News: Official APB October Summary

Greetings All,

Welcome to the October community newsletter wrapped in a nice warm APB template to keep out the cold Scottish weather (which wasn't mentioned in my job description I can assure you). As you can see the template is headed by our new official APB logo which we hope you guys will like.



October Update:

It seems like only yesterday we were preparing the September update for release, yet one month on and we find ourselves writing the latest newsletter, so let's get down to business.

Game News:

This month has seen us pushing forward with large group play tests each week and smaller more frequent design tests intended to gather feedback on various games systems tweaks. Some examples of these tweaks, such as how shields perform or changes in health regeneration rates always lead to an exciting different experience while we learn what works and doesn't work for our vision of APB.

Following on from what we started last month we have three game play elements suggested by players, which we have collected feedback from the team ....

Idea Already Implemented: Inventory Items

One fan posted about the availability of additional items such as grenades, explosives and non-lethal weapons.

While we don't have a full list available yet for release we can confirm that there will be a varied selection of weapons, items and accessories available, some of which will fit into the suggested types above. Not all will be available when a player starts playing APB but will be unlocked whilst progressing through the content.

Idea Under Consideration: Mini Games and Leisure Activities

The idea of mini-games or leisure activities is something we have considered, however at this stage of development we are focusing on the core action aspects of APB first and foremost. This may be something we look into post-release as part of a more generalised social expansion.

Idea Rejected: Bullet Time

Due to the action based PvP combat and multiplayer game mechanics required, we do not envision a system involving bullet time in APB.

Community News:

Also mentioned last week, Chris 'Deum' Collins has joined the community team and quickly got up to speed and as promised here is his summary of his first few weeks as a member of the APB team.

"Starting a new job in a new city can be a stressful time for anyone in any industry. You're technically going in blind, leaving a place and a job that you've been comfortable with for years. It's always a gamble too. But I can safely say that my first few weeks at RTW have been great. Now that I'm feeling more settled and I've gotten to know as many people as is physically possible in the space of time, it instantly feels like home.

The APB team is a great bunch, made up of guys and girls from all over the world. Everyone is approachable, fun and most of all working together with the same goal; to make APB as great as possible. As you're aware from previous updates, RTW regularly holds in-house play tests. I've been involved in pretty much all of these and I have to say — "APB is going to be a lot of fun".

With preparations now underway for the first stage of public testing for APB, things are ramping-up here and really starting to get exciting.

I'm looking forward to getting to work with the community, getting to know the players and letting everyone know about APB."

Now that Deum has settled in he'll be bringing you a monthly personal view of his experiences in the play tests, from what new missions he's tried to how elements of the game are progressing.

Our September "graffiti" artwork competition in the photo section of our Facebook Page has come to a conclusion. The winner is know by many of you as 'Din', and he has been providing fans with art on apb-evolved for months. Join me in congratualing 'Din' and we will be contacting him shortly to sort out a nice little prize.

Teaser Site & Forums:

Unfortunately not everything runs smoothly in life {even in sunny Dundee). We had hoped to bring you more detailed news on the new teaser site and forums, however all we can say is that this is still moving forward and we will update you all as the situation progresses.

See you next month,

APB Community Team
www.realtimeworlds.com
www.apb.com