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Realtime Worlds Still In Talks With Microsoft About Crackdown Sequel

Dec 22, 2008 9:53am CST tags: Crackdown, Crackdown 2, Realtime Worlds, Ruffian Games
Though currently at work on the MMO APB, Realtime Worlds is still engaged in talks with Microsoft about a possible Crackdown sequel, according to videogaming247.

It was reported last week that Ruffian Games, a new studio founded by several former Realtime Worlds employees, might get the opportunity to develop Crackdown 2. Though the original was developed by Realtime Worlds, the property is owned by Microsoft.

In a statement, Realtime Worlds studio manager Colin MacDonald noted that the company is in "ongoing discussions" with Microsoft, though no offer has been extended. Should a Crackdown sequel be awarded to another company, MacDonald said Realtime Worlds founder Dave Jones would "be gutted not to be involved, but if it had to be that way, I would want to see it done justice -- by an established, renowned developer that had the track record of delivering the quality gaming experience Crackdown players would demand."

Ruffian Games would not be that kind of developer. "I also very much doubt that Microsoft would harm an otherwise fruitful existing development relationship by gambling on funding Crackdown 2 with a startup on RTW's doorstep, for obvious reasons," said MacDonald.

MacDonald also mentioned about five or six people had left for Ruffian Games, with the majority of the original Crackdown team still at Realtime Worlds.

Crackdown Vets Form New Studio, Sequel Possible

Dec 18, 2008 7:17pm CST tags: Crackdown, Crackdown 2, Realtime Worlds, Ruffian Games
A new studio titled Ruffian Games has been formed by ex-Crackdown developers, and their first project may be a sequel to the open-world shooter, according to Gamasutra.

Crackdown lead designer Billy Thomson and other key members have set up shop in Dundee, Scotland, and rumors indicate a Crackdown sequel might be their first project.

The first Crackdown title was developed by Realtime Worlds, which is now developing its cops vs. robbers PC MMO titled APB. Microsoft apparently owns the Crackdown property, which would lend credence to the story of a Ruffian-developed sequel.

Gamasutra also cites a recent Game Informer article as evidence that Crackdown 2 is in the works. The article stated: "[Realtime Worlds] is currently working on APB and not Crackdown 2. The sequel is in production with a different development team."