports that a number of ex-Realtime employees claim they've been denied their redundancy pay -- a claim which a Begbies Traynor spokesperson responded to by saying, "redundancy payment will be made in accordance with current UK legislation."

Continue reading Final Realtime Worlds employees let go, US branch also shutting down

Final Realtime Worlds employees let go, US branch also shutting down originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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APB comes to a 'premature end'

David Hinkle — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 12:10:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Realtime Worlds community officer Ben Bateman just popped on the APB official forums to present this sad bit of news: The game is shutting down for good. In his statement, Bateman says, "APB has been a fantastic journey, but unfortunately that journey has come to a premature end."

Apparently the servers are still up for the time being, so if you've got the game, you're encouraged to hop in and pour one out for Realtime Worlds' gangsta-sim. We've just got one question: what happens to all of those "Realtime Points" consumers have purchased with their real-world money?

APB comes to a 'premature end' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Realtime Worlds on the verge of buyout

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 22:40:00 EST

Bankrupt studio Realtime Worlds may have found a buyer. Develop reports that the firm in charge of Realtime's administration proceedings is in talks with a prospective purchaser, with proceedings to be complete by the end of next week unless something goes really wrong. The buyer would become the owner of the Dundee studio, a US office and the APB IP. The bundle will not include Realtime Worlds' Project MyWorld, which was recently sold to an "anonymous American company."

No word yet if the buyer receives APB's human avatar as part of the deal.

Report: Realtime Worlds on the verge of buyout originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 22:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Develop: US firm acquires Realtime Worlds' Project MyWorld

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:30:00 EST

Develop reports that bankrupt studio Realtime Worlds has seen its Project MyWorld IP bought up by an "anonymous American company." It's currently unclear what this means for the 23 developers who were working on the project at the studio's location in Dundee, Scotland. One of the more optimistic scenarios is that the American outfit will create a satellite studio nearby and hire the current staff to finish the (allegedly almost done) project.

This means that Realtime's APB IP, which at last count had about 130,000 players, is still up for grabs from Begbies Traynor, the company handling the bankruptcy. Okay, Begbies, we've got $5 and some moist gummi bears in our pocket -- what do you say?

Develop: US firm acquires Realtime Worlds' Project MyWorld originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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APB has 130K registered players, high average playtime and revenue per user

Mike Schramm — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Realtime Worlds as a company has been suffering from all kinds of problems lately, but how's the game doing? With a very short press release, the company (currently "in administration," which is the British version of bankruptcy) has announced that APB is hosting 130,000 registered players. That's actually not too bad for a brand new MMO -- while real population numbers are often hard to come by, the most recent estimates would have the game beating Star Trek Online's current active base. And STO has actually done pretty well, considering how tough it is to start up a new MMO.

Realtime Worlds still isn't home and dry, though. At 130K players, APB is just barely doing better than Tabula Rasa at its peak, and we all know how well that turned out. And APB's model means player registrations isn't necessarily a sign of good health. While the press release claims that the average player is playing four hours a day and the average paying player is spending $28 a month, APB's unlimited free social hours and the ability to "spend" in-game points rather than real money could be twisting those figures upwards a bit. Our colleagues at Massively also point out that while Star Trek Online was created relatively cheaply, APB's creation was reportedly much messier and more costly.

Still, with a dark cloud over the rest of Realtime Worlds' affairs, they might as well grab a silver lining where they can. If the company survives this launch, APB could have enough of a player base to make itself profitable.

Continue reading APB has 130K registered players, high average playtime and revenue per user

APB has 130K registered players, high average playtime and revenue per user originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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European developers rally to help ex-Realtime Worlds employees

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

It's when things seem at their darkest when the true light and goodness of humanity can really shine through ... or something like that. Following APB developer Realtime Worlds' decision to go into administration -- and the 75 percent staff cut the studio was forced to undergo -- fellow game developers Codemasters, The Creative Assembly, Blitz Games Studios, Activision and Sony Europe have announced recruitment events in the coming weeks to help the displaced staff get back on its feet.

There should be plenty of openings to go around for the 185 unemployed artists, writers and programmers -- Codemasters alone is reportedly looking for 150 new hires to fill its UK studios and The Creative Assembly is staffing up to work on an "unannounced AAA title" for Sega. Not to be outdone, Activision's also making a huge hiring push -- though these unfortunate souls will be relegated to the dance cages located in the foyer of Bobby Kotick's Miami-based "party palace." (Fine, we made that last part up. Please don't sue us.)

European developers rally to help ex-Realtime Worlds employees originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Realtime Worlds courting multiple buyers, staff reduced by 75%

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

As Realtime Worlds enters administration (read: dire straits), the ailing APB developer is reaching out to potential buyers "in both the UK and US," according to statements made by the company's administration consultant Begbies Traynor Group. "We are actively pursuing all these expressions of interest," Begbies Traynor joint administrator Paul Dounis told Edge.

He also put a finer point on the staff count at the Dundee, Scotland and Boulder, Colorado offices, pinning the remaining employee number at just 67 in total out of an original 252 -- an approximately 75 percent reduction in staff. The studio apparently owes around £3 million ($4.6 million) to debtors in the UK. Dounis also pointed out that "The game [APB] will continue and that is something we want all customers to be aware of." Meanwhile, no one has mentioned what happened to that poor "Human Avatar" fella. He could be anywhere.

Realtime Worlds courting multiple buyers, staff reduced by 75% originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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APB developer Realtime Worlds entering administration

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Things weren't looking great for APB and Crackdown developer Realtime Worlds last week, as the company underwent some layoffs in the "Art, Audio, Coding, Design, Production, and QA departments." According to GamesIndustry, things didn't improve over the weekend: Realtime Worlds is reportedly entering administration, a status somewhat similar to a U.S. company's decision to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The Scottish developer has named the Begbies Traynor Group as its administrator -- a third-party who attempts to rescue an insolvent company while still acting in the interests of its creditors. Much like with bankruptcy, this move isn't exactly a nail in the developer's coffin, but it could mean some radical reorganization is right around the corner.

APB developer Realtime Worlds entering administration originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Realtime Worlds lays off MyWorld team, reduces APB team size

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:40:00 EST

APB developer Realtime Worlds may be laying off the entire Project: MyWorld team, according to reports from VG247 and Develop, with sources also alleging the dissolution of RTW entirely. One source apparently told VG247 that "The MyWorld team has been completely laid off. As many as 60 may have gone, but there's a rumor they may be trying to sell the team as a smaller entity." VG247 also alleges that "the Scottish developer is seeking to sell on APB entirely."

In early July, RTW announced forthcoming "redundancies" at its Dundee studio, specifically referencing a "second, unannounced project" -- now known to be Project: MyWorld. In a statement offered to Joystiq this morning, RTW echoed that earlier announcement: "Further to the press release issued on the 7th July announcing the post-launch restructure for APB and expected redundancies, the 30-day consultation period with the affected staff has ended. The supporting infrastructure for a game inevitably changes once released, and those staff that couldn't be redeployed to new projects in the Art, Audio, Coding, Design, Production, and QA departments have regrettably been made redundant. APB continues to be our primary development focus, and we remain fully committed to the game and its players." No specific numbers were given.

Realtime Worlds refused to comment on rumors of a full-studio closure or the possibility of APB being sold off. If you're an employee of RTW with more information, we'd love to hear from you.

Rumor: Realtime Worlds lays off MyWorld team, reduces APB team size originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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APB turns handsome gentleman into human avatar

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 06:05:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

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.

APB 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.

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Upcoming APB updates and changes outlined

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Though Realtime Worlds' pseudo-MMO crime sim APB is still relatively hot off the presses, it doesn't look like the developer plans on letting the title languish. The game's official site was recently updated with a blog post outlining the studio's post-launch plans for the title -- a laundry list which includes lofty objectives such as enacting stronger countermeasures against cheaters and campers, and improving the handling of the game's guns and automobiles.

Check out APB's blog to see all the changes Realtime Worlds hopes to implement. We'd personally like to see the addition of a third faction: Bystanders. Think about it! You wouldn't do any actual fighting, but rather, would have to conduct your mundane day-to-day business while avoiding everyone else's scuffles. Also, you can't make any of your own clothes. You shop at the Gap, just like all the other Bystanders.

Upcoming APB updates and changes outlined originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Mike Schramm — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 18:46:00 EST

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)

Review: 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.

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Review: APB (Day 3: Choose your illusion)

Mike Schramm — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST

Review Diary

This is part three of our four-part APB review. Today: Customization and clans in the game's Social District.

Yesterday, I examined APB's core gameplay, and while I found it lacking, I hoped it could at least in part be made up for by the incredibly detailed customization system. With a series of in-game editors and marketplaces, you can personalize every aspect of your character, from what you wear and carry, to custom-designed vehicles and even hand-crafted signature killing tunes.

I spent about one-quarter of my game time hanging out in APB's Social District (a non-combat, free-to-play section of the game), trying to create some new clothing, shop the game's marketplace, and build some colorful wheels. Unfortunately, while APB's editors allow for a lot of creativity, Realtime Worlds hasn't implemented many ways to reward it.

Continue reading Review: APB (Day 3: Choose your illusion)

Review: APB (Day 3: Choose your illusion) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: APB (Day 2: Enforcers, get enforcin')

Mike Schramm — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST

Review Diary

This is part two of a four-part review of Realtime Worlds' new MMO APB. Yesterday, I talked about installing the game and creating a character. Today: the grind.

Life in San Paro is pretty simple. Rob as a Criminal, or stop Criminals as an Enforcer. I chose to be an Enforcer, and after a short tutorial level, fell into the standard MMO grind -- go here, pick this up, go there, rinse and repeat. Unlike most MMOs, APB plays like a shooter -- there's a reticule, and you've got to line it up on your target to get anything done. But its "missions" are definitely MMO fare -- they're standard, multi-step and pretty interchangeable: hold this point, deliver this item, steal this car.

But here's how APB sets itself apart: while you play the game, you're constantly being offered missions and being grouped with people on the same job, but the other side is getting offers too. When they're paired up in the same mission you are, an APB goes out, sirens flash on the screen, and then it's on, one faction against another.

Gallery: APB

Continue reading Review: APB (Day 2: Enforcers, get enforcin')

Review: APB (Day 2: Enforcers, get enforcin') originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Realtime Worlds suffers layoffs and downscaling of second, unannounced project

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:40:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

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.

Realtime 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.

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

Mike Schramm — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 19:30:00 EST

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)

Review: 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.

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Console APB still in question, Realtime Worlds explains

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

There was a time when Realtime Words' APB was planned for consoles, but as it fights for survival on PC retail and virtual shelves, it appears it still hasn't found the right publishing partner for a console version. Realtime Worlds Creative Director Dave Jones tells Eurogamer that a console version won't happen until it finds a publishing partner and works out several other logistics, including pricing and "running dedicated servers for console" MMOs.

Jones mentions the company is going to remain "heavily focused on building upon" the PC version of APB. He also notes that a console version would require a redesign and that the studio's "immediate concern" is getting "new content out, updating the game and talking about what's coming next."

Gallery: APB

Console APB still in question, Realtime Worlds explains originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Jul 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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APB in-game voice chat will be ad-supported

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

"Calling all Cars! Calling all Cars! Robbery in progress at the Old National Bank on 3rd and Vine. Three suspects, armed and extremely dangerous. Hostages taken. Please respond. Also, why not stop by Burger King for an order of juicy, fall-off-the-bone short ribs, available for a limited time this Summer. Ribs are filling and and extremely delicious, and go great with an order of Burger King's beloved fresh french fries. Repeat, delicious with fresh french fries."

An APB beta participant recently noticed a "VOIP Premium" option in his account management page, which promises to keep ads off of the in-game chat program in exchange for real-life monies. Developer Realtime Worlds was quick to clarify the terms of these ads -- they'll only play when traveling between Districts, and only if the player hasn't heard an advertisement in the last three hours. Sadly, surreal broadcasts like the one presented in the above paragraph will never come to fruition.

APB in-game voice chat will be ad-supported originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Jun 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Interview: APB Producer Jesse Knapp

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST

Between the recent "Keys to the City" open beta promotion and the impending launch of its online cops-and-robbers sim APB, Scottish developer Realtime Worlds is having one heck of a month. We got a chance to address a handful of our burning, pre-launch questions to the game's producer, Jesse Knapp, after trying our hand at the Criminal side of the game. Shortly after the interview, we stole Knapp's wallet, watch and car keys, because, well, we were in the mood.

Gallery: APB

Continue reading Interview: APB Producer Jesse Knapp

Interview: APB Producer Jesse Knapp originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Preview: APB / All Points Bulletin

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 19:20:00 EST

Any time a developer decides to charge a fee to let players access their game's online offerings, they're electing to enter into one of the most competitive fields in the video game industry. Subscription fees are a limited resource among consumers, much more so than basic retail expenses. In order to pull down a significant portion of this resource, their games have to evolve in new and interesting ways.

APB is full of little, awesome things that aren't present in any other offering in the industry -- online or otherwise. Many of these are small features which only serve to add more social functionality to the core game. However, the relationship between the Criminal and Enforcer factions which the online multiplayer is built around is one of the most clever innovations visited on the online action genre in quite some time.

Gallery: APB

Continue reading Preview: APB / All Points Bulletin

Preview: APB / All Points Bulletin originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: APB not coming to Australia due to lack of local servers

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Though potential cops and criminals living in the U.S. will get their paws on Realtime Worlds' APB on June 29, our Down Under cohorts may not be able to join in our online crime sprees. Kotaku reports that Realtime Worlds has no plans to host local servers in Australia, which are necessary to make the twitchy action-MMO playable. EA, which will serve as worldwide distributor for the game, reportedly confirmed to Kotaku that the game won't be released in Australia for this very reason.

We've contacted EA for first-hand confirmation of this report. If it's true, we plan on contacting our spiritual advisers to inquire why bad things keep happening to good countries.

Report: APB not coming to Australia due to lack of local servers originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Be on the lookout for APB June 29

JC Fletcher — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 10:56:00 EST

Attention, all units: EA will release Realtime Worlds' cops-and-robbers MMO APB on PC in North America on June 29, in mainland Europe on July 1 and in the UK on July 2.

The initial $50 game purchase, either through retail or by download, will include 50 hours of playtime, as well as "unlimited time" in APB's so-called social districts, where players can customize, chat and trade. When the 50 hours are up, players have the option to purchase 20 more hours for $7, 30 days of unlimited access for $10, or discounted 90- or 180-day passes. In addition, extra playtime can be earned through certain unspecified accomplishments, according to EA: "APB provides avenues for accomplished gamers or creators to earn rewards for their creativity and subsidize their ongoing costs with their in-game efforts."

Pre-order incentives, which are currently offered by APB.com, include access to the demo and early access to the full game, plus an assortment of bonus cars, clothing and character Emotes, some of which can be seen in the gallery below.

Gallery: APB pre-order incentives and box art

Be on the lookout for APB June 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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APB video preview needs more Enforcers

JC Fletcher — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 10:29:00 EST

The 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.

APB 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.

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GDC Impressions: APB

Randy Nelson — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:58:00 EST

Last week, Realtime Worlds MMO APB featured prominently during an in-booth press conference held at GDC. The game was playable (though, sadly, not by me), and the audience was treated to a live demo lead by the developer's founder, ex-DMA and Grand Theft Auto co-creator, David Jones.

Using two separate PCs hooked up to their own projection setups, Jones and another Realtime Worlds staffer hopped onto one of the game's servers and began by giving a tour of one of three main areas, the Social District. As its name implies, this area -- which reminded me more than a little of PlayStation Home -- is where players can meet up, trade or sell their items, build custom music in the game's built-in sequencer and buy a new set of wheels (or upgrade their current rides). When talking about the latter, Jones showed the vehicle customization tool, which featured not only cosmetic mods (custom designs can be sold to other players) but performance and aerodynamic tinkering, as well.

Before heading out onto the mean streets, Jones pointed out a couple other unique features of the Social District: Statues and display points. The former are generated by the game as effigies of its top players on an ongoing basis, while the latter are spots that can be "rented" in order to publicly display players' cars that are up for sale or auction.

Gallery: APB

Continue reading GDC Impressions: APB

GDC Impressions: APB originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More APB beta invites going out

JC Fletcher — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:30:00 EST

Did 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!]

More 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.

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