Independent developer and publisher Realtime Worlds has named former Take-Two chief operating officer Gary Dale as its new chief executive officer.

Dale will oversee the independent studio’s day-to-day operations and drive the strategic direction of Realtime Worlds and its products, beginning with urban-themed online title All Points Bulletin, which the firm says is on the “verge” of release.

“As RTW transitions from being a traditional developer to an online publisher I could not be happier that Gary will lead us through this exciting phase of our growth,” said David Jones, co-founder and creative director at Realtime Worlds.

“His years of experience at companies such as Capcom and Take-Two will prove invaluable in ensuring we meet our goals of becoming a world leading next-generation online publisher. My focus going forward will be on ensuring we continue to deliver quality innovative experiences as with our debut title, Crackdown.”

Dale added: “Realtime Worlds is one of the most innovative game companies in the world. The company is on the verge of launching products that will change current conceptions of what MMO games are about.”

Back in January Take-Two confirmed to Edge that Dale had resigned his position and would be leaving the publisher due to "personal reasons" as of April 15, 2009.