In a world where MMORPGs are a dime a dozen, it’s astonishing to see a game like RuneScape still kicking after 25 years. Originally developed by Andrew and Paul Gower under their company Jagex, this fantasy MMORPG has had its fair share of updates, controversies, and community divisions. But hey, that’s what makes it so lovable, right? I mean, who needs a peaceful gaming community when you can have a community that’s been polling for updates since 2007?
As a reaction to the declining user base and negative reception in 2013, Jagex polled players on whether they wanted a separate branch of the game based on a backup from 2007. And, of course, the poll exceeded the required threshold of 50,000 votes in just a few hours. Because, why not? It’s not like the community was divided or anything. This led to the release of Old School RuneScape in February 2013, which has been running parallel to the main game ever since. Both games have collectively generated over $3 billion in lifetime revenue, because who needs a social life when you can play RuneScape?
The Roadmap to Nowhere
At RuneFest 2026, Jagex announced ambitious roadmaps for all three current game projects, including the survival title Dragonwilds. Because, you know, what’s an MMORPG without a survival spin-off? They also announced a fourth title in early development, because why stop at three? Lead Game Designer Elena Nordmarkt talked to us about what’s in store for Old School RuneScape in 2027 and beyond. She mentioned that the team is focused on horizontal progression, respecting players’ time, and not invalidating their past grinds. Yeah, because that’s exactly what players want – more grind.
Menaphos: The Golden Gates of Broken Promises
After 20 years, the golden gates of Menaphos are finally set to open. Because, you know, better late than never. Elena Nordmarkt explained that the team has been steadily trying to expand the game, and Menaphos feels like the missing piece they haven’t yet explored. She also mentioned that the type of content they imagine being there is something that would fit nicely alongside the other stuff they’re doing. Yeah, because that’s exactly what players want – more content to grind through.
Community: The Lifeblood of RuneScape
The community plays a massive role in shaping the present and future of Old School RuneScape, especially through the community polling system. Elena Nordmarkt explained that they usually talk to players through community consultations, where they release a blog outlining their plans and then gather feedback from players. They then use this feedback to validate their ideas before committing to development. Because, you know, it’s not like they have anything better to do.
The Future of Old School RuneScape
Elena Nordmarkt mentioned that they have no current plans to do an “Old School RuneScape 2” project, but they do hear the desire from some players. They’re focused on keeping the game fresh and interesting, while also respecting the nostalgic feel of 2007. They’re also planning to introduce Hardcore Worlds, because who doesn’t love a good challenge? And, of course, they’re committed to getting Q&As back, because communication with the community is key. Yeah, because that’s exactly what players want – more Q&As.
In conclusion, RuneScape is still alive and kicking, despite its age. The community is still passionate, and the developers are still committed to delivering new content. So, if you’re looking for a game that will suck up all your free time, look no further than RuneScape. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you. With its rich history, dedicated community, and constant stream of updates, RuneScape is sure to remain a beloved game for years to come. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go grind for 10 hours to get that one rare item.
Pixel P. Snarkbyte, widely regarded as the “Shakespeare of Sh*tposts,” is a video game expert with a unique knack for turning pixels into punchlines.
Born in the small town of Respawn, Pennsylvania, Pixel grew up mashing buttons on an ancient NES controller, firmly believing that “blowing into the cartridge” was a sacred ritual passed down through generations.
Pixel P. Snarkbyte: proving that life, much like a buggy open-world game, is better with a little lag-induced chaos.
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