Date: 13 Jul 2010
Scotland’s gaming industry has been given a massive boost as Dundee based Realtime Worlds launch its most innovative game to date,
APB: All Points Bulletin, a persistent online multiplayer action game with unlimited customisation, gritty urban conflict and a unique pricing structure.
The launch of
APB has paved the way for Scottish games developers to cement their place at the pinnacle of their profession with Ruffian Games and Cohort Studios – also Dundee based – working on their own exciting projects,
Crackdown 2 and
The Shoot due for launch later this year. This clutch of developments underlines Scotland’s reputation for excellence and innovation in the gaming sector.
APB is a persistent online multiplayer action game set in the fictional city of San Paro. Players will seek to earn celebrity status through conflict and customisation as they live either by neglecting the city, its people and its businesses as Criminals, or by feeding on Criminals and their organisations as Enforcers.
APB is the brainchild of David Jones, creator of
Lemmings,
Grand Theft Auto 1 & 2 and
Crackdown and introduces a unique payment model defined by three core concepts: value, flexibility and no commitments. Players will pay only for time spent in the game’s action districts and can earn additional time allowances while playing in San Paro’s free to play Social District.
David Jones, founder and creative director of Realtime Worlds, said:
“We’re delighted to be launching APB which offers players a new experience both in terms of the player control and content as well as by offering a flexible way for gamers to play.
“We’re continually evolving our product offering through innovation and creative design to ensure gamers get the best possible experience.”
Mike Shiel, head of digital media at Scottish Development International said:
“Scotland continues to produce some of the best games in the world with some of the most innovative and creative design companies based in our hub of excellence in Dundee.
“Realtime Worlds’ latest project and the announcement from companies such as Ruffian Games and Cohort Studios are examples of the great talent and innovation that Scotland has to offer. Realtime Worlds has pushed back the boundaries in terms of developing an online, multiplayer game which contains a revolutionary payment structure.
“Through continued direct investment in the sector and by nurturing the next generation of game developers, Scotland continues to be one of the most dynamic and innovative places to be in the games industry.”
Scotland is ranked third in Europe’s top 50 locations having created a mass of games developers with more than 50 companies including developers and associated companies now operating successfully in Scotland centred around a cluster of computer game companies in Dundee.
Scotland was the first place in the world to offer a degree course in Computer Games Technology through the University of Abertay and its is also home to the Digital Design Studio of the Glasgow School of Art, one of the UK’s largest research communities in the creative arts outside London.