Jagex announces new RuneScape MMO in early development

Developer Jagex announced RuneScape 4, a new massively multiplayer online game, during the RuneFest event in Birmingham, United Kingdom. MMORPG.com, VGC, and Gematsu all reported that the next entry in the long-running fantasy franchise is in active early development. A massively multiplayer online game is an online title where a large number of players share a persistent virtual world. [1][3][4]

According to VGC and Gematsu, RuneScape 4 is a temporary working title, while Gematsu reported that Jagex also referred to the title as RS4. VGC and Gematsu both reported that the new game is being built in Unreal Engine and will exist alongside current titles including RuneScape, Old School RuneScape, and Dragonwilds as a standalone experience. PC Gamer reported that the sequel originally started as an expansion to the survival game Dragonwilds. [2][3][4]

The game takes place in the world of Gielinor during the Sixth Age and begins in the region of Ashenfall, according to VGC and Gematsu. VGC added that Ashenfall first appeared in Dragonwilds and that the new story will take place years after the events of that title. Gematsu reported that the game is a few years away from release, and Jagex has not yet announced target platforms. [3][4]

Created by Andrew and Paul Gower, the original RuneScape launched in January 2001 as a Java-based browser game set in the medieval fantasy world of Gielinor. Jagex also revealed roadmaps for its current lineup of games across 2027 during the RuneFest event, according to RPG Site. [6][11]