Realtime Worlds goes it alone with APB
Buys back distribution rights from Webzen.
Realtime Worlds has bought back the global distribution rights to its forthcoming MMO game, APB, GamesIndustry.biz reports.
The Scottish developer bought the rights back from Korean online gaming company Webzen, which it partnered with in 2005. This now leaves it in sole control of APB's future.
Buying the rights for the MMO comes after Realtime Worlds' recent USD 50 million funding del, which it claims will help it achieve independence and maintain creative control.
"Owning the distribution rights to APB marks a major milestone in Realtime Worlds' evolution into a premier online entertainment company," said founder and CEO David Jones.
"By controlling the rights to APB we can ensure that gamers around the globe experience the revolutionary gameplay we envisioned when we first began creating the property."
"We are excited about the prospect of having direct, personal relationships with our players, which is a dream come true for many development studios," he added.
Realtime Worlds was formed by developers who worked on the GTA games, and gained notoriety itself for the Xbox 360's Crackdown. APB is an urban MMO for the PC and 360 (and possibly PS3), where players choose between playing the criminals or law enforcement.
GamesIndustry.biz has an exclusive interview with Dave Jones today. Read it.
