Realtime Worlds Reveals Release Date, Flexible Pay Model For APB

Crackdown developer Realtime Worlds finally has a release date for its new PC MMO, APB. The Dundee, Scotland-based developer said Friday that its cops vs. robbers MMO APB will be releasing in North America on June 29, July 1 in mainland Europe and on July 2 in the UK. The game, published through EA's third-party distribution arm EA Partners, will introduce a unique payment model that Realtime said offers "value, flexibility and no commitments." Players initially pay $50 (£34.99, €49.99) for a store-bought or digital download copy of APB, which will include 50 hours of gameplay paid out of the box. That time ticks away as players are in APB's action districts -- social districts where players customize, socialize and trade have unlimited hours available. When that time is up, players can choose to pay as little as $6.99 (£5.59, €6.29) for another 20 hours, or pay $9.99 (£7.99, €8.99) for an unlimited 30-day package, with discounts available for 90 and 180 days. Realtime also said APB "provides avenues for accomplished gamers or creators to earn rewards for their creativity and subsidize their ongoing costs with their in-game efforts." APB will have a strong focus on user-generated content. Players can also earn extra time by actually playing the game, the developer stated. Realtime Worlds creative director David Jones said, "We wanted to provide a simple and flexible way for occasional and core players alike to pay for their play without being financially tethered to the game." He added, "The model also provides an opportunity for customers to subsidize their costs by leveraging their talent or market savvy in the 'points' Marketplace. Highly talented players could potentially even play for free in this way." The game takes place in the fictional city of San Paro, where players choose from either the law-upholding Enforcer faction or the law-breaking Criminals. Realtime is also offering pre-order incentives, including early access and free in-game content.