Remember the fate of APB, the massively multiplayer online game from (now) defunct developer Realtime Worlds?

In the middle of September, it was announced that the ambitious game was scheduled to shut down after only months in operation following lower than expected player subscriptions and support.

After violent rumours swirled around Mother Internet regarding the possibility of another publisher or developer buying APB and the rights to its operation so as to keep the game running, it’s just been announced that Reloaded Productions, a subsidiary of free-to-play MMOG publisher Gamersfirst, has acquired all intellectual property rights to the title.

Post continues, click to read more…

Oh dear.

According to a post on the game’s official forum, the online crime game developed by Realtime Worlds, APB, will be shutting down soon, after only releasing this past June/July for PC, and following a difficult financial time for the developer.

From the post:

Post continues, click to read more…

All Points Bulletin (APB), a massively multiplayer online game based in the real world, is currently in development at Realtime Worlds (Crackdown), while it’s been revealed that EA will fill the publishing and distribution role necessary to get the game out.

APB’s main focus is on player interaction with the thousands of civilians in the city, as well as a natural kind of interaction with the hundreds of other players roaming the streets, as you choose between thug life or the life of a law enforcer, and let nature take its course.

Check out the rest of the APB screenshots, as well as the debut trailer, below:

Post continues, click to read more…

The first in-game screenshot for APB: All Points Bulletin (APB) from developers Realtime Worlds (Crackdown) has been released which shows… not that much, but for a massively multiplayer online game (MMOG), it sure looks detailed, while the player customisations are also being showcased in the shot.

Along with the screenshot comes the news that we’ll soon be seeing a lot more of the modern day MMOG, where police and criminals battle it out in the streets as they go about both set missions and engage in open player skirmishes as they please. A member of Realtime Worlds commented:

“We know this can be frustrating for fans, so to show our appreciation we have decided to inform you guys that 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.

“See you all at E3.”

Source: APB Evolved

It was announced late yesterday that Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) President, CEO and Co-Coo, as well as Sony Computer Entertainment Deputy President (now that’s a lot of responsibility!) will be retiring from his (many and varied) positions at Sony at the end of this month (April).

President and Group CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment Kazuo Hirai said of the announcement; “David’s contribution in firmly establishing the PlayStation brand and expanding the business in Europe/PAL territories in his 14 year tenure at SCEE is immeasurable.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to David for the many accomplishments he made to the PlayStation business and wish him the best luck in his future endeavours.”

Reeves also made a statement, saying; “It has been a wonderful ride with PlayStation. I never got to visit all 106 countries but managed 66. I have just two things to say on leaving: I want to thank all of those people who have supported SCEE and me personally in the past 14 years; you have been magnificent!

“Good luck to everybody at SCEE and everybody who continues to support us.”

Post continues, click to read more…