[2021] Apocalypse - it was supposed to actually be a separate game right?

Lately Apocalypse is just touted as a test game they made to test certain things such as action combat and their network. However, the website and even their Twitter bio ("Standalone prequel of @AshesofCreation by Intrepid Studios") make it seem like it was actually supposed to be a separate game. Which makes sense with all of the monetization they jammed in there...

Did they only pivot to "it's only a testing grounds for the MMO" after the backlash from the MMO fans and poor reception from the BR crowd?