An updated version of the FAQ on the All Points Bulletin (APB) website has revealed both launch dates and pricing for the online game.
We’ve known for a while that APB would have an unconventional subscription model, but now it has been revealed exactly how unconventional it will be:
You can purchase a retail version of APB (apb gold)either in-store or via digital download at standard retail price (SRP $49.99/£34.99/€49.99). The game includes 50 hours of action game play out of the box plus unlimited time in APB’s social districts customising, socialising and trading on the marketplace.
Once your game time is up, you have flexibility to top up your action game time from as little as $6.99 (£5.59, €6.29) for an additional 20 hours, while more frequent players can switch to a 30-day unlimited package for only $9.99 (£7.99, €8.99) with discounts available for 90 and 180 days.
The initial retail package will also include 180 RTW points, which is the game’s currency. Players can also cut their monthly subscription cost, or remove the need to pay completely by customizing and turning rewards into tradeable products. They can then be sold for RTW which in turn can be converted to game time or game cash.
Read more at APB FAQ, found via GamesIndustry.biz
Matthew’s Opinion
Having a direct link between how well you play and how much you pay to play is an interesting one. It will certainly encourage gamers to keep playing, and playing well within the rules of the game. The reward is not only no subscription charge to pay, but also the ability to build up a pool of game time or in-game cash.
I also like the focus on game time rather than real-world time. Most online games come with 30 days of play when you buy the retail pack, but you can’t take full advantage of that without taking a month off work and playing all the time. With 50 hours game time you can play when you like safe in the knowledge there is no time limit away from the game.
APB is certainly shaping up to be an interesting game. It’s not just the unusual revenue model, the customization options in a GTA-like world are sure to be appealing to many gamers.