Crackdown dev in talks with MS over Crackdown 2

Crackdown developer Realtime Worlds is in “ongoing discussion” with Microsoft over plans to develop a sequel to the hugely popular 2007 Xbox 360 exclusive.

In a statement to VG247 Realtime Worlds studio head Colin MacDonald revealed that although the studio hasn’t yet had an offer from Microsoft to make Crackdown 2, it is in “ongoing discussions with them”.

MacDonald’s comments contradict earlier reports that had suggested that newly formed Scottish developer Ruffian Games, which has Crackdown lead designer Billy Thomson among other ex-Realtime staffers on its books, “is indeed working on a follow-up”.

Macdonald said: “I just wanted to correct the rumours today surrounding Crackdown. Although to date we haven’t had an offer from Microsoft for the Crackdown sequel rumoured, we continue to have ongoing discussions with them.

“In the unfortunate event that there isn’t an agreement with RTW reached, Dave (Realtime Worlds boss and GTA creator Dave Jones) said he 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.’

“In any event, 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.”

Macdonald also moved to reassure fans of the studio that the formation of Ruffian and the subsequent loss of staff hasn’t affected development of hotly anticipated action MMO APB.

“Regarding the rumoured RTW departures, we believe that maybe five or six ex-Realtime Worlds staff have been employed by Ruffian in recent weeks,” he said.

“Whilst we’re always sad to lose any member of the RTW family, fans should rest assured that the vast majority of the Crackdown team remain at RTW, and our 200 plus talented individuals are working hard towards APB being one of the biggest launches of 2009, as well as on an unannounced project that will cause quite a stir when unveiled.”

What seems inevitable at this point is that development will eventually begin on a sequel to Crackdown. Whether it will be Realtime Worlds or Ruffian at the helm, however, remains to be seen.