View source for RuneScape

{{Short description|2001 video game}}
{{for|the 2013 version of ''RuneScape''|Old School RuneScape{{!}}''Old School RuneScape''}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2010}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = RuneScape
| image = Runescape 3 Logo.png
| developer = [[Jagex]]
| publisher = Jagex
| director =
| producer =
| designer = {{Ubl|Andrew Gower|Paul Gower}}
| programmer =
| artist =
| writer =
| composer = {{Ubl|Ian Taylor|Adam Bond|[[James Hannigan]]}}
| platforms = {{Ubl|[[Android (operating system)|Android]]|[[iOS]]|[[Linux]]|[[macOS]]|[[Windows]]}}
| released = 4 January 2001<ref>{{Cite news|date=4 January 2021|title=Runescape celebrates its 20th anniversary with a 'Grand Party' and special rewards|work=PC Gamer|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/runescape-celebrates-its-20th-anniversary-with-a-grand-party-and-special-rewards/|access-date=4 January 2022}}</ref>
| genre = [[Massively multiplayer online role-playing game]]
| modes = [[Multiplayer]]
}}

'''''RuneScape''''' is a [[fantasy]] [[massively multiplayer online role-playing game]] (MMORPG) developed and published by [[Jagex]], released in January 2001. ''RuneScape'' was originally a [[browser game]] built with the [[Java (programming language)|Java]] programming language; it was largely replaced by a standalone [[C++]] client in 2016. The game has had over 300&nbsp;million accounts created and was recognised by the ''[[Guinness World Records]]'' as the largest and most-updated free MMORPG.<ref name="USAToday"/>

''RuneScape'' takes place in the world of Gielinor, a medieval fantasy realm divided into different kingdoms, regions, and cities.<ref name="GodLettersIssue16"/><ref name="WorldMap"/> Players can travel throughout Gielinor via a number of methods including on foot, [[magic (fantasy)|magical spells]], or charter ships.<ref name="Transportation"/> Each region offers different types of monsters, resources, and quests to challenge players. The game's [[fictional universe]] has been explored through a [[tie-in]] video game on another of its maker's websites, ''[[FunOrb]]'', ''Armies of Gielinor'',<ref name="AOG"/> and the novels ''[[Betrayal at Falador]]'',<ref name="BetrayalAtFalador"/> ''Return to Canifis'',<ref name="ReturnToCanifis"/> and ''Legacy of Blood''.<ref name="LegacyOfBlood"/>

Players are represented in the game with customisable [[avatar (computing)|avatars]]. ''RuneScape'' does not follow a [[linear gameplay|linear]] storyline; rather, players set their own goals and objectives. Players can choose to fight [[non-player character]] (NPC) monsters, complete [[quest (video gaming)|quests]], or increase their [[Experience point|experience]] in the available skills. Players interact with each other through trading, chatting, or by participating in [[mini-games]] and activities, some of which are competitive or combative in nature, while others require cooperative or collaborative play.

The first public version of ''RuneScape'' was released in January 2001 in [[Open beta|beta]] form, with Jagex as its copyright holder being formed later that year. In 2004, as the game's popularity grew, the [[game engine]] was rewritten and released as ''RuneScape 2'',<ref>{{cite web|title=RS2 Launched!| date=29 March 2004 |url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/rs2-launched|publisher=RuneScape|access-date=13 August 2014}}</ref> with the original version of the game being renamed ''RuneScape Classic''. The third iteration of the game, known as ''RuneScape 3'', was released in July 2013.<ref name="RS3Release"/> ''[[Old School RuneScape]]'', a separate, older version of the game dating from August 2007, was released in February 2013, and is maintained alongside the original client. It was announced that mobile ports of both versions of ''RuneScape'' would be released for [[Android (operating system)|Android]] and [[iOS]] devices in 2018.<ref name="RuneScapeMobile"/><ref name="OldSchoolRuneScapeMobile"/> ''RuneScape'' was released on [[Steam (service)|Steam]] on 14 October 2020.<ref name="SteamRelease"/>

==Gameplay==
[[File:General-Runescape-HUD.PNG|thumb|A screenshot of the game interface from ''RuneScape'' in 2015]]

Players begin in a secluded area called Tutorial Island, where they are taken through a [[tutorial]], a set path where they learn the most basic skills in ''RuneScape''.<ref name="getting_started"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jagex |title=Beginners' Guide |url=https://www.runescape.com/game-guide/beginners-guide |access-date=20 September 2022 |website=RuneScape |language=en}}</ref> After the tutorial, players have access to tutors and advisors located in the towns they explore, who can give players appropriate information about their respective skills.<ref name="Tutors"/> Originally players were teleported to the town of Lumbridge, however in recent updates, Burthorpe is the main starting area.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Payne |first=Freddie |date=2022-05-22 |title=Old School RuneScape: 5 Beginner Tips |url=https://www.thegamer.com/old-school-runescape-beginner-tips-stronghold-security-fancy-boots/ |access-date=2024-05-23 |website=TheGamer |language=en}}</ref> Other main cities include Varrock, Falador, Ardougne (and West Ardougne), and smaller settlements.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Calvin |first1=Alex |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3klEEAAAQBAJ&dq=Lumbridge&pg=PA15 |title=Runescape: The First 20 Years--An Illustrated History |last2=JagEx |date=2021-12-07 |publisher=Dark Horse Comics |isbn=978-1-5067-2126-2 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Rosner |first1=Sandra |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=haPaEAAAQBAJ&dq=Lumbridge&pg=PT170 |title=RuneScape: The Official Cookbook |last2=Melendez |first2=Jarrett |date=2024-04-16 |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=979-8-88663-314-6 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cowdry |first=Calve |date=2023-09-01 |title=Old School RuneScape: 13 Most Useful Achievement Diary Rewards |url=https://www.thegamer.com/old-school-runescape-useful-achievement-diary-rewards/ |access-date=2024-05-23 |website=TheGamer |language=en}}</ref>

Players set their own goals and objectives as they play the game. They can train their in-game skills, engage [[non-player character]] (NPC) monsters and other players in combat and complete [[quest (gaming)|quests]] at their discretion.<ref name="WSJKnights"/> Players interact with each other through trading, chatting or by participating in [[mini-games]].

===Skills===
There are 29 skills in ''RuneScape'', 17 skills available to [[free-to-play]] players and an additional 12 for members, which enable players to perform various activities allowing for interaction with NPCs, the environment and other players. Players gain [[experience point]]s in a skill when they use it. For example, [[mining]] an ore trains the mining skill, and when the player accumulates enough experience points in the skill, their character will "level up".<ref name="Statistics"/> As a skill level rises, the ability to retrieve better [[raw materials]] and produce better products increases, as does the experience awarded if the player uses new abilities. The total skill level of a player partly symbolises the player's status in the game and subscribers with a high total level can appear on the [[high score]]s.<ref name="NewSite"/> Upon reaching levels 99 (the highest possible level in a skill) or 120 (the highest possible virtual level in a skill), members may buy a special cape to symbolise their achievement.<ref name="SkillCapes"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jagex |date=2015-10-05 |title=Virtual Levelling {{!}} Ninja Update - News - RuneScape |url=https://secure.runescape.com/m=news/virtual-levelling--ninja-update |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=RuneScape |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jagex |date=2014-04-28 |title=Master Skillcapes &amp; Combat Improvements - News - RuneScape |url=https://secure.runescape.com/m=news/master-skillcapes--combat-improvements |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=RuneScape |language=en}}</ref>

Some skills, such as Woodcutting and Fishing, enable the player to collect raw materials that can be processed into usable items for other skills, such as Fletching and Cooking respectively. The items created can be used by the player or sold to shops and other players. Other skills allow players to kill certain NPCs, build houses, move around the map with greater ease, steal from various NPCs, market stalls and chests located in-game, light fires, cook food, mix potions, craft runestones, armour and weapons, plant crops, hunt NPC animals, [[raid (gaming)|raid]] [[dungeon crawl|dungeon]]s, and [[evocation|summon]] [[familiar spirit|familiars]] to assist in combat and training skills.<ref name="Skills"/>

===Combat===
''RuneScape'' features a semi-[[Real time (media)|real-time]] combat system. Combat is an important aspect of the game, allowing players to defeat monsters to obtain dropped items or to complete quests. A combat level is an indicator of how powerful a player or NPC is in combat. For players, it is determined by applying a mathematical formula to their combat skills.<ref name="FightingBasics"/> With the release of the Necromancy skill, the current maximum combat level a player can achieve is 152.<ref name="NecroLaunch">{{Cite web |date=2023-08-04 |title=RuneScape's new Necromancy skill reinvents combat once again, 22 years on |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/runescapes-new-necromancy-skill-reinvents-combat-once-again-22-years-on |access-date=2025-04-21 |website=Eurogamer.net |language=en}}</ref> Players engage in combat by [[point-and-click|clicking]] on the enemy they want their character to attack and will automatically continue fighting until they kill their opponent, die, or retreat from the fight. Most of the game's weapons are medieval or fantastical in nature, and feature different strengths and weaknesses. Players may use the Summoning skill to summon a familiar that can assist with combat,<ref name="SummoningBasics"/> use special attacks called "abilities" to deal additional damage,<ref name="CombatBeta4"/> and use potions and the Prayer skill to boost their combat prowess.

Combat is subdivided into four main categories: Melee, Magic, Ranged and Necromancy. Melee attacks are close range and combine the Attack, Strength, and Defence skills;<ref name="MeleeBasics"/> [[Magic (gaming)|Magic attacks]] focus on using [[runestone]]s to cast spells;<ref name="MagicBasics"/> Ranged attacks use projectile weapons like arrows, darts or throwing knives;<ref name="RangedBasics"/> and [[Necromancy]] combines direct necrotic attacks with the [[Evocation|conjuration]] of undead combatants using [[Conduit (channeling)|conduits]] to fight alongside the player.<ref name="NecroLaunch"/> The first three combat types make up the "combat triangle", which governs effectiveness of styles in a [[rock-paper-scissors]] fashion; Melee beats Ranged, Ranged beats Magic, Magic beats Melee, and each style is neutral to itself.<ref name="CombatTriangle"/> Necromancy, released in 2023, is a standalone method of combat and is neutral to the other styles, which have been available since the game's launch.<ref name="NecroLaunch"/> The advantages and disadvantages of the combat triangle apply to both NPCs and player opponents. Players are not required to choose a [[character class]] nor are they bound to a specific category of combat. They may freely change between or combine the styles of combat by switching weapons and armour.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}

Combat is governed by a [[health (gaming)|life points]] system. Every combatant has a maximum capacity of life points, and dies when their health is depleted to 0. Lost life points can be recovered by consuming certain food or drinks, or casting abilities. Players who die respawn in an area called "Death's Office" with their life and skill points restored; however, they drop all but three chosen items, as well as certain common items. To get these back, they can pay an amount of in-game currency based off of the in-game price of each item; alternatively, if they leave the area without reclaiming their items, a gravestone that holds all of their items and lasts for a set time will generally spawn where they died.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jagex |date=2015-05-26 |title=D&amp;D and Death Improvements - News - RuneScape |url=https://secure.runescape.com/m=news/dd-and-death-improvements |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=RuneScape |language=en}}</ref><ref name="FightingBasics" /><ref name="Dying" /> If they had no items equipped or carried other than certain common items, they will instead reappear at a [[spawning (computer gaming)|respawn point]] of their choice with their life and skill points restored.<ref name="FightingBasics"/><ref name="Dying"/>

In June 2012, players were invited to beta-test a new combat system named "Evolution of Combat",<ref name="CombatBeta3"/> which included fundamental changes such as re-balancing the combat triangle to avoid favouring melee attacks,<ref name="CombatBeta1"/> and replacing special weapon attacks with abilities that produce a range of effects when activated. The system was released on the live game on 20 November 2012.<ref name="CombatBeta4"/> Various polls were also added for players to vote on in game that would determine the result of future content development,<ref name="PowerToThePlayers1"/> some of which would dictate the development of the improved combat system.<ref name="PowerToThePlayers2"/><ref name="PowerToThePlayers3"/> A beta for a separate combat system dubbed "Legacy Mode" was opened to players on 16 June 2014,<ref name="LegacyMode1"/> before being introduced to the live game on 14 July. Legacy Mode allows players to switch to the combat system and interface from prior to June 2012 instead of the Evolution of Combat system.<ref name="LegacyMode2"/>

====Player versus player combat====
[[Player versus player]] combat (PvP) can be performed in specific controlled mini-games and in an area known as the Wilderness. In the Wilderness, players can engage in combat provided that their combat levels fall within a certain range of each other, and if a player kills their opponent they will be able to claim their opponent's items as a reward.<ref name="WildernessStarter"/>

Before December 2007, players went to the Wilderness to fight other players within a certain combat level range, hoping to kill them and gain their items.<ref name="PKingSpots"/> In December 2007, the Wilderness was altered to prevent players from transferring in-game items for [[virtual economy|real-world currency]].<ref name="rwtdevdiary"/> PvP combat was removed from the Wilderness and temporarily restricted to new mini-games named ''Bounty Hunter'' and ''Clan Wars''.<ref name="BountyHunter1"/> ''Bounty Hunter'' was replaced by special ''Bounty Worlds'' on 6 May 2009 in which players were confined to the Wilderness and could be assigned specific targets to kill.<ref name="BountyWorlds"/> "PvP Worlds" were introduced on 15 October 2008 where players could fight almost anywhere in Gielinor,<ref name="PvPWorlds2"/> but these and "Bounty Worlds" were removed when PvP combat in the Wilderness was restored on 1 February 2011.<ref name="WildernessReturn"/>

===Non-player interaction===
Non-player characters (NPCs) populate the realm of Gielinor. Some NPCs, such as shopkeepers and some characters in quests, are unavailable for combat. However, most NPCs can be attacked and these are generally referred to as monsters. Monsters range from common, low-level creatures, such as chickens and [[goblin]]s, to unique and often much more powerful monsters, such as the Queen Black Dragon, Telos, and Vorago.<ref name="UseBestiary"/>

Most monsters have their own strengths and weaknesses, notable exceptions being certain [[Boss (video gaming)|bosses]], which have no specific weaknesses. Demons, for example, have a weak defence against ranged attacks, while metal dragons have extremely high defence against ranged. The weakness of an individual monster is displayed in an interface above its model, along with its combat level and lifepoints.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}

Monsters may either be aggressive or non-aggressive. Non-aggressive monsters ignore players unless attacked, while aggressive monsters may attack all players or may only attack players with combat levels below a specified level, depending on the circumstances or location. This can make certain areas throughout Gielinor dangerous or inconvenient to players with lower combat levels.<ref name="UseBestiary"/>

===Player interaction===
Players can interact with each other through trading, chatting, or by participating in mini-games and activities, some of which are competitive or combative in nature, while others require cooperative or collaborative play. Players can trade items and gold coins with each other, either through a face-to-face trade,<ref name="ControlsTrading"/> or by using a large automated marketplace known as the Grand Exchange.<ref name="Grand Exchange"/>

The chat system enables players to communicate with each other. Public Chat broadcasts text to players in the local area on one server, both by text appearing above the speaker's head and in the message box. Friends Chat broadcasts text in the message box only to certain players tuned into a specific channel, who can be available on any ''RuneScape'' world. Each Friends Chat channel has an owner, who can assign different ranks to individual players; players' ranks dictate their ability to perform administrative tasks within the channel. Clan Chat allows members of a [[clan (gaming)|clan]] to communicate with each other through a separate channel.<ref name="ClanChat"/> Quick Chat allows players to choose from a list of predetermined messages to send as Public Chat, Clan Chat, or Friends Chat.<ref name="GeneralChatControls"/>

''RuneScape'' features independent [[mini-game]]s, although most are only available to paying members. Mini-games take place in certain areas and normally involve specific in-game skills, and usually require players to cooperate or to compete with each other. Examples of these mini-games include ''Castle Wars'', which is similar to the real-life game [[Capture the Flag]], ''Pest Control'', a highly combat-focused mini-game, and ''Fist of Guthix'', where one player (the hunter) tries to stop another player (the hunted) from collecting charges into a magical stone.<ref name="mini-games"/>

===Quests===
[[Quest (gaming)|Quests]] are series of tasks with a storyline that players can choose to complete. These often have requirements including minimum levels in certain skills, combat levels, quest points and/or the completion of other quests. Players receive various rewards for completion of quests, including money, unique items, access to new areas, quest points and/or increases in skill experience. Some quests require players to work together, and many require players to engage in challenging combat. Quests are grouped into categories based on requirements and difficulty.<ref name="BeginnersGuide"/> Once a player completes all quests in the game, an achievement item known as the "Quest Point Cape" can be claimed.<ref name="SkillCapes"/> New quests are released periodically.

==Development==
{{Video game timeline
| title = Version History
| compressempty = yes
| 2001 = '''RuneScape Classic'''
| 2004 = '''RuneScape 2'''
| 2008 = RuneScape High Detail
| 2013a = Old School RuneScape
| 2013b = '''RuneScape 3'''
}}
Andrew Gower developed ''RuneScape'' with the assistance of his brother Paul Gower.<ref name="ProquestGower"/> It was originally conceived as a text-based [[Multi-user dungeon|MUD]], but graphics were incorporated early in development, adding it to the ranks of what were then known as "[[graphical MUD]]s".<ref name="runescapeqa"/><ref name="warcryrunescape"/> The first public version of the game used a mixture of [[3D computer graphics|three-dimensional]] and [[2D computer graphics|two-dimensional]] [[sprite (computer graphics)|sprites]]. It was released as a beta version on 4 January 2001, and originally operated out of their parents' house in [[Nottingham]].<ref name="ProquestGower"/> In December 2001, the Gower brothers, along with Constant Tedder, formed [[Jagex]] to take over the business aspects of running ''RuneScape''.<ref name="PCGamesN"/> Among its early innovations Jagex developed an [[interpreted language|interpreted]] [[Domain-specific language|domain-specific]] [[scripting language]] called RuneScript, which is used by ''RuneScape''{{'}}s server for [[event handling]].<ref name="IDGNews"/> In February 2002, a monthly membership service was introduced, allowing access to additional features including new areas, quests, and items not available to free users.<ref name="PCGamerPresents"/>

[[File:Runescapeclassic combat ranged.jpg|thumb|left|Ranged combat in ''RuneScape Classic'']]

As the game gained more users, Jagex began planning major changes.<ref name="BiggestUpdate"/> The developers rewrote the game engine, producing a new version of the game with entirely three-dimensional graphics called ''RuneScape 2''. A [[Software release life cycle#Beta|beta version]] of ''RuneScape 2'' was released to paying members for a testing period beginning on 1 December 2003, and ending in March 2004.<ref name="PCGamerPresents"/> Upon its official release, ''RuneScape 2'' was renamed simply ''RuneScape'', while the older version of the game was kept online under the name ''RuneScape Classic''. On 12 January 2006, Jagex [[ban (law)|banned]] more than 5,000 ''Classic'' [[user account|accounts]] for cheating. To prevent further cheating, ''Classic'' was closed to new accounts and access was restricted to accounts who had played it at least once between 3 August 2005 and 12 January 2006.<ref name="classic restrict"/> Additional reopenings took place in November 2009, June 2010 and September 2011.<ref name="ReOpened1"/><ref name="ReOpened2"/><ref name="ReOpened3"/>

To support ''RuneScape''{{'}}s free content, [[Online advertising|advertisements]] appear on a [[Web banner|banner]] above the playing screen on the [[free-to-play]] servers. Since computer users may use [[ad filtering|advertisement blockers]], which may discourage advertisers, Jagex introduced a rule that prohibits players from blocking these advertisements.<ref name="RulesAdverts"/> On 13 July 2006, Jagex signed an exclusive marketing and distribution contract with [[WildTangent]] Games,<ref name="WildTangent"/> which granted WildTangent the right to handle advertising in and around ''RuneScape'' in the United States, and to distribute ''RuneScape'' through the WildTangent Games Network,<ref name="WildTangent"/> reaching over 20&nbsp;million consumer PCs.<ref name="MediaBuyerPlanner"/>

On 16 May 2006, Jagex upgraded ''RuneScape''{{'}}s [[game engine]], improving the game's loading times and reducing its [[random-access memory|memory]] requirements.<ref name="EngineUpgrade2006"/> On 1 July 2008, Jagex released a beta of their "High Detail" mode for members, which was extended to free players two weeks later.<ref name="RuneScape High Detail Debut"/> Before the launch, Jagex stated that it would be revealed at the 2008 [[E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo)|E3 trade show]].<ref name="RuneScape High Detail Announcement"/>

On 14 February 2007, a [[German language|German]] translation of ''RuneScape'' was introduced,<ref name="GermanLanguage"/> followed by a [[French language|French]] translation on 11 December 2008,<ref name="FrenchLanguage"/> [[Brazilian Portuguese]] on 24 July 2009,<ref name="BPLanguage"/> and [[Latin American Spanish]] on 25 April 2013.<ref name="LASLanguage"/> In an interview in May 2008, former Jagex CEO Geoff Iddison stated that, "We do plan to go East with [''RuneScape''] to the Asian market and the Eastern European market too" [...] "''RuneScape'' is not for Japan, but it could work well in Malaysia for example. And where's India in all this? I think ''RuneScape'' is a game that would be adopted in the English-speaking Indian world and the local-speaking Indian world. We're looking at all those markets individually."<ref name="MMOWeekIddison"/> ''RuneScape'' later launched in India through the gaming [[web portal|portal]] [[Zapak]] on 8 October 2009,<ref name="RSIndia"/> and in France and Germany through [[Bigpoint Games]] on 27 May 2010.<ref name="Bigpoint"/>

On 28 February 2012, an in-game feature was introduced called the "[[Big Six wheel|Squeal of Fortune]]" that allowed players to win items on a daily basis by spinning the wheel.<ref name="SOF1"/> On 2 April 2012, it became possible for players to spend real-world currency in exchange for additional spins, introducing a form of [[microtransaction]] to the game.<ref name="SOF2"/> Jagex CEO Mark Gerhard had previously described microtransactions as "a stealth tax", and the update provoked complaints from players who believed they had been "betrayed" by the change.<ref name="SOF3"/> In July 2012, Jagex released Solomon's General Store, making it possible to spend real currency in exchange for "RuneCoins" that could be spent on cosmetic rewards in the game.<ref name="Solomon"/> On 29 August 2012, Gerhard released a response to this controversy, describing these microtransactions as "[having] a significant role in ensuring that we can continue to support, develop and grow the game for many more years to come." He states that while these decisions are "not necessarily popular", they are made with the future of ''RuneScape'' in mind.<ref name="MMGonMT"/> On 4 February 2014, the Squeal of Fortune was replaced with Treasure Hunter. Rather than spinning a wheel for prizes, players are given keys which are used to open a chest of their choosing.<ref name="TreasureHunter"/> On 26 March 2014, Gerhard reiterated his stance on microtransactions and their importance in updating ''RuneScape'', and announced a partnership with Supersonic ads, allowing players to earn RuneCoins by watching advertisements or sampling products.<ref name="MMGonMT2"/><!--Partnership with Supersonic ads was dropped for one with Peanut Labs, but no reference exists suitable for citation. Relevant post is http://services.runescape.com/m=news/ironman--drop-table-reworks but neither company is named-->

On 30 August 2012, Gerhard announced that an [[HTML5]] version of ''RuneScape'' was in development that would allow the game to be played on "your favourite [[Tablet computer|tablets]], platforms and even [[smart TV]]s."<ref name="HTML5Announcement1"/> A video released on 22 March 2013 stated that the new version would be called ''RuneScape 3'' and would use [[WebGL]], and would include a fully customisable [[HUD (video gaming)|user interface]] and improved audio.<ref name="HTML5Announcement2"/><ref name="RS3Orchestra"/> A closed beta of the HTML5 version went live on 17 April 2013, followed by a separate [[Software release life cycle#Alpha|alpha]] version of the new interface on 24 April.<ref name="HTML5Timeline"/> ''RuneScape 3'' was released on 22 July 2013.<ref name="RS3Release"/>

At RuneFest 2014, Jagex announced that they were developing a new client to replace the HTML5 version, which had never been released from beta due to performance issues. The new client, named NXT, would include improvements to loading times, new graphical effects and better performance.<ref name="NXTAnnouncement"/> Closed betas took place on 19–22 February<ref name="NXTBeta1"/> and 18–21 March 2016,<ref name="NXTBeta2"/> followed by a public release on 18 April 2016.<ref name="NXTRelease"/>

On 23 May 2018, it was announced that due to constantly accumulating bugs and a game engine that has become incompatible with modern support tools of the company, ''RuneScape Classic'' servers would be permanently closed on 6 August 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/a=13/runescape-classic-farewell?oldschool=1|title=RuneScape Classic: Farewell|publisher=Jagex|work=Old School RuneScape|date=23 May 2018|access-date=8 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/runescape-classics-shutdown-was-delayed-just-so-one-player-could-finish-his-last-quest/|title=RuneScape Classic's shutdown was delayed just so one player could finish his last quest|work=[[PC Gamer]]|author=Wood, Austin|date=7 August 2018|access-date=14 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815055306/https://www.pcgamer.com/runescape-classics-shutdown-was-delayed-just-so-one-player-could-finish-his-last-quest/|archive-date=15 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> ''RuneScape'' was released on [[Steam (service)|Steam]] on 14 October 2020.<ref name="SteamRelease"/>

===Graphics and audio===
''RuneScape'' can be run with varying levels of graphical detail. High-detail graphics enhance texture and design, while low-detail graphics provide a cleaner look and can reduce lag on less powerful computers. During initial development as ''DeviousMUD'', ''RuneScape'' used a [[Game engine|graphics engine]] called RuneTek 1. The second version, RuneTek 2, came with the launch of ''RuneScape'' and was replaced by RuneTek 3 and its high-detail counterpart RuneTek 4 with the ''RuneScape 2'' update in 2003-2004.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.giantbomb.com/runetek/3015-5867/ | title=RuneTek (Concept) }}</ref> From 2009-2013, ''RuneScape'' used RuneTek 5, which provided support for multiple graphics platforms such as [[DirectX]], [[OpenGL]] and [[video game console]]s, as well as graphical effects such as [[Skybox (video games)|sky boxes]], [[Bloom (shader effect)|bloom lighting]]<ref name="RuneTek"/><ref name="RuneTek5Engine"/> and [[Z-buffering]].<ref name="ZBuffering"/> This version was the first to incorporate [[hardware acceleration]] and could be rendered using either [[Java OpenGL]] or DirectX.<ref name="RSTrailer"/><ref name="GraphicsOptions"/> The current engine, launched in 2013 with the ''RuneScape 3'' update and using [[HTML5]] code, is called RuneTek 7, or simply the NTX engine.<ref>{{cite web |title=Try the RuneScape Bestiary |url=https://secure.runescape.com/m=news/try-the-runescape-bestiary |date=18 February 2013 |access-date=2 July 2025}}</ref>

''RuneScape'' features a character-customisation system. [[Player character]]s are human; however, players may choose the gender, hairstyle, facial hair, skin colour, and clothing options.<ref name="getting_started"/> Appearance is further complemented by wearing or wielding items. Players can express [[emotion]]s through the use of specialised animations called emotes, some of which are standard and others earned through gameplay or released during holiday events.<ref name="ControlsOptions"/>

''RuneScape'' has original music and ambient soundscapes. The music was designed to define the underlying cultures of the various locations accessible, and ambient sounds, such as the cry of seagulls flying over the ocean, occur in logical places.<ref name="RSAudioTeam"/> The game also incorporates [[voice acting]] in certain areas and situations.<ref name="PCGamerPresents"/> The game currently features over 1,000 music tracks. At first, almost all music was created using [[MIDI#Game music|MIDI]] software; following the ''RuneScape 3'' update, most newly-released tracks are live studio recordings, beginning with a series of [[orchestra]]l tracks recorded in [[Bratislava, Slovakia]] during 2013-2014,<ref name="RS3Orchestra"/> and scored by [[James Hannigan]]. Meanwhile, ''Old School RuneScape'' continues to use MIDI tracks.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Quillfeldt |first1=Thomas |title=Interview: Composer James Hannigan on RuneScape's orchestral renaissance |url=https://www.lacedrecords.com/blogs/news/interview-composer-james-hannigan-on-runescape-s-orchestral-renaissance |website=Laced Records |access-date=25 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529095643/https://www.lacedrecords.com/blogs/news/interview-composer-james-hannigan-on-runescape-s-orchestral-renaissance |archive-date=29 May 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Servers===
{{As of|November 2011}}, there were 139 English ''RuneScape'' [[server (computing)|servers]] located throughout the world, which are numbered and referred to as "worlds" by players and by Jagex.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://oldschool.runescape.com/slu|title=Play Old School RuneScape - World Server List|last=Jagex|website=Oldschool RuneScape|language=en|access-date=3 November 2018}}</ref> They are located in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Australia, Sweden, Finland, Belgium, Ireland, Norway, Denmark, New Zealand, Mexico, France, Lithuania, and India.<!-- Brazilian servers are located in Las Vegas, Nevada. The German servers are currently located in Sweden and the Netherlands; please do not add Germany or Brazil. --><ref name="countries"/><ref name="worldlist"/> Servers are moved or added as the need arises.<ref name="ServerRelocated"/>

Each ''RuneScape'' server allows up to 2,000 players to log in simultaneously,<ref name="servercap"/> allowing a maximum capacity of more than 278,000 players. The servers are divided into free servers which are available for all players, and servers which are reserved for paying members. Some servers are given activity labels, allowing players performing tasks that require or desire group participation to group together.<ref name="themed servers"/>
{{clear}}

===''Old School RuneScape''===
{{Main|Old School RuneScape}}
In February 2013, a poll was opened allowing players to decide whether Jagex should open a separate incarnation of ''RuneScape'' from August 2007.<ref name="2007GameVote"/> ''Old School RuneScape'' was opened to paying subscribers on 22 February 2013 after the poll received 50,000 votes,<ref name="2007ServersOpen"/> and a free-to-play version was later released on 19 February 2015.<ref name="2007F2POpen"/> It was originally created as an exact copy of ''RuneScape'' from August 2007 and receives regular content additions. ''Old School RuneScape'' is entirely community-based; for any proposed update or idea to pass into the game, it needs at least 75% of the community to vote 'Yes' for it, and if it does not pass, it will either be dropped or reconstructed and re-polled so that the players may find the update more acceptable.<ref name="polling"/> On 17 July 2017, Jagex announced a mobile port of ''Old School RuneScape'', which was released in 2018.<ref name="MobileAnnouncement">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/runescape-on-mobile--coming-soon|title=RuneScape on Mobile – Coming Soon|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=17 July 2017|access-date=6 August 2017}}</ref>

==={{Anchor|DarkScape}}''DarkScape''===
On 16 September 2015, Jagex released ''DarkScape'', a separate version of ''RuneScape'' which featured open-world player versus player combat. ''DarkScape'' was originally released with most of ''RuneScape''{{'}}s content, but received separate content updates. ''DarkScape'' was completely free to play, with some additional benefits reserved for paying subscribers.<ref name="DarkScape"/> ''DarkScape'' closed on 28 March 2016 due to lack of interest.<ref name="DarkScapeClosure"/>

==Community==
A set of [[Internet forum|forums]] were provided by Jagex on the ''RuneScape'' website. On the forums, players were able to participate in game discussions, arrange to buy or sell items, post suggestions for game improvements, vote in [[opinion poll|polls]], and otherwise interact with the community. A user could set an avatar, have a separate display name<ref name="DisplayNames"/><ref name="ForumAvatar"/> and set an automatic [[signature]]. User profiles displayed the recent posts a user had made along with the option to disable [[smiley]]s. The privilege of posting on the forums was limited to paying members, as well as free players with a total level exceeding 350.<ref name="ForumPosting"/> The forums were shut down on 28 March 2024.<ref name="ForumClosure">{{cite web|url=https://secure.runescape.com/m=news/a-farewell-to-our-forums|title=A Farewell to our Forums|publisher=Jagex|date=28 March 2024|accessdate=15 March 2025}}</ref>

Between 24 September 2002 and 9 December 2004, players could submit questions via [[e-mail]] to the ''RuneScape'' gods, which were published in the form of letters.<ref name="SaradominEnlightens"/> On 26 September 2005, a new feature known as ''Postbag from the Hedge'' was introduced, where players can submit questions via e-mail to a [[non-player character]] in the game.<ref name="ReadersLetters"/> Players can also submit original ''RuneScape'' related artwork (such as sculptures, comics, drawings and paintings), some of which is displayed in a gallery on the ''RuneScape'' website.<ref name="PlayersGallery"/>

During various holidays, including [[Easter]], [[Halloween]] and [[Christmas]], Jagex hosts a holiday event in a specific location in Gielinor. Players who successfully complete the required tasks during the event receive a reward such as an item or an emote, allowing the player character to perform a gesture conveying an emotion.<ref name="holidayitems"/> Holiday items released prior to 2002 are tradeable among players, and due to their rarity are worth significant amounts of money on the player market.<ref name="WhitePartyhatPrice"/> Holiday items after Christmas 2002 are untradeable and limited to one per player and can be retrieved if lost.<ref name="holidayitems"/>

Various ''RuneScape'' [[fansite]]s have been established by players, which are a source of information about the game.<ref name="Fansites"/> For account security reasons, Jagex discourages the discussion of fansites within the game – and a rule specifically prohibits sharing [[Uniform Resource Locator|web addresses]].<ref name="RulesSecurity"/> In April 2005, RuneScape players created the RuneScape Wikipedia, that "is in no way affiliated with Jagex".<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Tsang |first1=Denise |last2=Ren |first2=Qun |year=2015 |title=Viral Marketing and the New Competitive Advantage |url=https://pure.solent.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/10834885/JOSI_Denise_Tsang_and_Qun_Ren_2015.pdf |access-date=14 March 2025 |journal=Journal of Organisational Studies and Innovation |volume=2 |issue=1 |publisher=Management & Business Academy |pages=45}}</ref> A major fansite has criticised Jagex for not recognising fansites' contributions to the development of its game.<ref name="WhoNeedsFansites"/> However, as a result of announcements made in 2009, Jagex promised to increase communication with fansites.<ref name="FansitesTies"/>

On 28 July 2014, [[Twitch (service)|Twitch]] functionality was integrated into the game, allowing players to [[streaming video|stream]] their gameplay or view other streams from within the game.<ref name="Twitch"/>

===Rules and cheating===
Jagex has employed rules for player conduct, such as rules against offensive language, [[confidence trick|scamming]], and [[software bug|bug]] abuse.<ref name="RulesOfRuneScape"/> To enforce the rules, an in-game feature exists that allows a player to send a report to Jagex if they notice another player breaking a rule.<ref name="ReportingAbuse"/> ''RuneScape'' also uses four types of [[forum moderator|moderators]]: Jagex Moderators, who are Jagex employees; Local Moderators, who are employees of Jagex's partners in certain territories; Player Moderators, who are trusted players that enforce the rules within the game; and Forum Moderators, who are trusted players who monitor the game forums.<ref name="Moderators"/> Players who repeatedly break the rules may be temporarily or permanently [[block (internet)|banned]] from playing the game.<ref name="ReportingAbuse"/>

There are also rules prohibiting the use of third-party software to play the game, known as "macroing" or "botting", and the sale of game items for real money through [[virtual economy|real-world trading]]. In an attempt to stop cheating, Jagex made direct interaction with the [[client (computing)|client]] difficult, established rules against the practice,<ref name="RulesMacroing"/> and introduced random events that required player input to complete.<ref name="random events"/> In response to continued [[gold farming]], Jagex issued a statement condemning real-world trading, stating that they were seizing billions of gold and banning thousands of accounts every week for cheating, and promising to increase their efforts to prevent real-world trading in the game.<ref name="BotsAndRWT"/>

From October 2007 to December 2007, Jagex began releasing a series of updates to restrict unbalanced trades. The updates limited the value of items staked in [[duel]]s, removed player-versus-player combat from the Wilderness, made valuable player drops invisible to other players, introduced gravestones for the items of dead players, instituted systems for assisting players with skills and sharing loot among groups of players, and established the Grand Exchange, a [[stock exchange|sharemarket]]-like trade system for ''RuneScape'' goods. Collectively, these changes were designed to make it extremely difficult for real-world traders to distribute gold and items to players.<ref name="rwtdevdiary"/> These features were restored on 1 February 2011 following a [[referendum]] among players in December 2010 on whether or not to do so.<ref name="WildernessReturn"/><ref name="WildernessVote1"/>

On 25 October 2011, Jagex released an anti-bot system<ref name="BotBustRelease"/> code-named the 'ClusterFlutterer', as part of a game update intended to permanently prevent "reflection" bots from working. The release of this was nicknamed the "Bot Nuke", and was estimated to have banned 98% of the accounts that were using bots, eventually resulting in 7.7 million account bans.<ref name="PCGamerPresents"/> From 26 September 2012 until its removal on 20 August 2018,<ref name="BotanyBay1"/> accounts that were banned for using bots were sent to an isolated area named "Botany Bay" to be given an ultimate punishment as decided by players.<ref name="BotanyBay2"/>

On 25 September 2013, Jagex introduced bonds to the game, in-game items that can be purchased using real currency then traded with other players or exchanged for membership, RuneCoins or additional spins on the game's Squeal of Fortune. Bonds were introduced to allow players to exchange real currency for in-game benefits legitimately, a move described by CEO Mark Gerhard as "essential for the future of ''RuneScape''".<ref name="BondAnnouncement"/> One week later, Jagex reported that the amount of in-game coins brought in by gold farmers was down by 81%; real-world trading was down by 61% and the wealth of those trades was down by 63%.<ref name="Bonds1Week"/>

On 25 June 2025, Jagex announced that it would be taking a new approach to [[microtransactions]] in ''RuneScape'' after 12 years by conducting experiments in order to find a new solution for funding the game, citing a significant drop in active users as a result of the current approach.<ref name="MTX Announcement">{{cite web|url=https://secure.runescape.com/m=news/the-future-of-mtx-our-approach--your-involvement|title="The Future of MTX: Our Approach & Your Involvement|date=25 June 2025|access-date=28 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://gamerant.com/runescape-3-mtx-overhaul-jagex-ceo-microtransactions-changes/|title="RuneScape 3 Announces Major Overhauls Due to Microtransaction Controversy|date=25 June 2025|access-date=28 June 2025}}</ref>

===Falador Massacre===
The Falador Massacre was a historic bug that occurred on 6 June 2006.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bishop |first=Sam |title=Runescape marks the anniversary of the Falador Massacre |url=https://www.gamereactor.eu/runescape-marks-the-anniversary-of-the-falador-massacre/ |website=Gamereactor UK|date=8 June 2016 }}</ref> The bug caused several players to retain the ability to attack other players after leaving a designated [[player vs player|PvP]] location.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morrison |first=Angus |date=6 June 2016 |title=Old School Runescape celebrates the Falador Massacre glitch |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/old-school-runescape-celebrates-the-falador-massacre-glitch/ |newspaper=PC Gamer}}</ref> Ordinarily, players are only allowed to attack other players in player-owned houses, minigames, or in the Wilderness. According to a statement made by a Jagex employee, the bug was caused by insufficient testing of an update that saw the release of a new game skill, Construction, wherein players could create their own houses in which PvP combat could take place.

Although the bug was considered quite negative at the time of occurrence, Jagex has since recognized it as a historic event in the franchise, and has created in-game reenactments in both ''RuneScape''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thylin |first=Atle |date=7 June 2016 |title=RuneScape commemorates the 10 year anniversary of the Falador Massacre |url=https://www.gamezone.com/news/runescape-commemorates-the-10-year-anniversary-of-the-falador-massacre-3440121/ |website=GameZone}}</ref> and ''Old School RuneScape''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=World 666: Please bank your items | date=3 June 2016 |url=https://secure.runescape.com/m=news/world-666-please-bank-your-items?oldschool=1}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Morrison |first=Angus |date=6 June 2016 |title=Old School Runescape celebrates the Falador Massacre glitch |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/old-school-runescape-celebrates-the-falador-massacre-glitch/ |access-date=22 June 2021 |website=PC Gamer |language=en-US}}</ref> On 6 June 2016, Jagex created two unique and isolated game servers (worlds 111 for RS3 and 666 for OSRS, commemorating 6/6/06)<ref>{{cite news |last1=Messner |first1=Steven |date=6 June 2016 |title=Runescape Marks Anniversary Of 6/6/6 Glitchy Massacre |language=en |work=Rock Paper Shotgun |publisher=Reedpop |agency=Gamer Network Limited |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/runescape-falador-massacre-anniversary |access-date=7 June 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=RuneScape marks anniversary of a somber player massacre with… another massacre &#124; Massively Overpowered |date=6 June 2016 |url=https://massivelyop.com/2016/06/06/runescape-marks-anniversary-of-a-somber-player-massacre-with-another-massacre/}}</ref> wherein PvP was enabled and players could attack an [[Non-player characters|NPC]] named after "Durial321", one of the more well known players to have been affected by the bug.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Van Houten |first1=Rian |date=4 June 2021 |title=Runescape Marks Anniversary Of 6/6/6 Glitchy Massacre |language=en |work=IGN Nordic |url=https://nordic.ign.com/runescape-iphone/42560/feature/runescape-20th-anniversary-interview-the-past-present-and-future |access-date=26 September 2021}}</ref> World 666 also played an in-game cover of the song "[[Planet Hell]]" by [[Nightwish]], which was the song used in the original video of the event. The track was removed from the game when the event was over.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=739741578705698816|user=JagexAsh|title=@Protpaladin9000 I wasn't involved. Mod Bond did that track, but I gather we've been asked not to keep that parody track permanently.<!-- full text of tweet that Twitter returned to the bot (excluding links) added by TweetCiteBot. This may be better truncated or may need expanding (TW limits responses to 140 characters) or case changes. -->|date=6 June 2016}}</ref> The bug's reception has become part of [[internet culture]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marasigan |first=Marc |date=7 June 2016 |title=Runescape Commemorates 10th Anniversary of 6/6/6 Massacre |url=https://mmos.com/news/runescape-commemorates-10th-anniversary-of-666-massacre |access-date=22 June 2021 |website=MMOs.com |language=en-US}}</ref> ''[[PC Gamer]]'' called the bug "One of the best all-time MMO bugs".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Morrison |first=Angus|date=2016-06-06 |title=Old School Runescape celebrates the Falador Massacre glitch |language=en |work=PC Gamer |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/old-school-runescape-celebrates-the-falador-massacre-glitch/ |access-date=2023-07-15}}</ref>

==Reception==
''[[PC Gamer#PC Gamer UK|PC Gamer UK]]'' stated in December 2003, that while the "traditional [role-playing game] values of questing, slaying monsters and developing your character in a familiar medieval setting" will not "have the big boys trembling in their +2 Boots of Subscriber Gathering," this is offset by the game's accessibility through a web browser, "compounded by a version of the game that allows free adventuring player the opportunity to upgrade to a members' account", describing the game as "an unsurprising success".<ref name="PCGamerUK"/>

The [[Yahoo!]] 2006 Buzz Log stated that, "while it may not be as easy on the eyes as some other popular [MMORPGs], like ''[[World of Warcraft]]'', ''[[City of Heroes]]'', or ''[[EverQuest]]'', ''RuneScape'' is still a lot better way to kill time than pushing around cells in a [[spreadsheet]]".<ref name="YahooBuzzLog"/> A 2007 JustRPG review summarised ''RuneScape'' as "a fun, addictive game, and while the graphics may not be perfect, for a game written in Java, they aren't bad. The skills are varied, the community is alright, and it'll eat up your time if you aren't careful", giving it a score of 83%.<ref name="JustRPG"/>

In its 2008 [[intellectual property]] profile of the game, Developmag.com stated that whilst Jagex's changes to curtail real world trading resulted in "a wave of user criticism... growth is understood to have resumed since". Its analysis stated that "''RuneScape''{{'}}s [[mass marketing|mass-market]] appeal lies in its simplicity and accessibility (both financial and technical). It has tapped into the vast market of games players unwilling or unable to spend premium prices on PCs capable of playing the latest, expensive, [[central processing unit|processor]]-intensive games. Its core gameplay concepts are very similar to its retail-distributed RPG and MMORPG analogues."<ref name="develop"/> In August 2008, ''RuneScape'' was recognised by the ''[[Guinness World Records]]'' as the world's most popular free MMORPG. Jagex was presented with a certificate to commemorate the achievement at the 2008 [[Games Convention|Leipzig Games Convention]].<ref name="Guinness Records"/> A 2009 ''[[Eurogamer]]'' article criticised ''RuneScape''{{'}}s in-game community for being unfriendly to newcomers, although they have stated that the fan-forum community is more approachable.<ref name="EuroGamer1"/>

An April 2011 review by MMORPG.com was complimentary of ''RuneScape'', stating that "For anyone looking for that "old-school" experience but with also tons of progression, refinement, and unique ideas, RuneScape is easily recommendable", but criticised the game's combat system and emphasis on [[grinding (video gaming)|grinding]]. "...the genre feels slightly passed clicking an enemy and watching two swords clunk mercilessly into opposing body forms...''RuneScape'' has grind in abundance and while this is not entirely a bad thing, it will put some players off looking for a slightly easier and more casual experience".<ref name="MMORPG.com"/> The game received the "Role-Playing Game" award at [[The Independent Game Developers' Association]] Awards 2018.<ref name="TIGAAwards2018"/>

On 10 December 2007, updates by Jagex removed free player-versus-player combat and unbalanced trading in order to rid the game of activities involving real currency being traded for virtual goods.<ref name="BountyHunter1"/><ref name="BalancedTrade"/> The updates also affected legitimate players, resulting in many of them actively complaining on the forums.<ref name="ComplainForums"/> Jagex issued a [[Technical support|Customer Support]] News article admitting the updates may not have been an ideal replacement for what was removed, requesting patience and promising to remedy potential problems with updates in the future.<ref name="WordAboutUpdates"/> During the changes, subscription numbers fell by 60,000.<ref name="times growth"/> No figures were given as to how many of those subscriptions belonged to legitimate players and how many to gold farmers. In an interview in February 2008, Jagex's head of content stated that, "we were really afraid we were going to lose our members over this change, because other games had in the past. But we are very, very pleased to say that we have lost practically none of our members."<ref name="EuroGamer2"/>

In December 2010, a [[referendum]] was opened to decide whether to restore unbalanced trades and player-versus-player combat in the Wilderness,<ref name="WildernessVote1"/> which closed with 1.2 million votes cast and 91% of voters in favour of the proposal,<ref name="WildernessVote2"/> and these features were restored on 1 February 2011.<ref name="WildernessReturn"/> A second referendum was announced in February 2013 to decide whether to run a separate version of the game dating from 2007,<ref name="2007GameVote"/> closing on 1 March 2013 with almost 450,000 votes.<ref name="2007GameVoteResult"/> Servers for the 2007 version were opened on 22 February 2013 once 50,000 votes were collected.<ref name="2007ServersOpen"/>

===Revenue===
In 2018, it was reported that ''RuneScape'' had generated over US$1 billion in lifetime revenue since its original launch.<ref name="Runescape billion dollar revenue">{{Cite web |last=Dring |first=Christopher |date=10 September 2018 |title=Jagex profit and revenue spike in another record year |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-09-07-jagex-profit-and-revenue-spikes-in-another-record-year |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722194342/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-09-07-jagex-profit-and-revenue-spikes-in-another-record-year |archive-date=22 July 2020 |access-date=22 July 2020 |publisher=[[GamesIndustry.biz]]}}</ref> ''RuneScape'' annually generates over £100 million in revenue and over £50 million in profit.<ref name="Runescape annual earnings">{{Cite web |last=Symcox |first=Jonathan |date=2 March 2021 |title=Inside UK's £1 billion videogame franchise RuneScape |url=https://businesscloud.co.uk/inside-uks-1-billion-videogame-franchise-runescape/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419195008/https://businesscloud.co.uk/inside-uks-1-billion-videogame-franchise-runescape/ |archive-date=19 April 2021 |access-date=4 March 2021 |publisher=Businesscloud}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Brighter Shores]]

==References==
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name="USAToday">{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/marcsaltzman/story/2012-07-29/runescape-fun-facts/56542606/1|title=Five things you didn't know about 'RuneScape'|author=Saltzman, Marc|newspaper=[[USAToday]]|date=29 July 2012|access-date=31 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127033845/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/marcsaltzman/story/2012-07-29/runescape-fun-facts/56542606/1|archive-date=27 January 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Guinness Records">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=1386|title=RuneScape in Guinness World Records!|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=22 August 2008|access-date=22 August 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721224856/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=1386|archive-date=21 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GodLettersIssue16">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/letters16|title=God Letters: Issue 16 – Guthix Dispels Rumours|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex|access-date=10 July 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715213453/http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/letters16|archive-date=15 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="WorldMap">{{cite web|title=RuneScape World Map|url=http://www.runescape.com/c=G93XjJ27x-Y/img/main/downloads_and_media/downloads_and_wallpapers/rs_map/rsmap-25may2012-en-a.png|publisher=Jagex|format=Image|date=25 May 2012|access-date=27 June 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240524085425/https://www.webcitation.org/5friBvXQU?url=http://www.runescape.com/img/main/kbase/downloads_and_wallpapers/rsmap-10february09.jpg|archive-date=24 May 2024|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="Transportation">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/transportation_introduction|title=Transportation – Introduction|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex|access-date=10 July 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715213611/http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/transportation_introduction|archive-date=15 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="AOG">{{cite web|url=http://news.funorb.com/newsitem.ws?id=1617|title=Armies of Gielinor|work=FunOrb News|publisher=Jagex|date=15 January 2009|access-date=14 October 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090121043415/http://news.funorb.com/newsitem.ws?id=1617|archive-date=21 January 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="BetrayalAtFalador">{{cite web|url=http://www.babelinteractive.com/london-book-fair/|title=London Book Fair – Betrayal at Falador|publisher=Babel Interactive|access-date=21 September 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707203211/http://www.babelinteractive.com/london-book-fair/|archive-date=7 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="LegacyOfBlood">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/new-runescape-novel-legacy-of-blood|title=New RuneScape Novel: Legacy of Blood|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|year=2012|access-date=27 June 2012}}</ref>

<ref name="WSJKnights">{{Cite news|author=Wingfield, Nick|title=The Knights of Networking: Online Fantasy Game RuneScape Has Dull Graphics, but It's Free, Luring Millions to Play, Mingle|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB116001111843283242|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|publisher=Dow Jones & Company, Inc|page=B.1|date=5 October 2006|url-access=subscription |access-date=11 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312201726/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB116001111843283242|archive-date=12 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="ProquestGower">{{Cite news|author=Dodson, Sean|title=Rune to move|date=11 December 2003|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2003/dec/11/games.onlinesupplement2|work=[[The Guardian]]|location=UK|access-date=12 July 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505071336/http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2003/dec/11/games.onlinesupplement2|archive-date=5 May 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="runescapeqa">{{cite web|author=Dobson, Jason|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=13769|title=Q&A: Behind RuneScape's 1&nbsp;Million Subscriber Success|website=[[Gamasutra]]|date=3 May 2007|access-date=25 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100506194632/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=13769|archive-date=6 May 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="warcryrunescape">{{cite web|author=Funk, John|url=http://www.warcry.com/articles/view/interviews/5080-WarCry-and-Jagex-Talk-RuneScape|title=WarCry and Jagex Talk RuneScape|publisher=WarCry Network|date=23 July 2008|access-date=25 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728024909/http://www.warcry.com/articles/view/interviews/5080-WarCry-and-Jagex-Talk-RuneScape|archive-date=28 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="PCGamesN">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.pcgamesn.com/article/longest-game-making-runescape|title=The Longest Game: The Making of RuneScape|author=Griliopoulos, Dan|magazine=PCGamesN|date=27 June 2012|access-date=27 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629052308/http://www.pcgamesn.com/article/longest-game-making-runescape|archive-date=29 June 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="PCGamerPresents">{{cite magazine |title=PC Gamer presents RuneScape |magazine=[[PC Gamer]] |pages=5, 7, 11, 15 |date=March 2013}}</ref>

<ref name="IDGNews">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080615044119/http://archive.thestandard.com/article.php?story=200403031708187|archive-date=15 June 2008|url=http://archive.thestandard.com/article.php?story=200403031708187|title=RuneScape takes on the big games|author=Law, Gillian|publisher=IDG News Service|date=3 March 2004|access-date=3 March 2004}}</ref>

<ref name="BiggestUpdate">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=64|title=The biggest update ever...|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex|date=13 February 2003|access-date=15 June 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721225048/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=64|archive-date=21 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="classic restrict">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=531|title=Nearly 5000 RS-classic accounts banned|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex|date=12 January 2006|access-date=4 March 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721225151/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=531|archive-date=21 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="RulesAdverts">{{cite web|title=Advert Blocking|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex|url=http://www.runescape.com/rules/rule_advert_blocking.ws|access-date=4 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728173049/http://www.runescape.com/rules/rule_advert_blocking.ws|archive-date=28 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="RulesMacroing">{{cite web|title=Macroing, and use of bots or third-party software|url=http://www.runescape.com/rules/rule_third_party_software.ws|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex|access-date=4 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728173045/http://www.runescape.com/rules/rule_third_party_software.ws|archive-date=28 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="WildTangent">{{Cite news|url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/features/wildtangent-explores-runescape/69187/?biz=1|title= WildTangent Explores RuneScape|access-date=3 May 2006|author=Radd, David|date=17 July 2006|publisher=GameDaily BIZ|page=1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071211103140/http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/features/wildtangent-explores-runescape/69187/?biz=1|archive-date=11 December 2007}}</ref>

<ref name="MediaBuyerPlanner">{{Cite news|title=WildTangent Sells Ads in RuneScape Online Game|publisher=MediaBuyerPlanner|date=13 July 2006|url=http://www.mediabuyerplanner.com/entry/42799/wildtangent-sells-ads-in/|access-date=8 August 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807184837/http://www.mediabuyerplanner.com/entry/42799/wildtangent-sells-ads-in/|archive-date=7 August 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="EngineUpgrade2006">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=584|title=Game engine upgraded!|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex|date=16 May 2006|access-date=27 June 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721225249/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=584|archive-date=21 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="RuneScape High Detail Debut">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=1290|title=RS HD Launch: RuneScape HD – Members-Only Beta Launch|access-date=7 July 2008|publisher=Jagex|date=1 July 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721225536/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=1290|archive-date=21 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="RuneScape High Detail Announcement">{{cite web|url=http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/883/883931p1.html|title=Pre-E3 2008: Jagex Confirms RuneScape High Detail Debut|access-date=25 June 2008|website=IGN|year=2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090621095417/http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/883/883931p1.html|archive-date=21 June 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GermanLanguage">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/german-language-beta-launch--some-information|title=German Language Beta Launch – Some Information|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=14 February 2007|access-date=25 April 2013}}</ref>

<ref name="FrenchLanguage">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/g=runescape/runescape-france|title=RuneScape France|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=11 December 2008|access-date=25 April 2013}}</ref>

<ref name="BPLanguage">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/g=runescape/runescape-brazil|title=RuneScape: Brazil|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=24 July 2009|access-date=25 April 2013}}</ref>

<ref name="LASLanguage">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/runescape-latin-american-spanish-now-live|title=RuneScape Latin American Spanish: Now Live|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=25 April 2013|access-date=25 April 2013}}</ref>

<ref name="ReOpened1">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=2376|title=RuneScape Classic Temporarily Re-opened|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=11 November 2009|access-date=11 November 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721225745/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=2376|archive-date=21 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="ReOpened2">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=3045|title=RuneScape Classic Temporarily Re-opened|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=1 June 2010|access-date=1 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721225848/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=3045|archive-date=21 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="ReOpened3">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-09-15-jagex-reopening-runescape-classic-today|title=Jagex reopening RuneScape Classic today|website=[[Eurogamer]]|author=Purchese, Robert|date=15 September 2011|access-date=1 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925161050/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-09-15-jagex-reopening-runescape-classic-today|archive-date=25 September 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="RSIndia">{{cite web|url=http://www.jagex.com/corporate/Press/release_zapak.ws|title=RuneScape Launches in India|publisher=Jagex|date=8 October 2009|access-date=16 October 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718064406/http://www.jagex.com/corporate/Press/release_zapak.ws|archive-date=18 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="Bigpoint">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/28720/Jagex_Bigpoint_Partner_For_RuneScape_In_France_Germany.php|title=Jagex, Bigpoint Partner For RuneScape In France, Germany|author=Leigh, Alexander|website=Gamasutra|date=27 May 2010|access-date=31 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100806111114/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/28720/Jagex_Bigpoint_Partner_For_RuneScape_In_France_Germany.php |archive-date=6 August 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="HTML5Announcement1">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-08-30-mmo-runescape-being-developed-for-tablets-smart-tvs-and-other-platforms|title=MMO RuneScape being developed for tablets, smart TVs and other platforms|author=Purchese, Robert|website=Eurogamer|date=30 August 2012|access-date=23 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130330145316/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-08-30-mmo-runescape-being-developed-for-tablets-smart-tvs-and-other-platforms|archive-date=30 March 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="HTML5Announcement2">{{cite AV media|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/behind-the-scenes-video-bonus-edition|title=Behind the Scenes Video: Bonus Edition|publisher=Jagex|medium=Trailer|time=0:45, 1:28|quote=We've rewritten the game client using HTML5 and utilising WebGL...we've made the interface fully customisable.|date=22 March 2013|access-date=23 March 2013}}</ref>

<ref name="RS3Orchestra">{{cite AV media |url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/bts-video-51-rs3-orchestral-music |title=RS3 Orchestral Music |publisher=Jagex |medium=Trailer |time=0:34 |quote=Today we've come to Bratislava...and we're here to record an orchestra for RuneScape. |date=3 May 2013 |access-date=3 May 2013  }}</ref>

<ref name="HTML5Timeline">{{cite web |url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/rs3-beta-programme- |title=RS3 Beta Programme |publisher=Jagex |date=29 March 2013 |access-date=17 April 2013  }}</ref>

<ref name="RS3Release">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/g=runescape/runescape-3-now-live|title=RuneScape 3 Now Live|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|year=2013|access-date=18 February 2014}}</ref>

<ref name="NXTAnnouncement">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/runefests-big-reveals|title=RuneFest's Big Reveals|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=10 October 2014|access-date=13 February 2016}}</ref>

<ref name="NXTBeta1">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/nxt-closed-beta-weekend--19th-february|title=NXT Closed Beta Weekend {{!}} 19 February|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=8 February 2016|access-date=13 February 2016}}</ref>

<ref name="NXTBeta2">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/nxt-closed-beta-weekend-2--18th-march-1200-utc|title=NXT Closed Beta Weekend #2 {{!}} 18 March 12:00 UTC|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=18 March 2016|access-date=20 April 2016}}</ref>

<ref name="NXTRelease">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/nxt--new-game-client--now-live-for-everyone|title=NXT – New Game Client {{!}} Now Live for Everyone|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=18 April 2016|access-date=20 April 2016}}</ref>

<ref name="countries">[http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=664 "Game-world locations renamed"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322200209/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=664 |date=22 March 2012 }}, [http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=596 "11 new worlds online"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322200356/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=596 |date=22 March 2012 }}, [http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=560 "5 new worlds in Stockholm, Sweden"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322200629/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=560 |date=22 March 2012 }}, [http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=527 "6 new Australian servers online!"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322200733/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=527 |date=22 March 2012 }}, [http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=517 "8 new worlds in Miami"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322200832/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=517 |date=22 March 2012 }}, and [http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=405 "New London servers"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322201004/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=405 |date=22 March 2012 }}. ''RuneScape News''. Published by Jagex (26 April 2005 through 20 November 2006). Retrieved on 13 April 2007. {{cite web |url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=527 |title=6 new Australian servers online! |date=28 December 2005 |access-date=22 October 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/60X9mvw4J?url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=527 |archive-date=29 July 2011 }}</ref>

<ref name="worldlist">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/slu.ws?order=WMLPA|title=RuneScape World List|publisher=Jagex|access-date=20 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110302023253/http://www.runescape.com/slu.ws?order=wMLPA|archive-date=2 March 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="ServerRelocated">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=116|title=Singapore server relocated|access-date=31 July 2007|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=25 August 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721225959/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=116|archive-date=21 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="servercap">{{cite web|url=http://gigaom.com/2008/07/14/runescape-moves-to-come-out-of-the-shadows/|title=RuneScape Moves to Come Out of the Shadows|access-date=14 July 2008|publisher=GigaOM|date=14 July 2008|author=Wagner, James Au|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715184246/http://gigaom.com/2008/07/14/runescape-moves-to-come-out-of-the-shadows/|archive-date=15 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="themed servers">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=887|title=Themed Worlds|access-date=14 September 2007|date=13 August 2007|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721230058/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=887|archive-date=21 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="MMOWeekIddison">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/mmo-week-jagex-s-geoff-iddison|title=MMO Week: Jagex's Geoff Iddison|access-date=15 June 2008|publisher=GamesIndustry.biz|date=9 May 2008|author=Martin, Matt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110806230352/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/mmo-week-jagex-s-geoff-iddison|archive-date=6 August 2011|url-status=live|url-access=registration}}</ref>

<ref name="getting_started">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/how_do_i_get_started0|title=How do I get started?|access-date=28 January 2007|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723070022/http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/how_do_i_get_started0|archive-date=23 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="Tutors">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/advisors_and_tutors|title=Advisors and Tutors|access-date=17 September 2009|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720034327/http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/advisors_and_tutors|archive-date=20 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="Statistics">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/controls_statistics#experience|title=Controls – Statistics|access-date=20 June 2009|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715213645/http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/controls_statistics#experience|archive-date=15 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="SkillCapes">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/capes_of_accomplishment_members|title=Capes of Accomplishment|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|access-date=27 March 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715213651/http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/capes_of_accomplishment_members|archive-date=15 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="Skills">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/skills|title=Skills|access-date=14 October 2006|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723070607/http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/skills|archive-date=23 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="FightingBasics">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/fighting_the_basics|title=Fighting – The Basics|access-date=9 October 2006|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110729081956/http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/fighting_the_basics|archive-date=29 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="SummoningBasics">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/sym_summoning_the_basics#familiars_and_combat|title=Summoning – The Basics|access-date=20 June 2009|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715213851/http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/sym_summoning_the_basics#familiars_and_combat|archive-date=15 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="MeleeBasics">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/melee_the_basics|title=Melee – The Basics|access-date=14 October 2006|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720193422/http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/melee_the_basics|archive-date=20 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="MagicBasics">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/magic_the_basics|title=Magic – The Basics|access-date=14 October 2006|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110729074812/http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/magic_the_basics|archive-date=29 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="RangedBasics">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/ranged_the_basics|title=Ranged – The Basics|access-date=14 October 2006|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110806184031/http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/ranged_the_basics|archive-date=6 August 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="CombatTriangle">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/combat_triangle_and_tactics|title=Combat Triangle and Tactics|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex|access-date=21 September 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715214039/http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/combat_triangle_and_tactics|archive-date=15 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="CombatBeta1">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/og-blog-evolution-of-combat|title=Og Blog: Evolution of Combat|author=Mod Mark|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=1 June 2012|access-date=1 June 2012}}</ref>

<ref name="CombatBeta3">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/evolution-of-combat-beta--live|title=Evolution of Combat Beta – Live!|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=26 June 2012|access-date=20 November 2012}}</ref>

<ref name="CombatBeta4">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/g=runescape/evolution-of-combat-now-live|title=Evolution of Combat: Now Live!|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=20 November 2012|access-date=14 April 2013}}</ref>

<ref name="PowerToThePlayers1">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/a=4/runescape-2014---power-to-the-players|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150503121348/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/a=4/runescape-2014---power-to-the-players|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 May 2015|title=RuneScape 2014 - Power to the Players|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=27 December 2013|access-date=15 February 2014}}</ref>

<ref name="PowerToThePlayers2">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/a=4/poll---legacy-combat|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150503223203/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/a=4/poll---legacy-combat|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 May 2015|title=Poll - Legacy Combat|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=1 February 2014|access-date=15 February 2014}}</ref>

<ref name="PowerToThePlayers3">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/a=4/poll---combat-level-calculation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150503162622/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/a=4/poll---combat-level-calculation|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 May 2015|title=Poll - Combat Level Calculation|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=14 February 2014|access-date=15 February 2014}}</ref>

<ref name="LegacyMode1">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/legacy-mode-beta---now-open|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140618182010/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/legacy-mode-beta---now-open|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 June 2014|title=Legacy Mode Beta - Now Open|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=14 June 2014|access-date=1 July 2014}}</ref>

<ref name="LegacyMode2">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/legacy-mode-launch-global-combat-improvements-and-gear-guide-?jptg=ia&jptv=community_news|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140719042213/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/legacy-mode-launch-global-combat-improvements-and-gear-guide-?jptg=ia&jptv=community_news|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 July 2014|title=Legacy Mode Launch, Global Combat Improvements and Gear Guide|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=14 July 2014|access-date=15 July 2014}}</ref>

<ref name="WildernessStarter">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/wilderness_getting_started#how_dangerous|title=The Wilderness - Getting Started|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|access-date=26 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715214207/http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/wilderness_getting_started#how_dangerous|archive-date=15 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="PKingSpots">{{cite web|url=http://www.runehq.com/guide.php?type=specialreport&id=0693|title=Wilderness Survival Guide|author=sheep01|access-date=14 February 2011|publisher=RuneHQ|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/60XA17ptg?url=http://www.runehq.com/guide.php?type=specialreport&id=0693|archive-date=29 July 2011|url-status=dead}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

<ref name="rwtdevdiary">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/diary06|title=RuneScape vs. Real-world Trading|access-date=29 June 2008|work=RuneScape Development Diaries|publisher=Jagex|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123234818/http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/diary06|archive-date=23 November 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="BountyHunter1">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=1006|title=Wilderness Changes, Bounty Hunter and Clan Wars!|access-date=20 June 2009|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex|date=10 December 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721230917/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=1006|archive-date=21 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BountyWorlds">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=1813|title=Bounty Hunter Wilderness-only PvP|access-date=20 June 2009|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex|date=6 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721231019/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=1813|archive-date=21 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="PvPWorlds2">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=1442|title=News Item: PvP Worlds|access-date=15 October 2008|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex|date=15 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721231207/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=1442|archive-date=21 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="WildernessReturn">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/the-wilderness-and-free-trade-return|title=The Wilderness and Free Trade Return|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=1 February 2011|access-date=1 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110804140859/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/the-wilderness-and-free-trade-return|archive-date=4 August 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BeginnersGuide">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/beginners_guide#quests|title=Beginners' Guide|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|access-date=27 March 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715214355/http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/beginners_guide#quests|archive-date=15 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="UseBestiary">{{cite web|url=http://tip.it/runescape/index.php?page=how_to_bestiary.htm|title=How to use the Bestiary|access-date=22 February 2007|publisher=Rune Tips|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722055420/http://tip.it/runescape/index.php?page=how_to_bestiary.htm|archive-date=22 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="mini-games">{{cite web|url=http://www.tip.it/runescape/?page=activities.htm|title=Activities and Mini Quests|access-date=12 October 2010|publisher=Rune Tips|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722055421/http://www.tip.it/runescape/?page=activities.htm|archive-date=22 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="random events">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/random_events|title=Random Events|access-date=4 July 2008|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091126030352/http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/random_events|archive-date=26 November 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="ControlsTrading">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/controls_trading|title=Controls – Trading|access-date=12 April 2009|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716050347/http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/controls_trading|archive-date=16 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="Grand Exchange">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/controls_the_grand_exchange|title=Controls – The Grand Exchange|access-date=12 April 2009|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726074451/http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/controls_the_grand_exchange|archive-date=26 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="ClanChat">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/controls_clan_chat|title=Controls – Friends and Clan Chat|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex|access-date=12 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716051043/http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/controls_clan_chat|archive-date=16 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="GeneralChatControls">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/controls_chat|title=Controls – Chat|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex|access-date=23 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090916221124/http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/controls_chat|archive-date=16 September 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="RSTrailer">{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/trailer-runescape/35739|title=RuneScape Trailer|access-date=4 July 2008|publisher=Gametrailers.com|year=2008|author=Jagex|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100405022737/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/trailer-runescape/35739|archive-date=5 April 2010|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GraphicsOptions">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/controls_display_options|title=Controls - Display Options|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|access-date=10 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716051048/http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/controls_display_options|archive-date=16 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="RuneTek">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=devblog/view_post.ws?post_id=27|title=Game Engine – RuneTek 5|work=RuneScape Developers' Blogs|date=26 August 2009|access-date=29 August 2009|publisher=Jagex|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721224622/http://services.runescape.com/m=devblog/view_post.ws?post_id=27|archive-date=21 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="RuneTek5Engine">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=2171|title=RuneTek 5 Game Engine|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=2 September 2009|access-date=2 September 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721232225/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=2171|archive-date=21 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="ZBuffering">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/z-buffering|title=Z-buffering|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=15 September 2010|access-date=24 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110120044415/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/z-buffering|archive-date=20 January 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="ControlsOptions">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/controls_options#emotes|title=Controls – Options|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|access-date=6 May 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110803143921/http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/controls_options#emotes|archive-date=3 August 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="RSAudioTeam">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/diary03|title=Audio Team – Music, Sound Effects and the Sound Bank|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape Development Diaries|access-date=12 September 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110210104248/http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/diary03|archive-date=10 February 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="DisplayNames">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=2270|title=Display Names|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex|date=1 October 2009|access-date=13 October 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715223859/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=2270|archive-date=15 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="ForumAvatar">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/controls_photobooth#forum_avatars|title=Controls – Photo Booth|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|access-date=7 October 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110803143656/http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/controls_photobooth#forum_avatars|archive-date=3 August 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="ForumPosting">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/free-player-forum-access-expanded-|title=Free Player Forum Access Expanded|work=RuneScape News|author=Mod SteveW|publisher=Jagex|date=5 November 2010|access-date=8 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110209133951/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/free-player-forum-access-expanded-|archive-date=9 February 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<!--<ref name="MMGonMyths">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/mod-mmg-on-myths-and-misconceptions|title=Mod MMG on Myths and Misconceptions|work=RuneScape News|first=Mark|last=Gerhard|publisher=Jagex|date=5 April 2014|access-date=6 April 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140404213103/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/mod-mmg-on-myths-and-misconceptions|archive-date=4 April 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>-->

<ref name="SaradominEnlightens">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=337|title=Saradomin Enlightens|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|access-date=27 February 2009|date=9 December 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715224435/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=337|archive-date=15 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="ReadersLetters">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=490|title=New readers letters|access-date=7 April 2009|date=26 September 2005|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715224538/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=490|archive-date=15 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="PlayersGallery">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/gallery|title=Players' Gallery|access-date=27 February 2009|publisher=Jagex|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716052021/http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/gallery|archive-date=16 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="holidayitems">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/holiday_items_guide|title=Holiday Items Guide|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex|access-date=10 April 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091228032111/http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/holiday_items_guide|archive-date=28 December 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="WhitePartyhatPrice">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=itemdb_rs/White_partyhat/viewitem.ws?obj=1048|title=Price of White Partyhat|work=RuneScape Grand Exchange|publisher=Jagex|access-date=27 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110806063257/http://itemdb-rs.runescape.com/viewitem.ws?obj=1048|archive-date=6 August 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Fansites">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/fansites|title=Fansites|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|access-date=7 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811154153/http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/fansites|archive-date=11 August 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<!--<ref name="runelinks">{{cite web|url=http://server1.runescape.com/runelinks.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20011024045004/http://server1.runescape.com/runelinks.html|archive-date=24 October 2001|title=RuneScape Links Page|access-date=24 August 2001|publisher=Jagex|year=2001}}</ref>-->

<!--<ref name="KnowledgeBase">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=556|title=New Improved Game Guide Released|access-date=8 May 2009|date=13 March 2006|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009153744/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=556|archive-date=9 October 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="WelcomeToKB">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/manual|title=Welcome to the RuneScape Knowledge Base|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|access-date=8 May 2009|publisher=Jagex|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728184955/http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/manual|archive-date=28 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>-->

<!--<ref name="Wiki">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/runescape-revolution|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111124203952/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/runescape-revolution|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 November 2011|title=RuneScape Revolution|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex|date=22 November 2011|access-date=22 November 2011}}</ref>-->

<ref name="RulesSecurity">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/rules_of_conduct#security|title=Rules of RuneScape – Security|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|access-date=12 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728184915/http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/rules_of_conduct#security|archive-date=28 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="WhoNeedsFansites">{{cite web|url=http://tip.it/runescape/index.php?times=78|title=So Who Needs Fansites Anyway?|access-date=8 May 2009|date=26 January 2007|publisher=Rune Tips|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722055530/http://tip.it/runescape/index.php?times=78|archive-date=22 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="FansitesTies">{{cite web|url=http://www.tip.it/runescape/index.php?times=210|title=Re: The Future of RuneScape|access-date=8 May 2009|date=15 February 2009|publisher=Rune Tips|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722055753/http://www.tip.it/runescape/index.php?times=210|archive-date=22 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Twitch">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/a=97/araxxor-twitch-integration-and-lobby-update|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808044054/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/a=97/araxxor-twitch-integration-and-lobby-update|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 August 2014|title=Araxxor, Twitch Integration and Lobby Update|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=28 July 2014|access-date=30 July 2014}}</ref>

<ref name="RulesOfRuneScape">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=rswiki/en/Rules_of_RuneScape|title=Rules of RuneScape|publisher=Jagex|access-date=15 July 2014}}</ref>

<ref name="ReportingAbuse">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/how_do_i_report_abuse|title=Reporting Abuse|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|access-date=18 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090901045040/http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/how_do_i_report_abuse|archive-date=1 September 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="Moderators">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=rswiki/en/Moderators|title=Moderators|publisher=Jagex|access-date=15 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140430085826/http://services.runescape.com/m=rswiki/en/Moderators|archive-date=30 April 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BotsAndRWT">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=785|title=Bots and real-world trading|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|access-date=30 May 2007|date=1 May 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009153928/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=785|archive-date=9 October 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="WildernessVote1">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/wilderness-and-free-trade-referendum|title=Wilderness and Free Trade Referendum|author=Gerhard, Mark|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=24 December 2010|access-date=24 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720034002/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/wilderness-and-free-trade-referendum|archive-date=20 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="WildernessVote2">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/32504/12M_RuneScape_Players_Vote_To_Restore_PvP_Free_Trade_Features.php|title=1.2M RuneScape Players Vote To Restore PvP, Free Trade Features|author=Caoili, Eric|website=Gamasutra|date=18 January 2011|access-date=5 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110206124543/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/32504/12M_RuneScape_Players_Vote_To_Restore_PvP_Free_Trade_Features.php|archive-date=6 February 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="BotanyBay1">{{cite web|url=https://secure.runescape.com/m=news/ninja-week---2008|title=Ninja Week - 20/08|quote=With this week, we wave goodbye to the infamous Botany Bay.|publisher=Jagex|date=20 August 2018|access-date=28 February 2021|language=en-gb}}</ref>

<ref name="BotanyBay2">{{cite web|url=http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/runescape-puts-bots-on-trial/|title=RuneScape puts bots on trial|author=Olivetti, Justin|publisher=Massively|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205003700/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/runescape-puts-bots-on-trial/|archive-date=5 February 2015|date=26 September 2012|access-date=26 September 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BondAnnouncement">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/g=runescape/an-important-message-from-mod-mmg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140113205115/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/g=runescape/an-important-message-from-mod-mmg|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 January 2014|title=An Important message from Mod MMG|author=Gerhard, Mark|publisher=Jagex|date=25 September 2013|access-date=14 January 2014}}</ref>

<ref name="Bonds1Week">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/g=runescape/bonds--one-week-in|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140113205120/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/g=runescape/bonds--one-week-in|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 January 2014|title=Bonds – One Week In|author=Pips|publisher=Jagex|date=2 October 2013|access-date=14 January 2014}}</ref>

<ref name="PCGamerUK">{{Cite news|author=Sutherns, Mark|title=RuneScape 2: browser-based Goblin basher goes 3D|work=[[PC Gamer]] UK, issue 129|page=145|publisher=[[Future Publishing]]|date=December 2003}}</ref>

<ref name="YahooBuzzLog">{{cite web|url=http://buzz.yahoo.com/buzzlog/9096/the-rundown-o-runescape|title=The Rundown on RuneScape|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307172217/http://buzzlog.yahoo.com/buzzlog/9096/the-rundown-o-runescape|archive-date=7 March 2012|author=Hurd, Gordon|publisher=[[Yahoo!|Yahoo Buzz Log]]|date=8 May 2006|access-date=8 August 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="JustRPG">{{cite web|url=http://just-rpg.com/default.asp?pid=1209|title=Reviews: RuneScape|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713125226/http://www.just-rpg.com/default.asp?pid=1209|archive-date=13 July 2011|author=Gasperazzo, Wendy|publisher=Just RPG|access-date=30 April 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="develop">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.develop-online.net/features/203/IP-profile-RuneScape|title=IP profile: RuneScape|author=Gibson, Nick|magazine=Develop|date=19 May 2008|access-date=20 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813112547/http://www.develop-online.net/features/203/IP-profile-RuneScape|archive-date=13 August 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="EuroGamer1">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/runescape-article|title=RuneScape|author=Blyth, Jon|website=Eurogamer|date=9 February 2009|access-date=20 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809153001/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/runescape-article|archive-date=9 August 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="WordAboutUpdates">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=1019|title=A Word About Our Updates|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex|date=13 December 2007|access-date=9 April 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009154237/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=1019|archive-date=9 October 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="ComplainForums">{{cite web|url=http://www.tip.it/runescape/index.php?times=123|title=What the heck was THAT?|author=Armadyllo|publisher=Rune Tips|date=10 December 2007|access-date=7 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722055938/http://www.tip.it/runescape/index.php?times=123|archive-date=22 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BalancedTrade">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=1007|title=Trade and Drop Changes|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=10 December 2007|access-date=18 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009154045/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=1007|archive-date=9 October 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="times growth">{{cite web|url=http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/media/article3285256.ece|title=Online games group aims for growth the Nintendo way|author=Sabbagh, Dan|quote=Now only people can trade items of similar value...and the clean-up cost RuneScape 60,000 subscribers.|work=The Times|location=UK|date=1 February 2008|access-date=10 July 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823150819/http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/media/article3285256.ece|archive-date=23 August 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="EuroGamer2">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/the-great-digital-gold-rush-interview|title=The Great Digital Gold-Rush|author=Purchese, Robert|website=EuroGamer|page=2|date=19 February 2008|access-date=23 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810025024/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/the-great-digital-gold-rush-interview|archive-date=10 August 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="ReturnToCanifis">{{Cite book|title=RuneScape: Return to Canifis (RuneScape 2)|id= {{ASIN|1848567278|country=uk}}}}</ref>
<ref name="Dying">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/death_in_runescape|title=Death in RuneScape|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex|access-date=20 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723070542/http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/death_in_runescape|archive-date=23 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="NewSite">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/coming-next-week-new-website|title=Coming Next Week: New Website!|access-date=16 November 2011|date=15 November 2011|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116172236/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/coming-next-week-new-website|archive-date=16 November 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BotBustRelease">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/bot-nuking-day-making-runescape-fairer-and-more-fun|title=Bot-Nuking Day: Making RuneScape Fairer and More Fun!|access-date=18 November 2011|date=25 October 2011|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122005454/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/bot-nuking-day-making-runescape-fairer-and-more-fun|archive-date=22 November 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="MMORPG.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm/game/37/view/reviews/load/137/page/1|title=RuneScape Review: 2011 Re-Review - Edit|author=Tingle, Adam|publisher=MMORPG.com|date=6 April 2011|access-date=6 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111105143045/http://www.mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm/game/37/view/reviews/load/137/page/1|archive-date=5 November 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="SOF1">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/spin-and-win-on-the-squeal-of-fortune|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190216012056/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/spin-and-win-on-the-squeal-of-fortune|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 February 2019|title=Spin and Win on the Squeal of Fortune!|author=Mod Nexus|publisher=Jagex|date=28 February 2012|access-date=2 April 2012}}</ref>

<ref name="SOF2">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/squeal-of-fortune--extra-spins|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190216012215/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/squeal-of-fortune--extra-spins|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 February 2019|title=Squeal of Fortune – Extra Spins|publisher=Jagex|date=2 April 2012|access-date=2 April 2012}}</ref>

<ref name="SOF3">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.develop-online.net/news/40387/Runescape-begins-first-microtransaction-experiment|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405063738/http://www.develop-online.net/news/40387/Runescape-begins-first-microtransaction-experiment|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 April 2012|title=RuneScape begins first microtransaction experiment|author=Crossley, Rob|magazine=Develop|date=2 April 2012|access-date=2 April 2012}}</ref>

<ref name="Solomon">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/solomons-general-store---grand-opening|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120719204301/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/solomons-general-store---grand-opening|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 July 2012|title=Solomon's General Store - Grand Opening!|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|year=2012|access-date=18 July 2012}}</ref>

<ref name="MMGonMT">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/g=runescape/mod-mmg-on-runescape-micro-payments-1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808044844/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/g=runescape/mod-mmg-on-runescape-micro-payments-1|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 August 2014|title=Mod MMG on RuneScape Micro-Payments|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|author=Mark Gerhard|date=29 August 2012|access-date=15 February 2014}}</ref>

<ref name="MMGonMT2">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/mod-mmg-on-runescape-micro-payments|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329083326/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/mod-mmg-on-runescape-micro-payments|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 March 2014|title=Mod MMG on RuneScape Micro-Payments|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|author=Mark Gerhard|date=26 March 2014|access-date=27 March 2014}}</ref>

<ref name="TreasureHunter">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/treasure-hunter|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190216011224/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/treasure-hunter|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 February 2019|title=Treasure Hunter|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|year=2014|access-date=10 February 2014}}</ref>

<ref name="2007GameVote">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/2007---old-school-runescape-you-vote|title=2007 - Old School RuneScape... You Vote!|author=Gerhard, Mark|publisher=Jagex|date=13 February 2013|access-date=13 February 2013|archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20130810044837/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/2007---old-school-runescape-you-vote|archive-date=10 August 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="2007GameVoteResult">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/old-school-runescape-poll-results-in|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302002141/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/old-school-runescape-poll-results-in|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 March 2013|title=Old School RuneScape: Poll Results In!|author=Gerhard, Mark|publisher=Jagex|date=1 March 2013|access-date=5 March 2013}}</ref>

<ref name="2007ServersOpen">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/old-school-runescape-early-access-now-open|title=Old School RuneScape: Early Access Now Open|author=Gerhard, Mark|publisher=Jagex|date=22 February 2013|access-date=5 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225005939/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/old-school-runescape-early-access-now-open|archive-date=25 February 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="2007F2POpen">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/permanent-free-to-play?oldschool=1|title=Permanent Free-to-Play|publisher=Jagex|work=Old School RuneScape News|date=19 February 2015|access-date=16 February 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20181220150711/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/permanent-free-to-play?oldschool=1|archive-date=20 December 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="DarkScape">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/play-darkscape--free-to-play-open-world-pvp-1|title=Play DarkScape - Free-to-Play Open World PvP|date=16 September 2015|access-date=31 October 2015|publisher=Jagex|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180510125726/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/play-darkscape--free-to-play-open-world-pvp-1|archive-date=10 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="DarkScapeClosure">{{cite web |url=https://darkscape.runescape.com/news/2015/12/the-status-of-darkscape.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160229225754/https://darkscape.runescape.com/news/2015/12/the-status-of-darkscape.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 February 2016 |title=The Status of DarkScape |publisher=Jagex |work=DarkScape News |date=29 February 2016 |access-date=6 March 2016  }}</ref>

<ref name="polling">{{cite web|title=Welcome to Old School RuneScape Polls|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=poll/oldschool/index.ws|website=RuneScape Old School|publisher=Jagex Limited|access-date=23 May 2017}}</ref>

<!--<ref name="RSClassicFarewell">{{cite web|title=RuneScape Classic: Farewell|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/runescape-classic-farewell?oldschool=1|website=RuneScape Old School News|publisher=Jagex Limited|access-date=26 May 2018|archive-url=http://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20181213183035/http://services.runescape.com/m=news/runescape-classic-farewell?oldschool=1|archive-date=13 December 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>-->

<ref name="TIGAAwards2018">{{cite web|url=http://tiga.org/awards/2018-winners|title=TIGA Games Industry Awards 2018|date=1 November 2018|publisher=[[The Independent Game Developers' Association]]|access-date=3 November 2018}}</ref>

<ref name="RuneScapeMobile">{{Cite news|url=https://secure.runescape.com/m=news/runescape-on-mobile--coming-soon|title=RuneScape on Mobile – Coming Soon|publisher=Jagex Limited|date=17 July 2017|access-date=17 February 2021}}</ref>

<ref name="OldSchoolRuneScapeMobile">{{Cite news|url=https://www.techspot.com/news/77175-old-school-runescape-now-free-play-ios-android.html|title=Old School RuneScape is now free to play on iOS and Android devices|work=TechSpot|access-date=15 May 2021|language=en-us|first=Cohen|last=Coberly|date=30 October 2018}}</ref>

<ref name="SteamRelease">{{cite web|url=https://secure.runescape.com/m=news/runescape-out-now-on-steam|title=RuneScape Out Now On Steam!|publisher=Jagex|date=14 October 2020|access-date=16 October 2020|language=en-gb}}</ref>
}}

==External links==
{{commons category|RuneScape}}
* {{Official website}}
* [https://runescape.wiki/ Official wiki]

{{Jagex}}
{{Portal bar|Video games}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:2001 video games]]
[[Category:Browser games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer online games]]
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[[Category:Open-world video games]]
[[Category:Jagex]]
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[[Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Video games scored by James Hannigan]]
[[Category:Video games set on fictional planets]]<!--Gielinor-->
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