Realtime Worlds announced that it has regained the global distribution rights to All Points Bulletin (APB), the urban-themed massively multiplayer online game (MMOG) under development in the company’s Dundee studio. The move follows Realtime Worlds’ recent US$50 million second round funding and provides the company with the independence to push creative boundaries in the development of the game and to take a more active role in managing APB’s global distribution strategy.

“Owning the distribution rights to APB marks a major milestone in Realtime Worlds’ evolution into a premier online entertainment company,” said David Jones, founder and CEO, Realtime Worlds. “By controlling the rights to APB we can ensure that gamers around the globe experience the revolutionary gameplay we envisioned when we first began creating the property. We are excited about the prospect of having direct, personal relationships with our players, which is a dream come true for many development studios.”

Realtime Worlds regained the global distribution rights to APB from leading Korean online entertainment company Webzen, Inc., which originally partnered with Realtime Worlds in 2005.

All Points Bulletin (APB) is a massively multiplayer online freeform combat and driving-based game, designed by the creator of the original Grand Theft Auto (GTA) franchise. Developed by Real Time Worlds Ltd. and published by global online entertainment company, WEBZEN Inc., APB brings players into a living, breathing city where cash is king and territory equals respect. In a fight to dominate the expansive world of APB, players must decide which side of the law to abide by, as Law Enforcement who take on the challenge of supporting and safeguarding justice, or as Gangs, who operate against the law and any opposing groups by any means necessary. APB will provide players with the ultimate customization options from their weapons, vehicles and clothes to their attitude, music and environment.

A genre-breaking game unlike any other in the MMO space, "All Points Bulletin" offers intense game play in a highly volatile world filled with dramatic car chases, shootouts, busts, escapes and arrests. Players can also enjoy a fully customizable gaming experience without leveling-up constraints, allowing them to choose character appearances, attitudes, music preferences and more. In addition, many actions throughout the game will result in cash rewards, enabling players to obtain advanced weaponry, vehicles and other items to further enhance their characters.

Features:

• UNRESTRICTED LIBERTY, ULTIMATE FREEDOM. APB is a genre-breaking game unlike any other in the MMO market in which Gangs commit crimes and Law Enforcement try to stop them, resulting in dramatic chases, shoot-outs, busts, escapes and arrests. A wide range of action-based activities are supported. Those winning an encounter gain kudos and cash, and the cash can be spent on advanced weaponry, vehicles and other kits. Players can carry out these activities individually, or band together into groups.
• PERSISTENT TURF WAR. Both Gangs and Law Enforcement will continuously attempt to capture key areas of the city and expand their spheres of influence. These ‘turf areas’ offer access to the best items, while persistently displaying their owner’s status and symbols. Territory is vulnerable 24/7, with players constantly engaged in battles for control. For periods when they are not online, players must upgrade their defenses – changing turf features or equipping AI adequately – or run the risk of losing their turf to a rival Gang or Squad. Capturing multiple turf areas is a progressively harder challenge, but provides correspondingly better rewards.
• FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE GAMING EXPERIENCE. Gangs of APB live and breathe graffiti, attitude, customized cars and earning cash any way possible. Law Enforcement uphold honor, teamwork, advanced weaponry, and the destruction of Gangs. Players will determine how their characters live and grow in the APB world without typical MMO leveling-up constraints. Players create the ultimate customized experience with vehicles, weapons, clothes, music, attitude, and environment. From tailoring characters’ looks to creating catalogues of shared elements to define identity, every crew can have a unique, custom look from hair and clothing down to the way they walk, talk and the music they play.