I really, really hate that I am able to resurrect this column but here it is. According to Ben ‘APBMonkey’ Bateman, a community officer for All Points Bulletin, the shooting MMOG is done. The post doesn’t specify if the entire game is shutting down, or just the European server, but considering the well-publicized struggles and the fact that Realtime Worlds is based in Europe, the whole kit and kaboodle is likely going the way of the Dodo (which we murdered, in case you didn’t know).
In case you missed the struggle, here’s a synopsis from around the web in chronological order:
- We preview APB at PAX East 2010
- Realtime Worlds announces an unusual pricing structure
- APB launches on June 29, 2010
- Pixiestixy finds the customization inside APB to be irresistible
- Realtime Worlds restructures to provide “total support” for the title
- APB announces overhaul to driving and combat, two main features to the paid-for section of the game
- RTW hit by layoffs, creditors gets antsy and install Begbies-Traynor Group to advise on restructuring the company
- MyWorld, the company’s other MMOG, gets purchased by a third party but APB remains in limbo
- APB PureSkill patch is announced 20 minutes before Ben Bateman posts the fateful message
That’s it. The game didn’t even make it three months. Grab your Big Gulp and let some hit the floor for another fallen comrade.
It looked cool :( Too bad …
Not at all surprised. :\