When it comes to playing online games there are two well-defined models that are usually followed: pay-to-play or free-to-play. The pay-to-play model requires a monthly subscription be paid by the player where as the free-to-play option relies on players choosing to buy items in-game or advertising, or a combination of the two.

Realtime Worlds are currently working on an online game called APB (All Points Bulletin) which has reportedly cost $30 million to create. It was expected the game would release as a pay-to-play option where you buy the game up front, get XX days free play time, then start paying a monthly sub. But according to David Jones, founder of the Scottish developer, it’s not that clear cut.

Basically, you have to buy the client. It’s a traditional game that you buy … We’re not going the normal ‘you have to subscribe to play the game every month’ route. What we haven’t said is which route we are going, and in some respects we’re still looking.

It sounds to me like Realtime may be considering a free-to-play base model, but then offering either tiered subscription pricing or the ability to buy in-game items. With servers limited to 100 players and what looks to be a focus on playing with friends it certainly gives scope to try something different. Maybe there will be a possibility of a group subscription which ensures you and your friends can always play together on a predefined server.