APB dated, pricing plans announced @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on April 30, 2010

News: Play cops and robbers on June 29.

Electronic Arts and Realtime Worlds that their "cops and robbers" MMO game, APB, will be released on June 29 (with a July 1 launch in Europe and July 2 in the UK).

David Jones, Creative Director of Realtime Worlds and the creator of Grand Theft Auto 1 & 2 and Crackdown said: УWe're delighted to finally be announcing the release date for APB, and we're looking forward to welcoming players on to the mean streets of San Paro. Gamers will soon get to experience a world of unparalleled customization, conflict and celebrity Ц whether they choose to be a Criminal or an Enforcer.Ф

The developer has also announced the pricing plans for APB, which will differ significantly from a traditional MMO. The game will be available as a boxed copy at retail and on digital distribution services for $49.99. For their $50, players will receive 50 hours of "action gameplay" and unlimited playtime in APB's "social districts" - customizing, socializing and trading in the marketplace.

Additional gametime can be purchased in increments of 20 hours for $6.99 or a monthly unlimited playtime option for $9.99. 90-day and 180-day pricing plans will also be available, but EA and Realtime Worlds didn't reveal how much they would cost.

APB will also give players an option to convert their talents in the game's marketplace into additional playtime. David Jones added: УWe wanted to provide a simple and flexible way for occasional and core players alike to pay for their play without being financially tethered to the game. The model also provides an opportunity for customers to subsidize their costs by leveraging their talent or market savvy in the Сpoints' Marketplace. Highly talented players could potentially even play for free in this way.Ф

We'll have more soon and in the meantime, be sure to check out our interivew with Realtime Worlds' design lead EJ Moreland.