Realtime management have carried out an internal review of operations and have decided to make cutbacks on a secret project. The change will see a number of employees moved from the project into a new role, providing 24/7 online support for APB.

The news has been met with shock by games enthusiasts and industry commentators online who have expressed concern that such a high-profile company is having difficulties.

In a statement released today, Realtime said overall staffing levels for APB would increase, although there would be a small number of redundancies as the game’s “development cycle” changes and they cut back on the second project.

However, it stressed the studio would continue to recruit in other areas of the business.

Chief executive officer Gary Dale said, “APB experienced a very smooth launch for an online dedicated game along with a great reception from consumers and we’re immensely proud of the game the team has produced.

“We now have to focus our efforts and resources on running APB as a 24/7 online live operation, creating new content and services for the future and ensuring the best possible experience for the players.”

Founded in 2002 and headed up by legendary Lemmings designer Dave Jones, Realtime has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the computer games development world. The company has worked on smash hits including Grand Theft Auto and Crackdown, and has grown to be a major player in the industry, with more than 200 staff.

The firm received a huge boost in 2008 after securing $50m of funding from a trio of investors.

At the time, Mr Jones said the cash would allow Realtime to “deliver new original experiences to games around the globe and to push the boundaries of online gaming.”

In recent months, Realtime representatives have repeatedly spoken of their wish to see new tax breaks introduced for the computer games development industry.

However, that plan was dropped by Chancellor George Osborne during last month’s emergency budget.