Alternatively known as APB, the game is an Unreal Engine 3-powered massively multiplayer title that dynamically pits cops against criminals in a vast online city. Featuring extensive character customization and a number of missions, such as robbing an armored truck, the title is now expected to debut in 2009.

The studio had previously partnered with Korean publisher Webzen to help distribute the title. According to Realtime, the move will give the company "the independence to push creative boundaries in the development of the game" and the chance to take a "more active role in managing APB's global distribution strategy."

"By controlling the rights to APB we can ensure that gamers around the globe experience the revolutionary gameplay we envisioned when we first began creating the property," added Realtime CEO David Jones.

"Owning the distribution rights to APB marks a major milestone in Realtime Worlds' evolution into a premier online entertainment company."