Realtime-Worlds
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Realtime Worlds restructuring to provide "total support" for APB
APB's Dave Jones said he expected mediocre reviews from the media immediately after launch. Be that as it may, the Realtime Worlds team obviously feels that the game is a success, according to today's press release. The press release announced that the APB staff will increase, and Realtime Worlds will actually be pulling resources from an unnamed second project as well in order to give full support to APB. This will mean 24/7 live support, more content updates, and generally a more active future for the game. CEO Gary Dale explained that the decision is a reflection of the game's successful launch and Realtime's expectation of continued success in the future: "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 now have to focus our efforts and resources on running APB as a 24/7 online live operation, creating new content and services for the future and ensuring the best possible experience for the players." Check out the press release for all the details.
Realtime Worlds suffers layoffs and downscaling of second, unannounced project
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.
Review: APB (Day 1: Welcome to San Paro)
Review Diary Day 1: Welcome to San Paro Day 2: Enforcers, get enforcin' Day 3: Choose your illusion Day 4: Cards on the table 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-65497%
APB's Human Avatar brings character customization to real life
If you've played APB at all, you know that one of its standout features is the character customization. You could easily treat character customization as a game in itself. The only thing that would make it more fun is if you could do it in real life, right? Okay, you probably weren't thinking that, but the Realtime Worlds team is, and they're going to make it happen with your help. The Human Avatar is a three-week-long project that begins with players voting on the real-life subject, then continuing the process by voting on his customization: hair, piercings, clothing, even tattoos. You'll watch the event happen through photo and video updates, and at the end, the subject will be recreated in APB. it's an interesting concept and will certainly merit watching in the coming weeks. Check out all the details -- and get a first look at the candidates for customization -- at the Human Avatar site.
APB needs partner to make console version, but willing
The idea of console MMOs is nothing new. After all, EverQuest Online Adventures, Final Fantasy XI, and the Phantasy Star titles have managed to successfully publish on consoles. With that said, it seems as if there's been a trend with recent MMOs to say they were going to console like Age of Conan and Champions Online, only to change their minds later. That's why we weren't surprised to see that David Jones, Creative Director of Realtime Worlds, sat down with Eurogamer and discussed the potential of a console port for his company's recent release, All Points Bulletin. What we did find interesting was that, despite knowledge of consoles from working on the first two Grand Theft Auto titles and Realtime Worlds being partnered with EA for distribution, there has been no discussion between the two companies regarding porting All Points Bulletin to consoles. Jones notes that the team at Realtime Worlds will remain focused on working on the PC version, as opposed to shifting into trying to build a console version, or trying to "shop around" for a partner. That said, he certainly sounds willing to discuss a deal if the right distribution partner for consoles were willing to contact them. Be sure to pop over to Eurogamer if you're wondering what else Jones may have in mind for All Points Bulletin.
Console APB still in question, Realtime Worlds explains
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-65497%
APB's Dave Jones expected mediocre reviews
Realtime Worlds' Dave Jones may have created something of a self-fulfilling prophecy when he predicted that game reviewers would be less than kind to All Points Bulletin. The recently released MMOFPS hasn't exactly torn up the scoring charts on the major review sites since its debut last month. "It's always hard when you create something new as it requires a natural learning curve. Also because APB is online multiplayer focused, it's best played as intended, with 60 to 100 people in the city with you. For these same reasons I expect the reviews to be mixed," Jones told CVG. While Massively has a long-standing policy against reviewing MMORPGs, you can read our first impressions to get a general feel for the game's open beta as well as its long-term potential.
Anti-Aliased: When playing a bad game is just so good
This week's Anti-Aliased is great for two reasons. One, it's the antithesis to last week's topic, and two, it's completely relevant to this week's events. In short, it's about All Points Bulletin. Did I just call APB a bad game after spamming screenshots from it, hosting an event in it, and offering people what basically amounts to free DLC for their game? Yes, yes I did. Does that make me a complete hypocrite? Well, yes and no. You see, I'm having conflicting beliefs over this game. The reviewer in me wants to punt it over the Seattle Space Needle, but the gamer in me wants to sit down and play the hell out of it some more. Look, this all makes sense, ok? Just come with me after the break (yes, I'm luring you with my double-sided, purposefully vague statements) and we'll get this all settled out.
Secure the streets of APB with Massively, win our in-game "Bandwagon Van" and t-shirts!
San Paro is a tough place. It's infested with crime, and we need your help to clean it up! (Or, at the very least, cause some havoc in the name of justice.) That's right everyone, we're organizing an in-game play session to celebrate the launch of APB! Tomorrow night (Thursday, to be exact) you can join us in-game and help us take on the criminals of San Paro as an Enforcer. Or, if you don't wish to do some good for the city, you can attempt to work against us as Criminals. The choice is entirely up to you! Plus, we have lots of goodies to give away, including in-game Massively.com t-shirts for you guys to wear and a chance to win the Massively.com "Bandwagon," an in-game soccer-mom van with some kick. Need details? Follow along after the break for all the juicy information.
APB launch day roundup
It's been nearly three years since we first heard about All Points Bulletin. In MMO-developement-years, that's not long at all, but there's no arguing that this day has been a long time coming. Launch day is here, and the Massively staff has been following the game through its various development stages -- as anxious to get our hands on the finished product as you are. Want a quick trip down memory lane? Follow along after the jump for some of the highlights of our coverage of APB.
APB offers some short videos on customization
When it comes to an urban crime MMO, customization may not seem like it would necessarily be the most important aspect. However, in Realtime Worlds' upcoming urban MMO, All Points Bulletin, the team designing the game obviously felt that customization should be a huge part of the experience. Aside from having an incredibly powerful character creator that allows you to control aspects you don't normally see (like ear size), they also offer players ways to customize clothing and cars, design graffiti, and create personalized music. We figure their thinking was that this level of customization would help to create a more realistic, immersive world. After all, with this many options, there should be much less of a chance for players to look anything like each other -- a sharp contrast to the cookie-cutter appearances created by raid gear sets in other MMOs. Besides, if you're going to be in a gang, the idea of splashing your tag all over the place -- or alternatively, creating a sign warning the gangs you're coming to get them -- seems like it would be a no-brainer thing to have in an urban game. For those interested in seeing more details about the levels of customization available in All Points Bulletin, you can find all the shiny new videos bundled up behind the break for your ocular gratification.
APB in-game voice chat will be ad-supported
"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.
New video takes you to San Paro for a closer look at APB
This morning marks the official headstart for those All Points Bulletin players who pre-ordered, and if you haven't had the chance to check out Realtime Worlds' upcoming action MMO for yourself, then this video is for you. It gives us a great look at the setup of social districts and action districts, and even goes so far to explain how their system attempts to keep the gameplay balanced between the criminals and enforcers in each district. Also included in the video is a look at the character creator, which is entirely too awesome in our opinion, and chunks of gun-toting gameplay footage. Whether or not this will entice more people who were on the fence about All Points Bulletin to give it a shot (no pun intended) will remain to be seen. The game certainly doesn't seem to be having too many problems grabbing headlines, although not all of it would be seen as positive. Nonetheless, the video offers an interesting look into an upcoming MMO. Check the video behind the break if you're curious for more.
APB releases final box art, more E3 images
Realtime Worlds' All Points Bulletin is releasing in a few short days, and to help get your creative juices flowing, we've collected several galleries worth of new screenshots from the urban crime MMOFPS. Included below you'll find everything from custom automotive paint jobs, to gang insignias, to radical avatar customization (including facial features, body builds, and outfits). Finally, don't forget to check out the final North American box art after the jump. %Gallery-96317%%Gallery-96318%%Gallery-96319%%Gallery-96320%
APB's voice chat feature will contain advertisements
With launch day closing in, crime MMO All Points Bulletin has been getting its payment scheme in order. The game's pricing structure was revealed at the end of April, including several flexible pay-per-time and monthly subscription options. In addition, the game will have a currency called "RTW points," which can be used for character customisations or converted into game time. While looking through the payment options in his account management page early this morning, one APB forum poster spied a strange button that set off a few warning bells in his head. Marked "VOIP Premium," the option removes adverts from APB's in-game voice chat for 30, 90 or 180 days in exchange for payment. This was the first players had heard of adverts being inserted into their voice chat and speculation began to run wild in the game's pre-release forum community. Players feared the worst -- that right in the middle of their game, a radio advert would start playing over their speakers. Community Officer Toxico was quick to address concerns, explaining the exact circumstances under which the ads will be played. For an advert to play, you have to be entering a district and must not have heard an ad for the past three hours. This ensures that they'll never interrupt normal play and won't play in an irritatingly high frequency. While some forum posters are avidly opposing a premium VOIP service, most seem content with the explanation provided and the conditions under which adverts will be played. [Thanks for the tip, Kip!]
Interview: APB Producer Jesse Knapp
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-65497%
Preview: APB / All Points Bulletin
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-65497%
Take over the streets of San Paro in APB with a key from Massively!
Ever since the "City Security Act" was passed, the streets of San Paro have become a war-zone between self-righteous Enforcers and violent Criminals. The city has been submerged under a sea of bullets and blood. So where exactly do you stand? Are you a Criminal, looking to prey on the innocents of San Paro as you vandalize, steal, and destroy? Or are you an Enforcer, a person who will do anything in their power to stop the lawbreaking offenders, even if it means sacrificing a few innocents in the process? Well, it's now your time to find out! Realtime Worlds has provided us here at Massively with 10,000 keys to All Points Bulletin, so you can take a ride around the streets of San Paro in its pre-launch state! Follow us after the break to learn more about the game, and grab a key for yourself! %Gallery-89311%
To Live and Die in San Paro: APB first impressions
Welcome, criminals and enforcers alike, to Massively's first impressions of All Points Bulletin. We've been spending a bit of time in the beta, as well as the recent Key to the City event, and we're here to bring you the skinny on what it's like to live (and die) on the streets of San Paro. Realtime Worlds has created a unique title, one that certainly won't appeal to everyone and is somewhat rough around the edges, but one that also has a mountain of potential. Yes, I know, the dreaded P-word, often thrown about during an MMO's launch window as a way of deflecting criticisms. In APB's case though, it fits. Perhaps the first thing that needs addressing when looking at a game like APB is something many of our commenters have opined about as we've covered the game these past few months, namely, is it in fact an MMO. The answer is... kinda. To elaborate, we'll take a quick look at how the game works before diving head first into our opinions, both good and bad. Hit the jump for more.
One Shots: Team Fortress APB
It's like nutella and peanut butter, pepperoni pizza and beer, or hummus and goldfish crackers -- two great tastes that go great together! Today's One Shots offers a little bit of Valve's crazy-popular Team Fortress 2 wedged into Realtime Worlds' upcoming MMO, All Points Bulletin. With craploads of beta keys now floating around in the wild, we knew that it would be a matter of time before we got screenshots from this game -- and Chet B. was first to pounce on the opportunity. He writes in: "This is an APB screenie. [I'm] hoping it will make it as the first one. It comes from the Keys to the City event and demonstrates the immense customization of APB. Yes, that is a Red Spy. In the background you can see some of the people chilling in APB's Social District." Are you one of the first people cruising around the streets in APB? Perhaps another cityscape is the one you call home. Whatever MMO you're playing, we'd love to hear from you. Just email your screenshot in to us here at oneshots AT massively DOT com along with your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing. Yours could be the next one we feature here on Massively! %Gallery-85937%
