APB: All Points Bulletin

{{Redirect|APB (video game)|the 1987 arcade game|APB (1987 video game)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2017}} {{Short description|2010 video game}} {{Infobox video game | title = APB: All Points Bulletin | caption = | image = All Points Bulletin.jpg | developer = Realtime Worlds (former) Reloaded Productions (acquisition) | publisher = Realtime Worlds Electronic Arts<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ea.com/news/ea-joins-realtime-worlds-all-points-bulletin|title=EA Joins Forces with Realtime Worlds for All Points Bulletin|date=1 June 2009|author=rhong|access-date=8 January 2018|website=ea.com|archive-date=28 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160228084828/http://www.ea.com/news/ea-joins-realtime-worlds-all-points-bulletin|url-status=live}}</ref> K2 Network (acquisition) (2010-2018) Little Orbit (2018-present) | designer = David Jones | engine = Unreal Engine 3<ref>{{cite web|url=http://apbreloaded.gamersfirst.com/2010/12/end-of-week-3-update-patch-143-closed.html|title=End of Week 3 Update : Patch 143 (Closed Beta) Status|access-date=5 December 2010|website=apbreloaded.blogspot.com|archive-date=9 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609054618/http://apbreloaded.gamersfirst.com/2010/12/end-of-week-3-update-patch-143-closed.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | released = '''Microsoft Windows'''{{vgrelease|NA|{{Start date|df=yes|2010|06|29}}|EU|1 July 2010|UK|2 July 2010<ref name="APB Evo PR">{{cite web|url=http://apb-evolved.com/news/124-press-release-release-date-payment-model-a-pre-order-incentives |title=Press Release: Release Date, Payment Model & Pre-Order Incentives |access-date=30 April 2010 |date=30 April 2010 |website=APB Evolved |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100610191959/http://www.apb-evolved.com/news/124-press-release-release-date-payment-model-a-pre-order-incentives |archive-date=10 June 2010 |df=dmy }}</ref>}}'''Xbox One''' 3 June 2016<ref name="APB Major Nelson">{{cite web|url=https://majornelson.com/2016/06/03/apb-reloaded-is-now-available-for-xbox-one/|title=APB Reloaded Is Now Available For Xbox One|last=Hryb|first=Larry|website=Major Nelson|access-date=3 June 2016|date=3 June 2016|archive-date=4 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604103351/https://majornelson.com/2016/06/03/apb-reloaded-is-now-available-for-xbox-one/|url-status=live}}</ref> '''PlayStation 4''' 31 March 2017<ref name="PS4XBO">{{cite web|title=APB: Reloaded is coming to PS4 and Xbox One|url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/1/22/7874291/apb-reloaded-ps4-xbox-one|last=McWhertor|first=Michael|website=Polygon|date=22 January 2015|access-date=14 March 2015|archive-date=23 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150323081117/http://www.polygon.com/2015/1/22/7874291/apb-reloaded-ps4-xbox-one|url-status=live}}</ref> | genre = Action-adventure, third-person shooter, MMORPG | modes = Multiplayer | platforms = Microsoft Windows Xbox One PlayStation 4 }}

'''''APB: All Points Bulletin'''''<ref name="NameChange"/> is an open world multiplayer online video game for Microsoft Windows<ref name=apbfaq>{{cite web|url=http://www.apb.com/faq/|title=All Points Bulletin Official FAQ|website=apb.com|publisher=Realtime Worlds|access-date=2 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100430195328/http://www.apb.com/faq/|archive-date=30 April 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> developed by Realtime Worlds and acquired by Reloaded Productions, which is part of the GamersFirst company.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://m.ign.com/articles/2010/07/10/apb-review|title = APB Review - IGN| date=10 July 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-apb-178336.phtml|title=Review: APB|date=6 July 2010|access-date=3 September 2016|archive-date=16 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116022627/http://www.destructoid.com/review-apb-178336.phtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Little Orbit acquired GamersFirst in 2018 and is now in charge of the game's development.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apbreloaded.gamersfirst.com/2018/05/open-letter-to-apb-reloaded-community.html|title=Open Letter to the APB: Reloaded Community|access-date=10 May 2018|website=apbreloaded.blogspot.com|archive-date=13 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513110027/http://apbreloaded.gamersfirst.com/2018/05/open-letter-to-apb-reloaded-community.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Based in urban sprawls and featuring two factions, Enforcers and the Criminals, players can form sub-groups in either faction and carry out missions. The game design was led by David Jones. It was released in 2010 in North America and Europe.<ref name="APB Evo PR" />

After Realtime Worlds was placed into administration, the servers for online play were shut down later in 2010, but they were reactivated when online gaming company K2 Network purchased ''APB'' for £1.5 million and relaunched it under their subsidiary company Reloaded Productions as a free-to-play game, renamed '''''APB: Reloaded'''''. In 2015, Deep Silver announced versions of the game for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in collaboration with Reloaded Productions and The Workshop Entertainment for release in 2015.<ref name="PS4XBO" /><ref>{{cite web|title=APB Reloaded on PS4 and Xbox One |url=http://www.deepsilver.com/news/newsdetails/article/apb-reloaded-on-ps4-and-xbox-one/ |date=22 January 2015 |access-date=14 March 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403111627/http://www.deepsilver.com/news/newsdetails/article/apb-reloaded-on-ps4-and-xbox-one/ |archive-date=3 April 2015 |df=dmy }}</ref> The game was ultimately released in 2016 for Xbox One and in 2017 for the PlayStation 4. Since 2019, all copyright of '''''APB''''' belongs to Unit Game, which has a series of APB game development plans.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apb.com/history.html|title=APB History|access-date=9 Sep 2019|website=apb.com/history.html|archive-date=6 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190906062236/http://www.apb.com/history.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Gameplay== ''APB: All Points Bulletin'' takes place in the modern-day city of San Paro where there is a constant battle between Enforcers and Criminals, and the player will need to decide to which faction they want to belong.

Gameplay typically consists of the two sides fighting one another in missions, where one side must complete a series of objectives with the other side attempting to stop them doing so. For example, several Criminal players may rob a convenience store within the game; the game will then seek out one or more Enforcer players of equivalent skills and other criteria and will issue an all-points bulletin for them to stop the robbery and apprehend or eliminate the Criminals. Players earn money for participating in these missions, which can then be used to upgrade weapons, vehicles, and their character appearances, all of which influence the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://apb-evolved.com/information/customization|title=APB Company Line|publisher=Realtime Worlds|date=16 November 2007|access-date=23 February 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080226084046/http://apb-evolved.com/information/customization|archive-date=26 February 2008|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

The game is played in the third person perspective. Upgrades, equipment, weapons, vehicles and clothing can be purchased from various contacts around the city (or can be alternatively bought through terminals in the social district), while ammunition is bought from vending machine-like terminals. Both the contacts and the "vending machines" are scattered throughout the main three districts of the city. Two of the districts feature their own fully persistent portions of San Paro, with their own pedestrian AI and a dynamic day/night cycle, along with certain contacts and missions. The third district acts mainly as a social component, being much smaller, having no pedestrians, restricting weapon and vehicle access, and featuring garages, auction houses, music studios, and several other non-player character (NPC) terminal shops. While in the third district, players, even if they're from opposing factions, cannot harm each other and may only interact through chat. In the other two districts, players are allowed to attack each other (so long as they are from opposing factions) during certain mission scenarios and/or if a player has a bounty on their head. When outside of these missions players can still draw and use weapons, but bullets, grenades, etc. will not work on other players, even those from an enemy faction. This prevents deathmatching and griefing.

There are also two other districts under the category of "fight club". These feature pure player versus player (PvP) environments for more experienced players and clans.

Depending on faction, players will have either a Prestige or Notoriety level, going from 0 to 5. This level goes up as the player successfully performs actions that help their faction's cause, such as killing players of the opposing faction, completing missions successfully, or by engaging in activities unique to their faction. Such unique faction actions include mugging pedestrians for Criminals, or arresting Criminals for Enforcers. The level decreases as the player hinders their faction; for instance, team-killing, dying, and destroying city objects as Enforcers.

The game houses an in-game music system similar to ''Grand Theft Auto''. It features established acts, but also emerging artists including Honey Claws, Atlas&i, Avosetta, Negative pH, Paulie Rhyme and Pendulum.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/local/norfolk/hi/people_and_places/music/newsid_8773000/8773359.stm |title=APB All Points Bulletin: Atlas&i and Avosetta star |work=BBC Norfolk |date=30 June 2010 |access-date=2 July 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100705134332/http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/norfolk/hi/people_and_places/music/newsid_8773000/8773359.stm| archive-date= 5 July 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> The game allows players to import music into the music player. If other players also have the same song imported to their music player, they will hear the music on the player's car radio. If another player does not have the same song imported, Last.fm will select a similar song to play instead. The player can also create their own music using the music editor options available in the social district.<ref>[http://apb-evolved.com/news/110-apb-evolved-wednesdays-170208] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327174639/http://apb-evolved.com/news/110-apb-evolved-wednesdays-170208|date=27 March 2010}}</ref>

''APB'' has been described by Realtime Worlds executive Colin MacDonald as being "the bastard child of everything we've been striving towards over the 15–20 years" and a culmination of "what [David Jones has] always wanted to do from ''GTA'' and before ''Crackdown'' and ''APB''."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2008/08/05/apb-is-twenty-years-of-striving/|title=APB Is Twenty Years Of Striving, Kinda|website=Rock Paper Shotgun|first=Jim|last=Rossignol|date= 5 August 2008|access-date=5 August 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080805235628/http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2008/08/05/apb-is-twenty-years-of-striving/| archive-date= 5 August 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> ''APB'' was planned as early as 2005, initially as a Microsoft Windows and Xbox 360 title, and intended as the flagship title for the then-newly founded Realtime Worlds studio created by David Jones.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6128269.html |title=APB coming to Xbox 360 in 2008 |website=GameSpot |date=25 June 2009 |access-date=23 February 2008 |first=Tor |last=Thorsen |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211143650/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6128269.html |archive-date=11 December 2008 |df=dmy }}</ref> Then, it was planned that the Xbox 360 release would be in 2010. In the interim time, Realtime Worlds developed the video game ''Crackdown'', released in 2007, which bore some resemblance to the concepts that were to be in ''APB''.

At the 2008 Game Developers Conference, David Jones stated that ''APB'' would be released in 2008.<ref name="jones 2008 gdc">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6186547/gdc-08-apb-out-on-dave-jones |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124152458/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6186547/gdc-08-apb-out-on-dave-jones |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 January 2013 |title=GDC '08: APB out on Dave Jones |website=GameSpot |date=21 February 2008 |access-date=23 February 2008 |first=Tom |last=Magrino }}</ref> Jones noted that ''APB'' would be more like a multiplayer online game with players interacting with up to 25 other players at the same time. He also noted that the game compared well to the typical style of fantasy or sci-fi "multiplayer online" games such as ''World of Warcraft'', but did not expect to compete with those games, as the concept was different. On 14 April 2008, Realtime Worlds announced that it had raised $50 million for ''APB'' and other future projects.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/52193/crackdown-apb-developer-raises-50|title=Crackdown, APB Developer Raises $50 Million|first=Chris|last=Faylor|website=Shacknews|date=14 April 2008|access-date=14 April 2008|archive-date=14 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614152148/http://www.shacknews.com/article/52193/crackdown-apb-developer-raises-50|url-status=live}}</ref> However, he confirmed that Realtime Worlds was now looking at a 2009 release.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.develop-online.net/news/29636/Dave-Jones-says-APB-could-generate-revenues-in-the-hundred-millions|title=Dave Jones says APB could generate revenues in the hundred millions|date=15 April 2008|access-date=16 April 2008|first=Michael|last=French|publisher=Develop UK|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090917154545/http://www.develop-online.net/news/29636/Dave-Jones-says-APB-could-generate-revenues-in-the-hundred-millions|archive-date=17 September 2009|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In this same announcement and subsequent interviews, the company stated that the game was now scheduled for release on Microsoft Windows in 2009, and with options for eventual versions on the Xbox 360.<ref name=gamespot>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6189616.html |title=Realtime repurchases APB rights |website=GameSpot |date=21 April 2008 |access-date=21 April 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211143656/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6189616.html |archive-date=11 December 2008 |df=dmy }}</ref>

On 21 April 2008, Realtime Worlds announced that it had reacquired the global distribution rights for ''APB'', significantly amending the arrangement made in 2005 with Webzen Games.<ref name="gamespot"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/868/868123p1.html|title=Realtime Worlds Regains Global Distribution Rights to APB Following Second Round Funding|website=IGN|date=21 April 2008|access-date=21 April 2008|archive-date=11 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211131401/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/868/868123p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> An industry rumour suggested that Realtime Worlds planned to sell the game to Rockstar Games in order to re-craft it as a massively multiplayer ''Grand Theft Auto'', though Realtime Worlds denied these rumors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/realtime-downplays-gta-online-talk|title=Realtime downplays GTA Online talk|first=Rob|last=Purchase|date=8 May 2008|access-date=8 May 2008|website=Eurogamer|archive-date=23 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123190051/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/realtime-downplays-gta-online-talk|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 2009, Andy Eddy from teamxbox.com reported, "Not only did a spokesperson indicate to me after the EA announcement that the title was being developed for Xbox 360, during today's presentation [at E3 2010], Realtime's Dave Jones said that the first consideration would be the PC release, and then it'll come to the console side. So, while what follows isn't strictly for the Xbox 360, it seems that Realtime Worlds sending the game our way is a definite. If everything that I saw today actually comes to our favourite system, we should all be very, very happy."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://previews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/2342/All-Points-Bulletin/p1/ |title=APB Preview (Xbox 360) |publisher=Previews.teamxbox.com |date=3 June 2009 |access-date=22 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722144225/http://previews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/2342/All-Points-Bulletin/p1 |archive-date=22 July 2010 |df=dmy }}</ref> In July 2009, EJ Moreland from Realtime Worlds made it clear that ''APB'' would be a PC release only for the first release, but they would be looking at the possibilities for a console version.<ref name="youtubefaq">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V45nU7YNYQg#t=2m0s |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211214/V45nU7YNYQg |archive-date=2021-12-14 |url-status=live|title=APB Podcast Episode 6: Q & A|date=15 July 2009 |publisher=Realtime Worlds}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

A PC closed beta ran from 19 October 2009 to 4 June 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dailygamesnews.com/2009/10/apb-beta-now-underway.html |title=APB Closed BETA Begins |publisher=Dailygamesnews.com |date=20 October 2009 |access-date=15 June 2010 |archive-date=19 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100419232320/http://dailygamesnews.com/2009/10/apb-beta-now-underway.html |url-status=live }}</ref> This was followed by an open beta which ran from 12 June 2010 to 19 June 2010. Development costs were in excess of $100 million,<ref>{{cite web |last=Stuart |first=Keith |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2010/aug/27/realtime-worlds-collapse |title=Realtime Worlds: an inside story |work=The Guardian |date=27 August 2010 |access-date=14 December 2011 |archive-date=7 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407075211/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2010/aug/27/realtime-worlds-collapse |url-status=live }}</ref> making it one of the most expensive video games in history.

On 30 April 2010, a press release was published by official fansite APB Evolved that included pricing information and release dates: 29 June 2010 in North America, 1 July in Mainland Europe and 2 July in the United Kingdom.<ref name="APB Evo PR" /> A subscription-like system was used, where players purchase game time for action districts, either by purchasing hours or by opting for an unlimited playtime option for 30 days. Players were required to purchase a copy of the game which included 50 hours of initial game time.<ref name="APB Evo PR" /> Both the game and the website were available in French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian and English.<ref>[http://www.apb.com/faq/#q10 FAQ – APB – All Points Bulletin] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100430195328/http://www.apb.com/faq/#q10 |date=30 April 2010 }}</ref>

''APB: Reloaded'' was published by GamersFirst in every country<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tentonhammer.com/apb/news/apb-reloaded-retail-edition-available-in-north-america-tomorrow |title=APB: Reloaded Retail Edition Available in North America Tomorrow |date=8 December 2011 |publisher=Ten Ton Hammer |access-date=12 January 2013 |archive-date=15 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130315003754/http://www.tentonhammer.com/apb/news/apb-reloaded-retail-edition-available-in-north-america-tomorrow |url-status=live }}</ref> except in Brazil, which is published by the Brazilian developer and publisher Hoplon Infotainment.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/177252/Hoplon_Infotainment_presents_releases_and_news_at_Brasil_GameShow_2012.php |title=Press Releases – Hoplon Infotainment presents releases and news at Brasil Game Show 2012 |publisher=Gamasutra |access-date=12 January 2013 |archive-date=28 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121228194941/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/177252/Hoplon_Infotainment_presents_releases_and_news_at_Brasil_GameShow_2012.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> and Russia, which is published by Innova Systems.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gamersfirst-selects-innova-systems-as-exclusive-apb-reloaded-publishing-partner-for-russia-132610138.html |title=GamersFirst Selects Innova Systems as Exclusive APB Reloaded Publishing Partner for Russia – IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ |publisher=Prnewswire.com |date=26 October 2011 |access-date=12 January 2013 |archive-date=27 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127091419/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gamersfirst-selects-innova-systems-as-exclusive-apb-reloaded-publishing-partner-for-russia-132610138.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Shutdown and relaunch=== On 17 August 2010, Realtime Worlds was placed into administration. The administrators intended to keep the company trading whilst they attempted to find a buyer for the firm. If a buyer could not be found then the long-term future for the game was uncertain.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.next-gen.biz/news/realtime-worlds-has-entered-administration |title=Realtime Worlds Has Entered Administration |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100919022916/http://www.next-gen.biz/news/realtime-worlds-has-entered-administration |archive-date=19 September 2010 }}</ref> On 16 September 2010, Realtime Worlds announced ''APB'' servers were to be shut down "soon" with no specific date given.<ref>[http://eu.apb.com/en/news/announcements/2010/09/16/end-of-an-era]{{dead link|date=July 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/realtime-worlds-announces-the-closure-of-apb/ |title=Realtime Worlds announces the closure of APB Updated |publisher=Massively |date=16 September 2010 |access-date=22 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121052404/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/realtime-worlds-announces-the-closure-of-apb/ |archive-date=21 January 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> On 11 November 2010, online games company K2 Network purchased ''APB'' for £1.5 million. No time frame for re-release or reactivation of servers was announced.<ref name="Robert Purchese">{{cite web|first=Robert|last=Purchese |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/APB-has-been-bought |title=K2 Networks buys APB MMO News – Page 1 |website=EuroGamer |date=11 November 2010 |access-date=11 November 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101113195728/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/APB-has-been-bought| archive-date= 13 November 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> On 16 November 2010, K2 Network's subsidiary company Reloaded Productions announced that ''APB'' would be re-launched during the first half of 2011 as a free-to-play game,<ref name="eurogamer.net">{{cite web |author=Wesley Yin-Poole |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-11-16-apb-to-relaunch-next-year-as-f2p#justposted |title=APB to relaunch next year as F2P News |website=EuroGamer |date=16 November 2010 |access-date=22 May 2011 |archive-date=19 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419205812/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-11-16-apb-to-relaunch-next-year-as-f2p#justposted |url-status=live }}</ref> renamed '''''APB: Reloaded'''''.<ref name="NameChange">{{cite web |url=http://www.vg247.com/2010/11/16/apb-renamed-apb-reloladed-goes-free-to-play-from-gamersfirst/ |title=APB renamed APB: Reloaded, goes free-to-play from GamersFirst |publisher=VG247 |date=16 November 2010 |access-date=22 May 2011 |archive-date=27 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527060209/http://www.vg247.com/2010/11/16/apb-renamed-apb-reloladed-goes-free-to-play-from-gamersfirst/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In August 2019, Little Orbit reached terms to sell the APB IP to Unit Game. Under these terms, Unit Game would take over development for an all-new APB mobile game starting with the Asian market and then expand worldwide, while Little Orbit would keep the rights to the current ''APB Reloaded'' title on PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4 to continue developing and expanding on that title.<ref name="future">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamersfirst.com/apb/news/2019/8/29/message-from-matt |title=Message from Matt |publisher=Gamersfirst |date=29 August 2019 |access-date=10 Sep 2019 |archive-date=24 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024092208/http://gamersfirst.com/apb/news/2019/8/29/message-from-matt |url-status=live }}</ref>

The console versions of ''APB Reloaded'' shut down in 2024. The Xbox One version ended service by January that year,<ref name="console-shutdown">{{cite web |url=https://gameshorizon.com/news/apb-reloaded-free-multiplayer-shooter-sunsets-on-consoles/ |title=APB Reloaded, Free Multiplayer Shooter, Sunsets on Consoles |last=Aguilar |first=Jorge |publisher=GamesHorizon |date=17 January 2024 |access-date=17 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117033218/https://gameshorizon.com/news/apb-reloaded-free-multiplayer-shooter-sunsets-on-consoles/ |archive-date=17 January 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> while the PlayStation 4 version shut down on August 2.<ref name="console-shutdown-2">{{cite web |url=https://gamerant.com/apb-reloaded-console-pc-character-transfers-shutdown/ |title= August 2 Is the End of an Era for APB Reloaded |last=Bošnjak |first=Dominik |date=July 30, 2024 |access-date=September 2, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731050131/https://gamerant.com/apb-reloaded-console-pc-character-transfers-shutdown/ |archive-date=July 31, 2024 |publisher=Game Rant}}</ref>

==Reception== {{Video game reviews | MC = 58%<ref name="MC" /> | 1UP = D<ref name="1UP" /> | Destruct = 35/100<ref name="Dest" /> | Edge = 7/10<ref name="Edge" /> | EuroG = 6/10<ref name="Euro" /> | IGN = 77/100<ref name="IGN" /> | PCGUS = 55/100<ref name="PCG" /> }} Reception to ''APB'' has been mixed, with the game holding a 58% average on Metacritic as of February 2016.<ref name="MC">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/apb/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=APB for PC Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic |website=Metacritic.com |access-date=22 September 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100820075300/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/apb| archive-date= 20 August 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref>

Initial reviews included ''PC Gamer'' giving the title 55/100.<ref name="PCG">{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2010/07/02/apb-review/ |title=APB review |publisher=PC Gamer |date=2 July 2010 |access-date=22 September 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100903004451/http://www.pcgamer.com/2010/07/02/apb-review/| archive-date= 3 September 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> and ''Eurogamer'' giving ''APB'' a 6/10<ref name="Euro">{{cite web|author=Rob Fahey |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/apb-review |title=APB MMO Review – Page 1 |website=EuroGamer |date=2 July 2010 |access-date=22 September 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100820133303/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/apb-review| archive-date= 20 August 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> ''1UP'' awarded ''APB'' a grade of D<ref name="1UP">{{cite web |author=Bob Mackey |url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?pager.offset=1&cId=3180268&p=1/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018150823/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?pager.offset=1&cId=3180268&p=1%2F |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 October 2012 |title=APB Review for PC from |publisher=1UP.com |access-date=22 September 2010 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> and Destructoid gave a 35/100.<ref name="Dest">{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/review-apb-178336.phtml |title=Review: APB |date=6 July 2010 |publisher=Destructoid |access-date=22 September 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100807234627/http://www.destructoid.com/review-apb-178336.phtml| archive-date= 7 August 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> Other reviews were higher, with IGN giving a 77/100<ref name="IGN">{{cite web|author=Kolan, Nick |url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/110/1105172p1.html |title=APB Review – PC Review at IGN |publisher=Pc.ign.com |date=9 July 2010 |access-date=22 September 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100915162754/http://pc.ign.com/articles/110/1105172p1.html| archive-date= 15 September 2010 | url-status= dead}}</ref> and ''Edge'' granting a 7/10.<ref name="Edge">{{cite web|url=http://www.next-gen.biz/reviews/review-apb-all-points-bulletin |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120904095155/http://www.next-gen.biz/reviews/review-apb-all-points-bulletin |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 September 2012 |title=Review: APB – All Points Bulletin | Edge Magazine |publisher=Edge-online.com |date=2 July 2010 |access-date=22 September 2010 }}</ref> The main criticism includes the game feeling unfinished and underdeveloped.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.1up.com/reviews/apb-review|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120713235540/http://www.1up.com/reviews/apb-review|url-status = dead|archive-date = 13 July 2012|title = APB Review|date = 6 July 2010|access-date = 3 February 2016|website = APB Review for PC from 1UP.com|publisher = 1UP.com|last = Mackey|first = Bob}}</ref>

===Review embargo=== ''APB''{{'}}s release was met with some criticism due to a review embargo, planned to last until a week after release. Whilst review embargoes are commonplace in games journalism, the length caused a large backlash in the reviewing community. John Walker from ''Rock, Paper, Shotgun'' stated "Whatever their reason is, they've crossed a very obvious, very ridiculous line. When anyone anywhere can post a review to their blog, a comments thread, or a site's reader reviews section, it's beyond daft to think that the site itself cannot."<ref name="rockpapershotgun1">{{cite journal|url=http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2010/06/17/apb-review-embargo-set-week-after-release/#more-32106 |title=APB Review Embargo Set Week After Release |journal=Rock Paper Shotgun |date=17 June 2010 |access-date=22 September 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100919044756/http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2010/06/17/apb-review-embargo-set-week-after-release/| archive-date= 19 September 2010 | url-status= live|last1=Walker |first1=John }}</ref> Realtime Worlds responded by stating "Before finalizing reviews, we want you to experience the full, rich experience of APB as it is meant to be seen. We want you to see wild customer customizations, player progression and clans making an impact on the living, breathing city of San Paro. This key code also therefore grants you, along with our pre-order customers, VIP early access before the official launch day; 26 June in North America and 28 June in Europe."<ref name="rockpapershotgun1"/>

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== *{{official website|http://www.gamersfirst.com/apb/}} {{Portal bar|Video games}}

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