RuneScape is a Java-based Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) operated by Jagex Ltd. It is a graphical browser game incorporating 3D rendering. The game has approximately 8.5 million active accounts [1] and is recognised by Guinness World Records as the world's most popular free MMORPG. [2]
RuneScape takes place in the game world of Gielinor, a fantasy-themed realm divided into several different kingdoms, regions, and cities. [3] [4] Players can travel throughout Gielinor on foot, by using magical teleportation spells and devices, or mechanical means of transportation. [5] Each region offers different types of monsters, resources, and quests to challenge players. Players appear on the screen as customizable avatars, setting their own goals and objectives. Unlike many other MMORPGs, there is no linear path that must be followed. Players can combat both monsters and other players, complete quests, or increase their experience in any of the available skills. [6] Players interact with each other through trading, chatting, or paticipating in both combative and cooperative mini-games.
The predecessor of RuneScape, DeviousMUD, was created by Andrew Gower in 1998. This was rewritten and renamed RuneScape, and released on 4 January 2001 in beta form. [7] As the game's popularity grew, the game engine was rewritten, producing a new product dubbed RuneScape 2, released in beta on 1 December 2003, and was renamed as RuneScape upon its stable release on 29 March 2004. [8]
