Realtime Worlds buys back rights to APB franchise
by Dustin Burg 
{ Apr 21st 2008 at 4:30PM }
GamesIndustry.biz is reporting that Realtime Worlds purchased the APB distribution rights back from Webzen to "ensure that gamers around the globe experience the revolutionary gameplay we envisioned when we first began creating the property." We aren't sure exactly what their global release plans entail or how much they had to put up for the rights, but we're sure they didn't come cheap. Lesson learned kids. When sleeping with Webzen and things turn sour, know that you'll have to buy your way out of the relationship. That said, you could probably apply that lesson to all relationships you encounter.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
HBick @ Apr 21st 2008 4:58PM
Good, this can only mean positive developments if Realtime Worlds didn't feel comfortable with the distribution and timetable set by Webzen. Kinda makes me worry about Huxley though.
EMOruffino @ Apr 21st 2008 8:02PM
i was thinking the exact same thing.....
Zeus.:God @ Apr 21st 2008 9:55PM
I'm not too worried. Its just one of those things- you come up with an idea- you don't feel comfortable with it unless you do it yourself. They aren't necessarily saying that Webzen isn't capable.
Skyfire360 @ Apr 21st 2008 4:59PM
This is huge news for APB and Realtime worlds. In short, it means that they can delay the game until it's done... which is a "Good Thing".
When Realtime Worlds began APB, they petitioned Webzen to loan them money to make the game. Webzen accepted the idea, but gained control of the development cycle by stating that they were allowed to say how long this loan would last... effectively stamping out a release time frame for Realtime Worlds. If Realtime Worlds was 80% complete with APB, but had 20 cool new features to add by the time the release date set by Webzen came about, RW would be forced to scrap the new features and package/sell the incomplete game to fulfill their contractual obligations with Webzen. By purchasing back the distribution rights from Webzen, RW is no longer held to their original timeframe and can now keep working on the game until it is complete.
While a delay is initially disappointing to gamers, it means Realtime Worlds can work at its own pace and can set the release dates, ensuring that the final product is up to their standards (read: not rushed).
xenocidic @ Apr 21st 2008 7:46PM
you should probably also mentioned it's no longer confirmed on the 360...
http://xenocidic.com/2008/04/21/apb-no-longer-confirmed-for-xbox-360.aspx
x silence x @ Apr 21st 2008 9:20PM
It's silly to think it wouldn't come to the 360...
I could care less if it went to the PS3 as well.
That's what this is hinting if you ask me.
xenocidic @ Apr 21st 2008 10:48PM
/shrug read the GameSpot article it's based off
Boff @ Apr 22nd 2008 5:16AM
Aw bollocks. That's not good. At all!
After Crackdown I naturally assumed this would be on the 360 aswell.
I'm not happy about that.
Perno @ Apr 22nd 2008 1:00AM
I wish I could buy stock in APB, this game will be huge. But now it's coming out on the PC first? Does anyone care about PC games any more? Would they rather have 200,000 game sales at $40 each (PC), or around a million at $60 each (360 and PS3)?
BTW Xenocidic, very detailed articles on your site, good work.
xenocidic @ Apr 22nd 2008 9:02AM
Thank you =)
Procris @ Apr 22nd 2008 2:21AM
Yeah i read the thing about it only being confirmed for PC so was pretty confused to see this posted here (being this is an Xbox 360 news site :P)
I personally don't care for PC MMO's but one for console? Well thats a whole different ball game. Totally possible just needs 1 deveolper/publisher to take the leap. I hate to say it but if APB is going to primarily be for PC any console version will suck. A console MMO needs to be done from the ground up.
Perno @ Apr 22nd 2008 12:37PM
I concur. I just don't see why nobody's jumped on this MMOG console train. Maybe the lack of ability the consoles have with large numbers of people playing at the same time....it would suck for it to just be a lag-fest.