APB: All Points Bulletin
Open world multiplayer game with persistent faction warfare.
APB: All Points Bulletin is an open world multiplayer online video game for Microsoft Windows developed by Realtime Worlds and later acquired by Reloaded Productions, part of the GamersFirst company. Released in 2010, the game features two factions—Enforcers and Criminals—battling in the modern-day city of San Paro, with gameplay centered on missions, customization, and persistent districts. Its development was led by David Jones, and the game underwent a shutdown, relaunch as a free-to-play title, and multiple ownership changes, making it notable for its turbulent history and influence on the online action genre.
- Developer
- Realtime Worlds
- Publisher (original)
- Realtime Worlds
- Release Year
- 2010
- Platform
- Microsoft Windows
- Genre
- Open world multiplayer online
- Lead Designer
- David Jones
- Current Owner (as of 2019)
- Unit Game
Lore & Background
APB: All Points Bulletin was planned as early as 2005, initially as a Microsoft Windows and Xbox 360 title, and intended as the flagship for Realtime Worlds, a studio founded by David Jones. Development costs exceeded $100 million, making it one of the most expensive video games in history. The game was released in June/July 2010 in North America and Europe, using a subscription-like system where players purchased game time. After Realtime Worlds was placed into administration in August 2010, the servers were shut down later that year, but were reactivated when K2 Network purchased APB for £1.5 million and relaunched it as a free-to-play game under Reloaded Productions, renamed APB: Reloaded.
Reader's Guide
APB: All Points Bulletin is significant for its ambitious design as a persistent online world focused on player-driven conflict between two factions, Enforcers and Criminals, set in the urban sprawl of San Paro. Its development by David Jones, creator of Grand Theft Auto and Crackdown, aimed to merge open-world freedom with multiplayer online gameplay. The game's troubled launch, rapid shutdown, and subsequent revival as a free-to-play title illustrate the challenges of the early online gaming market. Its legacy includes influencing later online action games and demonstrating the viability of the free-to-play model for large-scale multiplayer experiences. The game also introduced features like a dynamic day/night cycle, persistent districts, and an in-game music system that allowed player-imported tracks. Despite initial commercial failure, APB maintained a dedicated player base and continued development under multiple owners, including Little Orbit and Unit Game, which acquired copyright in 2019.
Did You Know?
- APB was one of the most expensive video games in history, with development costs exceeding $100 million.
- The game was originally planned for both Microsoft Windows and Xbox 360, but the first release was PC-only.
- After Realtime Worlds was placed into administration, K2 Network purchased APB for £1.5 million and relaunched it as a free-to-play game.
- The game features an in-game music system that allows players to import their own music, which other players can hear if they have the same song.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is APB: All Points Bulletin?
It is a persistent open-world multiplayer game for PC in which players engage in continuous faction warfare across a shared city. Originally released in 2010 by Realtime Worlds, it later shut down entirely before relaunching as a free-to-play title.
What factions can players choose in APB?
You pick between Enforcers, who role-play as law enforcement, and Criminals, who operate outside the legal system. Both sides battle for control over persistent districts in the city of San Paro.
Where does APB take place?
The entire game is set in San Paro, a modern-day city that functions as a shared persistent world for every player online. Specific districts within the city can be captured and held by whichever faction dominates them at any given time.
Who created APB: All Points Bulletin?
The game was developed by Realtime Worlds, with David Jones serving as the lead designer. After Realtime Worlds dissolved, the title was acquired by Reloaded Productions, a division of the GamersFirst company.
Why is APB's history considered turbulent?
The title went through a full server shutdown, a relaunch under a free-to-play model, and multiple ownership transfers over the years. This chain of disruptions made it a well-known example of how long-running MMOs can struggle to retain a stable player community.
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