Filed under: All Points Bulletin

One Shots: Kilroy was (not) here

by Krystalle Voecks Jul 19th 2010 at 2:00PM

Filed under: Screenshots, One Shots, All Points Bulletin, Crime

If you're fighting your way through Realtime Worlds' shiny new MMO, All Points Bulletin, and seek to stake your claim on a particular area, one of the ways you can let rival gang members (and police) know is by tagging signs around town. However, if you're trying to do it by yourself on a heavily populated map, it's a great way to wind up dead. After all, anyone can come along and shoot you while you're busy "spraypainting" your graffiti up. Today, we have a screenshot of a pair who managed to find an open spot and successfully pull off getting their design in place. This image comes to us courtesy of Brad, also known as Nemesis on the Zombie server, who writes in:

"This screenshot was taken after a long shoot out in the waterfront district. A fellow clan member and I held out on a rooftop and happened upon a blank billboard. We decided that the waterfront district needed to know who we were."

One Shots needs more screenshots! If you're playing an MMO -- from large to small -- we'd love to see one from you. All you have to do is email a screenshot to us here at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing. We'll post it out here and give you the credit.

Gallery: One Shots: Gallery II

APB to overhaul driving and combat

by Jef Reahard Jul 13th 2010 at 7:00PM

Filed under: Real life, New titles, Patches, News items, All Points Bulletin, Crime

"We're looking at almost every aspect of combat - how it looks, feels and sounds, as well as weapon characteristics and tactics," proclaims Realtime Worlds spokesman Neil Castle in a refreshingly frank post on All Points Bulletin's official website.

The post certainly says all the right things regarding upcoming tweaks to the newly released urban crime MMOFPS. Whether Realtime Worlds can make good on the lengthy list of updates and reverse some of the negative buzz generated by less than favorable launch reviews will bear watching over the next few months.

Castle's post touches on a number of complaints that various reviewers and gamers have had with the new title, from sloppy vehicle handling, to catching and punishing cheaters, to the addition of new rulesets and matchmaking functionality. "It's our goal to involve the community as much as is practical when tackling most of these areas - as we''ve said all along, and hopefully demonstrated throughout beta, RTW's goal is to grow APB into the game that its players want it to be," Castle says.

One Shots: Bet you didn't see this coming

by Krystalle Voecks Jul 11th 2010 at 2:00PM

Filed under: Screenshots, One Shots, All Points Bulletin, Crime

One of the things you're guaranteed to see with any high-powered character creator is characters from known worlds, costumes, or other things we recognize zooming around. Then there are cases like today's All Points Bulletin One Shots, where we get a fun mashup of different things we may know and love. This image comes to us from Crabtree on the Zombie server, who writes in to explain the spectacular Mod-Squad(ish)-meets-Star-Trek image we see above:

"A handful of my friends and I have been enjoying APB thus far, despite some of the negative things that can be said about the game. Above all, it has delivered some amazing creation and customization tools, and we simply haven't been able to pass up the opportunity to create some iconic characters using custom full-body tattoos and/or clothing. Among some of our creations are imitations of Deadpool, Waldo (Where is...?), and most recently a group of Star Trek: The Next Generation characters, equipped with their very own Enterprise Star Truk. We have wondered if our creations might stir up some copyright concerns, but we figure the hilarity and recognition is worth the risk."

If you've pulled off a creative mashup thanks to a high-powered character creator in your favorite MMO, we'd love to see what you dreamed up. Send those screenshots in to us here at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing. We'll post them out here and give you the credit for sending it in!

Gallery: One Shots: Gallery II

Realtime Worlds restructuring to provide "total support" for APB

by Rubi Bayer Jul 7th 2010 at 5:00PM

Filed under: MMO industry, News items, All Points Bulletin, Crime

APB's Dave Jones said he expected mediocre reviews from the media immediately after launch. Be that as it may, the Realtime Worlds team obviously feels that the game is a success, according to today's press release.

The press release announced that the APB staff will increase, and Realtime Worlds will actually be pulling resources from an unnamed second project as well in order to give full support to APB. This will mean 24/7 live support, more content updates, and generally a more active future for the game.

CEO Gary Dale explained that the decision is a reflection of the game's successful launch and Realtime's expectation of continued success in the future: "APB experienced a very smooth launch for an online dedicated game along with a great reception from consumers and we're immensely proud of the game the team has produced. We now have to focus our efforts and resources on running APB as a 24/7 online live operation, creating new content and services for the future and ensuring the best possible experience for the players." Check out the press release for all the details.

APB's Human Avatar brings character customization to real life

by Rubi Bayer Jul 6th 2010 at 12:00PM

Filed under: Events, real-world, All Points Bulletin, Crime

If you've played APB at all, you know that one of its standout features is the character customization. You could easily treat character customization as a game in itself. The only thing that would make it more fun is if you could do it in real life, right?

Okay, you probably weren't thinking that, but the Realtime Worlds team is, and they're going to make it happen with your help. The Human Avatar is a three-week-long project that begins with players voting on the real-life subject, then continuing the process by voting on his customization: hair, piercings, clothing, even tattoos.

You'll watch the event happen through photo and video updates, and at the end, the subject will be recreated in APB. it's an interesting concept and will certainly merit watching in the coming weeks. Check out all the details -- and get a first look at the candidates for customization -- at the Human Avatar site.

APB needs partner to make console version, but willing

by Krystalle Voecks Jul 5th 2010 at 7:00PM

Filed under: MMO industry, New titles, News items, Consoles, All Points Bulletin, Crime, MMOFPS

The idea of console MMOs is nothing new. After all, EverQuest Online Adventures, Final Fantasy XI, and the Phantasy Star titles have managed to successfully publish on consoles. With that said, it seems as if there's been a trend with recent MMOs to say they were going to console like Age of Conan and Champions Online, only to change their minds later. That's why we weren't surprised to see that David Jones, Creative Director of Realtime Worlds, sat down with Eurogamer and discussed the potential of a console port for his company's recent release, All Points Bulletin.

What we did find interesting was that, despite knowledge of consoles from working on the first two Grand Theft Auto titles and Realtime Worlds being partnered with EA for distribution, there has been no discussion between the two companies regarding porting All Points Bulletin to consoles. Jones notes that the team at Realtime Worlds will remain focused on working on the PC version, as opposed to shifting into trying to build a console version, or trying to "shop around" for a partner. That said, he certainly sounds willing to discuss a deal if the right distribution partner for consoles were willing to contact them. Be sure to pop over to Eurogamer if you're wondering what else Jones may have in mind for All Points Bulletin.

APB's Dave Jones expected mediocre reviews

by Jef Reahard Jul 3rd 2010 at 9:00AM

Filed under: New titles, News items, All Points Bulletin, Crime

Realtime Worlds' Dave Jones may have created something of a self-fulfilling prophecy when he predicted that game reviewers would be less than kind to All Points Bulletin. The recently released MMOFPS hasn't exactly torn up the scoring charts on the major review sites since its debut last month.

"It's always hard when you create something new as it requires a natural learning curve. Also because APB is online multiplayer focused, it's best played as intended, with 60 to 100 people in the city with you. For these same reasons I expect the reviews to be mixed," Jones told CVG.

While Massively has a long-standing policy against reviewing MMORPGs, you can read our first impressions to get a general feel for the game's open beta as well as its long-term potential.

Anti-Aliased: When playing a bad game is just so good

by Seraphina Brennan Jul 2nd 2010 at 5:00PM

Filed under: Culture, Opinion, All Points Bulletin, Crime, Anti-Aliased

This week's Anti-Aliased is great for two reasons. One, it's the antithesis to last week's topic, and two, it's completely relevant to this week's events. In short, it's about All Points Bulletin.

Did I just call APB a bad game after spamming screenshots from it, hosting an event in it, and offering people what basically amounts to free DLC for their game? Yes, yes I did. Does that make me a complete hypocrite? Well, yes and no. You see, I'm having conflicting beliefs over this game. The reviewer in me wants to punt it over the Seattle Space Needle, but the gamer in me wants to sit down and play the hell out of it some more.

Look, this all makes sense, ok? Just come with me after the break (yes, I'm luring you with my double-sided, purposefully vague statements) and we'll get this all settled out.

Secure the streets of APB with Massively, win our in-game "Bandwagon Van" and t-shirts!

by Seraphina Brennan Jun 30th 2010 at 6:00PM

Filed under: Events, in-game, All Points Bulletin, Crime, MMOFPS

San Paro is a tough place. It's infested with crime, and we need your help to clean it up! (Or, at the very least, cause some havoc in the name of justice.)

That's right everyone, we're organizing an in-game play session to celebrate the launch of APB! Tomorrow night (Thursday, to be exact) you can join us in-game and help us take on the criminals of San Paro as an Enforcer. Or, if you don't wish to do some good for the city, you can attempt to work against us as Criminals. The choice is entirely up to you!

Plus, we have lots of goodies to give away, including in-game Massively.com t-shirts for you guys to wear and a chance to win the Massively.com "Bandwagon," an in-game soccer-mom van with some kick.

Need details? Follow along after the break for all the juicy information.

APB launch day roundup

by Rubi Bayer Jun 29th 2010 at 9:00AM

Filed under: Launches, All Points Bulletin, Crime

It's been nearly three years since we first heard about All Points Bulletin. In MMO-developement-years, that's not long at all, but there's no arguing that this day has been a long time coming.

Launch day is here, and the Massively staff has been following the game through its various development stages -- as anxious to get our hands on the finished product as you are. Want a quick trip down memory lane? Follow along after the jump for some of the highlights of our coverage of APB.

APB offers some short videos on customization

by Krystalle Voecks Jun 28th 2010 at 7:00PM

Filed under: Video, New titles, News items, All Points Bulletin, Crime

When it comes to an urban crime MMO, customization may not seem like it would necessarily be the most important aspect. However, in Realtime Worlds' upcoming urban MMO, All Points Bulletin, the team designing the game obviously felt that customization should be a huge part of the experience. Aside from having an incredibly powerful character creator that allows you to control aspects you don't normally see (like ear size), they also offer players ways to customize clothing and cars, design graffiti, and create personalized music.

We figure their thinking was that this level of customization would help to create a more realistic, immersive world. After all, with this many options, there should be much less of a chance for players to look anything like each other -- a sharp contrast to the cookie-cutter appearances created by raid gear sets in other MMOs. Besides, if you're going to be in a gang, the idea of splashing your tag all over the place -- or alternatively, creating a sign warning the gangs you're coming to get them -- seems like it would be a no-brainer thing to have in an urban game.

For those interested in seeing more details about the levels of customization available in All Points Bulletin, you can find all the shiny new videos bundled up behind the break for your ocular gratification.

New video takes you to San Paro for a closer look at APB

by Krystalle Voecks Jun 26th 2010 at 11:00AM

Filed under: Video, New titles, Previews, News items, All Points Bulletin, Crime

This morning marks the official headstart for those All Points Bulletin players who pre-ordered, and if you haven't had the chance to check out Realtime Worlds' upcoming action MMO for yourself, then this video is for you. It gives us a great look at the setup of social districts and action districts, and even goes so far to explain how their system attempts to keep the gameplay balanced between the criminals and enforcers in each district. Also included in the video is a look at the character creator, which is entirely too awesome in our opinion, and chunks of gun-toting gameplay footage.

Whether or not this will entice more people who were on the fence about All Points Bulletin to give it a shot (no pun intended) will remain to be seen. The game certainly doesn't seem to be having too many problems grabbing headlines, although not all of it would be seen as positive. Nonetheless, the video offers an interesting look into an upcoming MMO. Check the video behind the break if you're curious for more.

APB releases final box art, more E3 images

by Jef Reahard Jun 25th 2010 at 8:00PM

Filed under: Galleries, Screenshots, New titles, News items, All Points Bulletin, Crime

Realtime Worlds' All Points Bulletin is releasing in a few short days, and to help get your creative juices flowing, we've collected several galleries worth of new screenshots from the urban crime MMOFPS. Included below you'll find everything from custom automotive paint jobs, to gang insignias, to radical avatar customization (including facial features, body builds, and outfits).

Finally, don't forget to check out the final North American box art after the jump.

Gallery: APB E3 Garage

Gallery: APB E3 Logos

Gallery: APB E3 Personas

Gallery: APB E3 Wardrobe

APB's voice chat feature will contain advertisements

by Brendan Drain Jun 24th 2010 at 10:00AM

Filed under: Business models, MMO industry, New titles, News items, All Points Bulletin, Crime

With launch day closing in, crime MMO All Points Bulletin has been getting its payment scheme in order. The game's pricing structure was revealed at the end of April, including several flexible pay-per-time and monthly subscription options. In addition, the game will have a currency called "RTW points," which can be used for character customisations or converted into game time. While looking through the payment options in his account management page early this morning, one APB forum poster spied a strange button that set off a few warning bells in his head. Marked "VOIP Premium," the option removes adverts from APB's in-game voice chat for 30, 90 or 180 days in exchange for payment.

This was the first players had heard of adverts being inserted into their voice chat and speculation began to run wild in the game's pre-release forum community. Players feared the worst -- that right in the middle of their game, a radio advert would start playing over their speakers. Community Officer Toxico was quick to address concerns, explaining the exact circumstances under which the ads will be played. For an advert to play, you have to be entering a district and must not have heard an ad for the past three hours. This ensures that they'll never interrupt normal play and won't play in an irritatingly high frequency. While some forum posters are avidly opposing a premium VOIP service, most seem content with the explanation provided and the conditions under which adverts will be played.

[Thanks for the tip, Kip!]

All Points Bulletin interview on the approaching release

by Eliot Lefebvre Jun 22nd 2010 at 7:00PM

Filed under: Real life, Business models, Interviews, New titles, News items, All Points Bulletin, Crime

The time leading up to launch for All Points Bulletin has been a bit rocky here and there, with hot spots of controversy regarding the game's pricing model and the review embargo set for a surprisingly late date. But still, with about a week left before the game goes live, there's plenty to be excited about. (We'd link you to our own first impressions, but you'll have to travel into the future to be allowed to read it.) Our sister site Joystiq had a chance to talk with producer Jesse Knapp about the game's state just prior to launch.

There are several interesting tidbits in the interview, such as discussion about how the game allows for criminals to fight amongst themselves on the premise that the designers expected an imbalance in that faction. There's also talk about the decision to avoid a microtransaction model in favor of the currently variable spread of subscription options for players. While the developers are still a bit up in the air about the game's status as an MMO, we're sure we have more than a few readers who are anticipating All Points Bulletin and who will find some interesting tidbits in the interview.

Massively Features

Events Calendar

Name	Date
GenCon Indy	Aug 5-8, 2010
SOE Fan Faire	Aug 5-8, 2010
Xsyon Prelude Launch	Aug 15, 2010
GamesCom Expo	Aug 18-22, 2010
Earthrise Launch	Q3 2010
Dragon*Con	Sep 3-6, 2010
PAX Prime	Sep 3-5, 2010
Final Fantasy XIV Launch	Sep 30, 2010
GDC Online	Oct 5-8, 2010
LEGO Universe Launch	Oct 26, 2010
DCUO Launch	Nov 2, 2010

Massively Staff

Name	Title
Shawn Schuster	Editor-in-Chief
Seraphina Brennan	Senior Editor
Brianna Royce	West Coast Editor
Dan O'Halloran	Features Coordinator
Brendan Drain	Contributing Editor
Eliot Lefebvre	Contributing Editor
Jef Reahard	Contributing Editor
Justin Olivetti	Contributing Editor
Krystalle Voecks	Contributing Editor
Rubi Bayer	Contributing Editor
Tateru Nino	Contributing Editor
Beau Hindman	Columnist
Edward Marshall	Columnist
Greg Waller	Columnist
Jeremy Stratton	Columnist
Larry Everett	Columnist
MJ Guthrie	Columnist
Patrick Mackey	Columnist
Ryan Greene	Columnist
Lisa Poisso	Columnist