Difference between revisions of "RuneScape"

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'''''RuneScape''''' is a [[fantasy]] [[massively multiplayer online role-playing game]] (MMORPG) released in January 2001 by [[Andrew Gower|Andrew]] and Paul Gower, and developed and published by [[Jagex|Jagex Games Studio]]. It is a [[graphical game|graphical]] [[browser game]] implemented on the [[client (computing)|client-side]] in [[Java (programming language)|Java]] or [[HTML5]], and incorporates [[3D rendering]]. The game has had over 200&nbsp;million accounts created and is recognised by the [[Guinness World Records]] as the world's largest free MMORPG and the most-updated game.<ref name="USAToday"/>
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'''''RuneScape''''' is a [[fantasy]] [[massively multiplayer online role-playing game]] (MMORPG) released in January 2001 by [[Andrew Gower|Andrew]] and Paul Gower, and developed and published by [[Jagex|Jagex Games Studio]]. It is a [[graphical game|graphical]] [[browser game]] implemented on the [[client (computing)|client-side]] in [[Java (programming language)|Java]] or [[HTML5]], and incorporates [[3D rendering]]. The game has had over 200&nbsp;million accounts created and is recognised by the [[Guinness World Records]] as the world's largest free MMORPG and the most-updated game.
  
''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 also 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"/>
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''RuneScape'' takes place in the world of Gielinor, a medieval fantasy realm divided into different kingdoms, regions, and cities. Players can travel throughout Gielinor via a number of methods including on foot, [[magic (fantasy)|magical spells]], or charter ships. Each region offers different types of monsters, resources, and quests to challenge players. The game's [[fictional universe]] has also been explored through a [[tie-in]] video game on another of its maker's websites, ''[[FunOrb]]'', ''Armies of Gielinor'', and the novels ''[[Betrayal at Falador]]'', ''Return to Canifis'', and ''Legacy of Blood''.
  
 
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, [[conversation|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 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, [[conversation|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 on 4 January 2001 in [[Open beta|beta]] form, and in December 2001, Jagex was formed to manage the game. As the game's popularity grew, the [[game engine]] was rewritten, and its beta was opened to paying players on 1 December 2003 under the name "''RuneScape 2''", and officially released on 29 March 2004.<ref>{{cite web|title=RS2 Launched!|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/rs2-launched|publisher=Runescape|accessdate=13 August 2014}}</ref> The third iteration of the game, "''RuneScape 3''", was released on 22 July 2013.<ref name="RS3Release"/>
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The first public version of ''RuneScape'' was released on 4 January 2001 in [[Open beta|beta]] form, and in December 2001, Jagex was formed to manage the game. As the game's popularity grew, the [[game engine]] was rewritten, and its beta was opened to paying players on 1 December 2003 under the name "''RuneScape 2''", and officially released on 29 March 2004.<ref>{{cite web|title=RS2 Launched!|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/rs2-launched|publisher=Runescape|accessdate=13 August 2014}}</ref> The third iteration of the game, "''RuneScape 3''", was released on 22 July 2013.
  
 
==Gameplay==
 
==Gameplay==
 
[[File:General-Runescape-HUD.PNG|thumb|right|250px|A screenshot of the game interface from ''RuneScape'']]
 
[[File:General-Runescape-HUD.PNG|thumb|right|250px|A screenshot of the game interface from ''RuneScape'']]
Players begin in a secluded area, where they are taken through a [[tutorial]], a set path where they learn the most basic skills in ''RuneScape''.<ref name="getting_started"/> 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"/>
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Players begin in a secluded area, where they are taken through a [[tutorial]], a set path where they learn the most basic skills in ''RuneScape''. 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.
  
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, [[conversation|chatting]] or by participating in [[mini-games]].
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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. Players interact with each other through trading, [[conversation|chatting]] or by participating in [[mini-games]].
  
 
===Skills===
 
===Skills===
The 26 skills in ''RuneScape'' enable players to perform various activities within the game, allowing for interaction with NPCs, the environment and other players. Players gain [[experience point]]s in a skill when they utilise 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 the skill level rises, the ability to retrieve better [[raw materials]] and produce better products increases, as does the experience awarded if the player utilises 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 official [[high score]]s.<ref name="NewSite"/> Upon reaching the highest available level in a skill, members may buy a special [[cape]] to symbolise their achievement.<ref name="SkillCapes"/>
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The 26 skills in ''RuneScape'' enable players to perform various activities within the game, allowing for interaction with NPCs, the environment and other players. Players gain [[experience point]]s in a skill when they utilise 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". As the skill level rises, the ability to retrieve better [[raw materials]] and produce better products increases, as does the experience awarded if the player utilises 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 official [[high score]]s. Upon reaching the highest available level in a skill, members may buy a special [[cape]] to symbolise their achievement.
  
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 their own houses, move around the map with greater ease, [[theft|steal]] from various NPCs, [[market stall]]s and chests located in-game, light fires, cook their own food, create their own [[potion]]s, [[crafting|craft]] runestones and [[weapons]], [[agriculture|plant]] their own plants, [[hunting|hunt]] NPC animals, [[raid (military)|raid]] [[dungeon]]s, and [[summoning|summon]] [[familiar spirit|familiars]] to assist in combat and training skills.<ref name="Skills"/>
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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 their own houses, move around the map with greater ease, [[theft|steal]] from various NPCs, [[market stall]]s and chests located in-game, light fires, cook their own food, create their own [[potion]]s, [[crafting|craft]] runestones and [[weapons]], [[agriculture|plant]] their own plants, [[hunting|hunt]] NPC animals, [[raid (military)|raid]] [[dungeon]]s, and [[summoning|summon]] [[familiar spirit|familiars]] to assist in combat and training skills.
  
 
===Combat===
 
===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 [[formula|mathematical formula]] to their combat skills.<ref name="FightingBasics"/> 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.<!----With Legacy this is true, but we need some information regarding EoC complete with a source----> Most of the game's weapons are medieval or fantastical in nature, and feature different strengths and weaknesses. Players may also summon a familiar to 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.
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''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 [[formula|mathematical formula]] to their combat skills. 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.<!----With Legacy this is true, but we need some information regarding EoC complete with a source----> Most of the game's weapons are medieval or fantastical in nature, and feature different strengths and weaknesses. Players may also summon a familiar to assist with combat, use special attacks called "abilities" to deal additional damage, and use potions and the Prayer skill to boost their combat prowess.
  
Combat is subdivided into three main categories: [[Melee#Use in gaming|melee]], [[magic (gaming)|magic]] and [[ranging|ranged]]. Melee attacks are close range,<ref name="MeleeBasics"/> magic attacks focus on using [[runestone]]s to cast spells,<ref name="MagicBasics"/> and ranged attacks use projectile weapons like [[arrow]]s, [[dart (missile)|darts]] or [[throwing knife|knives]].<ref name="RangedBasics"/> These combat types make up a "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"/> 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 three styles of combat by switching weapons and armour.
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Combat is subdivided into three main categories: [[Melee#Use in gaming|melee]], [[magic (gaming)|magic]] and [[ranging|ranged]]. Melee attacks are close range,magic attacks focus on using [[runestone]]s to cast spells, and ranged attacks use projectile weapons like [[arrow]]s, [[dart (missile)|darts]] or [[throwing knife|knives]]. These combat types make up a "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.. 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 three styles of combat by switching weapons and armour.
  
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 reappear at a [[spawning (computer gaming)|respawn point]] of their choice with their life and skill points restored; however, they drop all but three chosen items, as well as certain common items.<ref name="FightingBasics"/><ref name="Dying"/><!----Actually, you go to the last "hub point"; gotta find a source for this-----> Dying spawns a [[gravestone]] that will hold all of the player's items and will last for an allotted time; however, there are situations in which all items will be lost upon death. If the player does not return in time, the grave will collapse and their items will disappear.<ref name="FightingBasics"/><ref name="Dying"/>
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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 reappear at a [[spawning (computer gaming)|respawn point]] of their choice with their life and skill points restored; however, they drop all but three chosen items, as well as certain common items.Actually, you go to the last "hub point"; gotta find a source for this-----> Dying spawns a [[gravestone]] that will hold all of the player's items and will last for an allotted time; however, there are situations in which all items will be lost upon death. If the player does not return in time, the grave will collapse and their items will disappear.
 
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In June 2012 players were invited to beta-test a new combat system, which included fundamental changes such as re-balancing the Combat Triangle to avoid favouring melee attacks, 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. On 24 January 2014, Jagex announced plans to further change the combat system with changes such as improvements to abilities and the reintroduction of special attacks. A second beta-test was opened that was available to all registered accounts. In addition to the beta, various polls were added for players to vote on in game that would determine the result of future content development,some of which would dictate the development of the improved combat system. A beta for a separate combat system dubbed ''Legacy Mode'' was officially opened to players on 16 June 2014 before being introduced to the live game on 14 July
In June 2012 players were invited to beta-test a new combat system,<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"/> On 24 January 2014, Jagex announced plans to further change the combat system with changes such as improvements to abilities and the reintroduction of special attacks. A second beta-test was opened that was available to all registered accounts.<ref name="CombatBeta5"/> In addition to the beta, various polls were 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 officially opened to players on 16 June 2014,<ref name="LegacyMode1"/> before being introduced to the live game on 14 July.<ref name="LegacyMode2"/>
 
  
 
====Player versus player combat====
 
====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. The ''Duel Arena'' allows players to [[gambling|stake]] money and items,<ref name="DuelArena"/> while other PvP games offer their own rewards. 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"/>
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[[Player versus player]] combat (PvP) can be performed in specific controlled mini-games and in an area known as the Wilderness. The ''Duel Arena'' allows players to [[gambling|stake]] money and items, while other PvP games offer their own rewards. 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.
  
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"/>
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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. In December 2007, the Wilderness was altered to prevent players from transferring in-game items for [[virtual economy|real-world currency]].PvP combat was removed from the Wilderness and temporarily restricted to new mini-games named ''Bounty Hunter'' and ''Clan Wars''. ''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. "PvP Worlds" were introduced on 15 October 2008 where players could fight almost anywhere in Gielinor, but these and "Bounty Worlds" were removed when PvP combat in the Wilderness was restored on 1 February 2011.
  
 
===Non-player interaction===
 
===Non-player interaction===
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 [[chicken]]s and [[goblin]]s, to unique and often much more powerful monsters, such as the King Black Dragon, Kalphite Queen, TzTok-Jad, or the Corporeal Beast.<ref name="UseBestiary"/>
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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 [[chicken]]s and [[goblin]]s, to unique and often much more powerful monsters, such as the King Black Dragon, Kalphite Queen, TzTok-Jad, or the Corporeal Beast.
  
 
Most monsters have their own strengths and weaknesses, notable exceptions being certain [[Boss (video gaming)|bosses]], which have no specific weaknesses. [[Demon]]s, for example, have a weak defence against ranged attacks, while metal [[dragon]]s 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.
 
Most monsters have their own strengths and weaknesses, notable exceptions being certain [[Boss (video gaming)|bosses]], which have no specific weaknesses. [[Demon]]s, for example, have a weak defence against ranged attacks, while metal [[dragon]]s 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.
  
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"/>
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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.
 
 
 
===Player interaction===
 
===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"/>
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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, or by using a large automated marketplace known as the Grand Exchange.
  
The chat system enables players to [[conversation|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"/>
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The chat system enables players to [[conversation|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.Quick Chat allows players to choose from a list of predetermined messages to send as Public Chat, Clan Chat, or Friends Chat.
  
''RuneScape'' also 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"/>
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''RuneScape'' also 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.
  
 
===Quests===
 
===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.
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[[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. Once a player completes all quests in the game, an achievement item known as the "Quest Point Cape" can be claimed. New quests are released periodically.
  
 
==History and development==
 
==History and development==
[[Andrew Gower]] developed ''RuneScape'' with the assistance of his brother Paul Gower.<ref name="ProquestGower"/> It was originally conceived as a text-based [[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 utilised 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"/>
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[[Andrew Gower]] developed ''RuneScape'' with the assistance of his brother Paul Gower. It was originally conceived as a text-based [[MUD]], but graphics were incorporated early in development, adding it to the ranks of what were then known as "[[graphical MUD]]s".The first public version of the game utilised 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]].In December 2001, the Gower brothers, along with Constant Tedder, formed [[Jagex]] to take over the business aspects of running ''RuneScape''. 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]]. 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.
  
 
[[File:Runescapeclassic combat ranged.jpg|thumb|left|Ranged combat in ''RuneScape Classic'']]
 
[[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 5000 ''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 have taken place in November 2009, June 2010 and September 2011.<ref name="ReOpened1"/><ref name="ReOpened2"/><ref name="ReOpened3"/> It is currently only possible to play ''Classic'' on an account that has logged in during at least one of these four periods.
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As the game gained more users, Jagex began planning major changes. 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. 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 5000 ''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 Additional reopenings have taken place in November 2009, June 2010 and September 2011.It is currently only possible to play ''Classic'' on an account that has logged in during at least one of these four periods.
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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. On 13 July 2006, Jagex signed an exclusive marketing and distribution contract with [[WildTangent]] Games, 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,reaching over 20&nbsp;million consumer PCs.
  
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 officially revealed at the 2008 [[E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo)|E3 trade show]].<ref name="RuneScape High Detail Announcement"/>
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On 16 May 2006, Jagex upgraded ''RuneScape's'' [[game engine]], improving the game's loading times and reducing its [[random-access memory|memory]] requirements. On 1 July 2008, Jagex released a beta of their "High Detail" mode for members, which was extended to free players two weeks later. High Detail Debut"/> Before the launch, Jagex stated that it would be officially revealed at the 2008 [[E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo)|E3 trade show]].
  
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 it [''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"/>
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On 14 February 2007, a [[German language|German]] translation of ''RuneScape'' was introduced, followed by a [[French language|French]] translation on 11 December 2008, [[Brazilian Portuguese]] on 24 July 2009, and [[Latin American Spanish]] on 25 April 2013. In an interview in May 2008, former Jagex CEO Geoff Iddison stated that, "We do plan to go East with it [''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." ''RuneScape'' later launched in India through the gaming [[web portal|portal]] [[Zapak]] on 8 October 2009, and in France and Germany through [[Bigpoint Games]] on 27 May 2010.
  
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 microtranstactions 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://http://services.runescape.com/m=news/ironman--drop-table-reworks but neither company is named-->
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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. 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. 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.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. On 29 August 2012, Gerhard released a response to this controversy, describing these microtranstactions 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.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.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.Partnership with Supersonic ads was dropped for one with Peanut Labs, but no reference exists suitable for citation. Relevant post is http://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 utilise [[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"/>
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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." A video released on 22 March 2013 stated that the new version would be called ''RuneScape 3'' and would utilise [[WebGL]], and would include a fully customisable [[HUD (video gaming)|user interface]] and improved audio.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. ''RuneScape 3'' was released on 22 July 2013.
  
 
===Servers===
 
===Servers===
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{{col-end}}]]
 
{{col-end}}]]
  
{{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. 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"/>
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{{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. 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. Servers are moved or added as the need arises.
  
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"/>
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Each ''RuneScape'' server allows up to 2,000 players to log in simultaneously, 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.
  
 
===Old School RuneScape===
 
===Old School RuneScape===
In February 2013, a poll passed to create a separate incarnation of ''RuneScape'' as it was in 2007. It was originally created as an exact copy of the game from August 2007, but it is continually updated by a separate development team. New content is voted on by the players. Avatar data on ''Old School RuneScape'' is separate from ''RuneScape 3''.<ref name="OldSchool"/>
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In February 2013, a poll passed to create a separate incarnation of ''RuneScape'' as it was in 2007. It was originally created as an exact copy of the game from August 2007, but it is continually updated by a separate development team. New content is voted on by the players. Avatar data on ''Old School RuneScape'' is separate from ''RuneScape 3''.
  
 
==Graphics and sound==
 
==Graphics and sound==
''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. ''RuneScape'' uses a [[game engine|graphics engine]] called "RuneTek 5", which provides 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"/> The high-detail version incorporates [[hardware acceleration]] and can be rendered using either [[Java OpenGL]] or DirectX.<ref name="RSTrailer"/><ref name="GraphicsOptions"/>
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''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. ''RuneScape'' uses a [[game engine|graphics engine]] called "RuneTek 5", which provides 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]] and [[Z-buffering]].The high-detail version incorporates [[hardware acceleration]] and can be rendered using either [[Java OpenGL]] or DirectX.
  
''RuneScape'' features a character-customisation system. [[Player character]]s are always 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"/> Standard weapons of the same class, such as [[sword]]s, use the same set of animations in combat, while special weapons have their own, distinctive animations.
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''RuneScape'' features a character-customisation system. [[Player character]]s are always human; however, players may choose the gender, hairstyle, facial hair, skin colour, and clothing options. 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 Standard weapons of the same class, such as [[sword]]s, use the same set of animations in combat, while special weapons have their own, distinctive animations.
  
''RuneScape'' has music, [[synthesiser|synthesised]] and "real world" [[sound effect]]s,<ref name="RealSounds"/> and ambient noises throughout Gielinor. The music is designed to define the underlying cultures of the various locations accessible. Sound effects, such as the "sploosh" heard when a lobster trap is submerged in water, are heard as players train their skills. Ambient noises, 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"/> ''RuneScape'' 3 includes [[orchestra]]l music recorded in [[Bratislava]] and composed by [[James Hannigan]].<ref name="RS3Orchestra"/>
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''RuneScape'' has music, [[synthesiser|synthesised]] and "real world" [[sound effect]]s,and ambient noises throughout Gielinor. The music is designed to define the underlying cultures of the various locations accessible. Sound effects, such as the "sploosh" heard when a lobster trap is submerged in water, are heard as players train their skills. Ambient noises, such as the cry of seagulls flying over the ocean, occur in logical places. The game also incorporates [[voice acting]] in certain areas and situations ''RuneScape'' 3 includes [[orchestra]]l music recorded in [[Bratislava]] and composed by [[James Hannigan]].
  
 
==Community==
 
==Community==
A set of official [[Internet forum|forums]] are provided by Jagex on the ''RuneScape'' website. On the forums, players are 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 can set an avatar and have a separate display name,<ref name="DisplayNames"/><ref name="ForumAvatar"/> but cannot set an automatic [[signature]] or post images. User profiles only display the number of posts a user has made along with the option to disable [[smiley]]s. The privilege of posting on the forums is limited to paying members, as well as free players with a total level exceeding 350.<ref name="ForumPosting"/> 84% of ''RuneScape'' players are male. 90% of all players play the game in English.<ref name="MMGonMyths"/>
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A set of official [[Internet forum|forums]] are provided by Jagex on the ''RuneScape'' website. On the forums, players are 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 can set an avatar and have a separate display name,but cannot set an automatic [[signature]] or post images. User profiles only display the number of posts a user has made along with the option to disable [[smiley]]s. The privilege of posting on the forums is limited to paying members, as well as free players with a total level exceeding 350. 84% of ''RuneScape'' players are male. 90% of all players play the game in English.
  
Between 24 September 2002 and 9 December 2004, players could submit questions via [[e-mail]] to the ''RuneScape'' [[deity|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 [[sculpture]]s, comics, drawings and paintings), some of which is displayed in a gallery on the ''RuneScape'' website.<ref name="PlayersGallery"/>
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Between 24 September 2002 and 9 December 2004, players could submit questions via [[e-mail]] to the ''RuneScape'' [[deity|gods]], which were published in the form of letters. 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. Players can also submit original ''RuneScape'' related artwork (such as [[sculpture]]s, comics, drawings and paintings), some of which is displayed in a gallery on the ''RuneScape'' website.
  
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 also be retrieved if lost.<ref name="holidayitems"/>
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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. 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 Holiday items after Christmas 2002 are untradeable and limited to one per player, and can also be retrieved if lost.
  
Various ''RuneScape'' [[fansite]]s have been established by players, which are a source of information about the game.<ref name="Fansites"/> In the early days of ''RuneScape'', the official website had a page which listed links to several fansites, but has since been removed.<ref name="runelinks"/> In order to provide players with an alternative, Jagex introduced the [[Knowledge Base]],<ref name="KnowledgeBase"/> which offers information on gameplay, the main ''RuneScape'' rules, and account security.<ref name="WelcomeToKB"/> On 22 November 2011, the Knowledge Base was converted into a community-editable [[wiki]].<ref name="Wiki"/> For account security reasons, Jagex discourages the discussion of fansites within the game or the official forums – and a rule specifically prohibits sharing [[Uniform Resource Locator|web addresses]].<ref name="RulesSecurity"/> 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 has promised to increase communication with fansites.<ref name="FansitesTies"/>
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Various ''RuneScape'' [[fansite]]s have been established by players, which are a source of information about the game. In the early days of ''RuneScape'', the official website had a page which listed links to several fansites, but has since been removed. In order to provide players with an alternative, Jagex introduced the [[Knowledge Base]], which offers information on gameplay, the main ''RuneScape'' rules, and account security.On 22 November 2011, the Knowledge Base was converted into a community-editable [[wiki]]. For account security reasons, Jagex discourages the discussion of fansites within the game or the official forums – and a rule specifically prohibits sharing [[Uniform Resource Locator|web addresses]] A major fansite has criticised Jagex for not recognising fansites' contributions to the development of its game. However, as a result of announcements made in 2009, Jagex has promised to increase communication with fansites.
  
 
===Rules and cheating===
 
===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"/>
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Jagex has employed rules for player conduct, such as rules against offensive language, [[confidence trick|scamming]], and [[software bug|bug]] abuse. 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.''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. Players who repeatedly break the rules may be temporarily or permanently [[block (internet)|banned]] from playing the game.
  
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"/>
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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 and introduced random events that required player input to complete. 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.
  
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"/>
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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. These features were restored on 1 February 2011 following a [[referendum]] among players in December 2010 on whether or not to do so.
  
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 accounts that are banned for using bots are sent to an isolated area named "Botany Bay" to be given an ultimate punishment as decided by players.<ref name="BotanyBay"/>
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On 25 October 2011, Jagex released an anti-bot system 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. From 26 September 2012 accounts that are banned for using bots are sent to an isolated area named "Botany Bay" to be given an ultimate punishment as decided by players.
  
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"/>
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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''". 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%.
  
On 28 July 2014, [[Twitch (website)|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"/>
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On 28 July 2014, [[Twitch (website)|Twitch]] functionality was integrated into the game, allowing players to [[streaming video|stream]] their gameplay or view other streams from within the game.
  
 
==Press reception==
 
==Press reception==
''[[PC Gamer|PC Gamer UK]]'' stated in December 2003, that while the "traditional [[Role-playing game|RPG]] values of [[quest (gaming)|questing]], slaying [[monster]]s and developing your character in a familiar [[Middle Ages|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"/>
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''[[PC Gamer|PC Gamer UK]]'' stated in December 2003, that while the "traditional [[Role-playing game|RPG]] values of [[quest (gaming)|questing]], slaying [[monster]]s and developing your character in a familiar [[Middle Ages|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".
 
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The [[Yahoo!]] 2006 Buzz Log stated that, "while it may not be as easy on the eyes as some other popular online RPG games, 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]]".> 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%.>
The [[Yahoo!]] 2006 Buzz Log stated that, "while it may not be as easy on the eyes as some other popular online RPG games, 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"/>
 
  
 +
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."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]]. 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.
 +
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".
 
===Player reception===
 
===Player reception===
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]] [[Article (publishing)|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"/>
+
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. The updates also affected legitimate players, resulting in many of them actively complaining on the forums. Jagex issued a [[Technical support|Customer Support]] [[Article (publishing)|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. During the changes, subscription numbers fell by 60,000. 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."
 
 
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"/>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
==References==
 
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em|refs=
 
<ref name="USAToday">{{cite web|url=http://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|publisher=[[USAToday]]|date=2012-07-29|accessdate=2012-07-31}}</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=2008-08-22|accessdate=2008-08-22|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60X9c4P1Y |archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=no}}</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|accessdate=2008-07-10|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60X9cnhg2|archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=yes}}</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=2012-05-25|accessdate=2012-06-27|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5friBvXQU|archivedate=2009-04-07|deadurl=no}}</ref>
 
<ref name="Transportation">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/transportation_introduction|title=Transportation – Introduction|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex|accessdate=2008-07-10|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60X9dDo6T| archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=yes}}</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=2009-01-15|accessdate=2009-10-14}}</ref>
 
<ref name="BetrayalAtFalador">{{cite web|url=http://www.babelinteractive.com/london-book-fair/|title=London Book Fair – Betrayal at Falador|publisher=Babel Interactive|accessdate=2009-09-21|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60X9eS5YL|archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=no}}</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|accessdate=2012-06-27}}</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|work=Wall Street Journal|publisher=Dow Jones & Company, Inc|page=B.1|date=2006-10-05}}</ref>
 
<ref name="ProquestGower">{{Cite news|author=Dodson, Sean|title=Rune to move|date=2003-12-11|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2003/dec/11/games.onlinesupplement2|work=[[The Guardian]]|location=UK|accessdate=2008-07-12|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5gM1kotDm|archivedate=2009-04-27|deadurl=no}}</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|publisher=[[Gamasutra]]|date=2007-05-03|accessdate=2010-04-25|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20100506194632/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=13769|archivedate=2010-05-06|deadurl=no}}</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=2008-07-23|accessdate=2010-04-25| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60X9ef62d|archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=no}}</ref>
 
<ref name="PCGamesN">{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamesn.com/article/longest-game-making-runescape|title=The Longest Game: The Making of RuneScape|author=Griliopoulos, Dan|publisher=PCGamesN|date=2012-06-27|accessdate=2012-06-27}}</ref>
 
 
 
<ref name="PCGamerPresents">{{cite journal |title=PC Gamer presents RuneScape |publisher=[[PC Gamer]] |pages=5, 7, 11, 15 |date=March 2013}}</ref>
 
 
 
<ref name="IDGNews">{{cite web|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080615044119/http://archive.thestandard.com/article.php?story=200403031708187|archivedate=2008-06-15|url=http://archive.thestandard.com/article.php?story=200403031708187|title=RuneScape takes on the big games|author=Law, Gillian|publisher=IDG News Service|date=2004-03-03|accessdate=2004-03-03}}</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=2003-02-13|accessdate=2006-06-15|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60X9g4xpf| archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=no}}</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=2006-01-12|accessdate=2007-03-04|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60X9genAG|archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=no}}</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|accessdate=2010-12-04|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60X9hEtvG|archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=yes}}</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|accessdate=2010-12-04|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60X9ha3J1|archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=yes}}</ref>
 
<ref name="wildtangent">{{Cite news|url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/features/wildtangent-explores-runescape/69187/?biz=1|title= WildTangent Explores RuneScape|accessdate=2006-05-03|author=Radd, David|date=2006-07-17|publisher=GameDaily BIZ|page=1|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20071211103140/http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/features/wildtangent-explores-runescape/69187/?biz=1|archivedate=2007-12-11}}</ref>
 
<ref name="MediaBuyerPlanner">{{Cite news|title=WildTangent Sells Ads in RuneScape Online Game|publisher=MediaBuyerPlanner|date=2006-07-13|url=http://www.mediabuyerplanner.com/entry/42799/wildtangent-sells-ads-in/|accessdate=2006-08-08| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60X9hy4jQ | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=no}}</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=2006-05-16|accessdate=2007-06-27|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60X9iIjjf|archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=no}}</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|accessdate=2008-07-07|publisher=Jagex|date=2008-07-01|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60X9jTb2C|archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=no}}</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|accessdate=2008-06-25|publisher=IGN|year=2008|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60X9k4tcu| archivedate = 2011-07-29|deadurl=no}}</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=2007-02-14|accessdate=2013-04-25}}</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=2008-12-11|accessdate=2013-04-25}}</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=2009-07-24|accessdate=2013-04-25}}</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=2013-04-25|accessdate=2013-04-25}}</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=2009-11-11|accessdate=2009-11-11|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60X9lVQUr|archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=no}}</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=2010-06-01|accessdate=2010-06-01|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60X9m5yYK| archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=no}}</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|publisher=[[Eurogamer]]|author=Purchese, Robert|date=2011-09-15|accessdate=2011-10-01}}</ref>
 
<ref name="RSIndia">{{cite web|url=http://www.jagex.com/corporate/Press/release_zapak.ws|title=RuneScape Launches in India|publisher=Jagex|date=2009-10-08|accessdate=2009-10-16|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60X9miBZN|archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=no}}</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|publisher=Gamasutra|date=2010-05-27|accessdate=2010-05-31|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20100806111114/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/28720/Jagex_Bigpoint_Partner_For_RuneScape_In_France_Germany.php |archivedate=6 August 2010|deadurl=no}}</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|publisher=Eurogamer|date=2012-08-30|accessdate=2013-03-23}}</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=2013-03-22|accessdate=2013-03-23}}</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=2013-05-03 |accessdate=2013-05-03}}</ref>
 
 
 
<ref name="HTML5Timeline">{{cite web |url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/rs3-beta-programme- |title=RS3 Beta Programme |publisher=Jagex |date=2013-03-29 |accessdate=2013-04-17}}</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 |accessdate=2014-02-18}}</ref>
 
 
 
<ref name="countries">[http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=664 "Game-world locations renamed"], [http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=596 "11 new worlds online"], [http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=560 "5 new worlds in Stockholm, Sweden"], [http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=527 "6 new Australian servers online!"], [http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=517 "8 new worlds in Miami"], and [http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=405 "New London servers"]. ''RuneScape News''. Published by Jagex (26 April 2005 through 20 November 2006). Retrieved on 13 April 2007. {{WebCite|url=http://www.webcitation.org/60X9mvw4J|date =2011-07-29}}</ref>
 
<ref name="worldlist">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/slu.ws?order=WMLPA|title=RuneScape World List|publisher=Jagex Ltd|accessdate=2009-06-20| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60X9qSvCP | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=no}}</ref>
 
<ref name="ServerRelocated">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=116|title=Singapore server relocated|accessdate=2007-07-31|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=2003-08-25| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60X9qtzeR | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=no}}</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|accessdate=2008-07-14|publisher=GigaOM|date=2008-07-14|author=Wagner, James Au| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60X9rVQqx | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=no}}</ref>
 
<ref name="themed servers">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=887|title=Themed Worlds|accessdate=2007-09-14|date=2007-08-13|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60X9s7euQ|archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=no}}</ref>
 
<ref name="OldSchool">{{cite web|url=http://oldschool.runescape.com|title=RuneScape 2007 Server|date=2013-02-01|work=RuneScape|publisher=Jagex}}</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|accessdate=2008-06-15|publisher=GamesIndustry.biz|date=2008-05-09|author=Martin, Matt| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60X9u1XfS|archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=no}}{{registration required}}</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?|accessdate=2007-01-28|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60X9ug85R|archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=yes}}</ref>
 
<ref name="Tutors">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/advisors_and_tutors|title=Advisors and Tutors|accessdate=2009-09-17|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60X9v3Sf0|archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=yes}}</ref>
 
<ref name="Statistics">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/controls_statistics#experience|title=Controls – Statistics|accessdate=2009-06-20|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60X9vyukD|archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=yes}}</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|accessdate=2007-03-27|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60X9w7jFq |archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=yes}}</ref>
 
<ref name="Skills">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/skills|title=Skills|accessdate=2006-10-14|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60X9ws1GU|archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=yes}}</ref>
 
<ref name="FightingBasics">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/fighting_the_basics|title=Fighting – The Basics|accessdate=2006-10-09|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60X9xdzWq|archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=yes}}</ref>
 
<ref name="SummoningBasics">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/sym_summoning_the_basics#familiars_and_combat|title=Summoning – The Basics|accessdate=2009-06-20|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60X9yK9Xe|archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=yes}}</ref>
 
<ref name="MeleeBasics">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/melee_the_basics|title=Melee – The Basics|accessdate=2006-10-14|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60X9yOqtZ|archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=yes}}</ref>
 
<ref name="MagicBasics">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/magic_the_basics|title=Magic – The Basics|accessdate=2006-10-14|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60X9ynv6X|archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=yes}}</ref>
 
<ref name="RangedBasics">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/ranged_the_basics|title=Ranged – The Basics|accessdate=2006-10-14|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60X9zOP0O|archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=yes}}</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|accessdate=2009-09-21|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60X9zo7Ve|archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=yes}}</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=2012-06-01|accessdate=2012-06-01}}</ref>
 
<ref name="DuelArena">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/combat_duelling|title=The Duel Arena|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|accessdate=2007-11-29|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60XA0Leu0|archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=yes}}</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=2012-06-26|accessdate=2012-11-20}}</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=2012-11-20|accessdate=2013-04-14}}</ref>
 
 
 
<ref name="CombatBeta5">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/g=runescape/combat-improvements-beta|title=Combat Improvements Beta|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=2014-01-24|accessdate=2014-02-15}}</ref>
 
 
 
<ref name="PowerToThePlayers1">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/a=4/runescape-2014---power-to-the-players|title=RuneScape 2014 - Power to the Players|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=2013-12-27|accessdate=2014-02-15}}</ref>
 
<ref name="PowerToThePlayers2">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/a=4/poll---legacy-combat|title=Poll - Legacy Combat|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=2014-02-01|accessdate=2014-02-15}}</ref>
 
<ref name="PowerToThePlayers3">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/a=4/poll---combat-level-calculation|title=Poll - Combat Level Calculation|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=2014-02-14|accessdate=2014-02-15}}</ref>
 
 
 
<ref name="LegacyMode1">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/legacy-mode-beta---now-open|title=Legacy Mode Beta - Now Open|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=2014-06-14|accessdate=2014-07-01}}</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|title=Legacy Mode Launch, Global Combat Improvements and Gear Guide|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=2014-07-14|accessdate=2014-07-15}}</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|accessdate=2011-01-26|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60XA13a01|archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=yes}}</ref>
 
<ref name="PKingSpots">{{cite web|url=http://www.runehq.com/guide.php?type=specialreport&id=0693|title=Wilderness Survival Guide|author=sheep01|accessdate=2011-02-14|publisher=RuneHQ| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XA17ptg|archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=no}}</ref>
 
<ref name="rwtdevdiary">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/diary06|title=RuneScape vs. Real-world Trading|accessdate=2008-06-29|work=RuneScape Development Diaries|publisher=Jagex| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uGL1ga1i | archivedate = 2010-11-15| deadurl=yes}}</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!|accessdate=2009-06-20|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex|date=2007-12-10| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XA1WKkf | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=no}}</ref>
 
<ref name="BountyWorlds">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=1813|title=Bounty Hunter Wilderness-only PvP|accessdate=2009-06-20|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex|date=2009-05-06| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XA282Is | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=no}}</ref>
 
<ref name="PvPWorlds2">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=1442|title=News Item: PvP Worlds|accessdate=2008-10-15|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex|date=2008-10-15| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XA38pcf | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=no}}</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=2011-02-01|accessdate=2011-02-01| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XA4VW5E | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=no}}</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|accessdate=2007-03-27| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XA69OeS | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=yes}}</ref>
 
<ref name="UseBestiary">{{cite web|url=http://tip.it/runescape/index.php?page=how_to_bestiary.htm|title=How to use the Bestiary|accessdate=2007-02-22|publisher=Rune Tips| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XA6Fwaw | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=no}}</ref>
 
<ref name="mini-games">{{cite web|url=http://www.tip.it/runescape/?page=activities.htm|title=Activities and Mini Quests|accessdate=2010-10-12|publisher=Rune Tips| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XA6XAt1 | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=no}}</ref>
 
<ref name="random events">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/random_events|title=Random Events|accessdate=2008-07-04|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5leEksJel | archivedate = 2009-11-29| deadurl=yes}}</ref>
 
<ref name="ControlsTrading">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/controls_trading|title=Controls – Trading|accessdate=2009-04-12|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XA7X6up | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=yes}}</ref>
 
<ref name="Grand Exchange">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/controls_the_grand_exchange|title=Controls – The Grand Exchange|accessdate=2009-04-12|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XA81Ws5 | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=yes}}</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|accessdate=2011-04-12|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60XA9JxBI|archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=yes}}</ref>
 
<ref name="GeneralChatControls">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/controls_chat|title=Controls – Chat|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex|accessdate=2008-10-23| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5jlWCzPSD | archivedate = 2009-09-13| deadurl=yes}}</ref>
 
<ref name="RSTrailer">{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/trailer-runescape/35739|title=Runescape Trailer|accessdate=2008-07-04|publisher=Gametrailers.com|year=2008|author=Jagex| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XAAMovu | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=no}}</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|accessdate=2010-11-10| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XABBqwu | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=yes}}</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=2009-08-26|accessdate=2009-08-29|publisher=Jagex| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XABahPv | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=yes}}</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=2009-09-02|accessdate=2009-09-02| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XAC5CZR | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=no}}</ref>
 
<ref name="ZBuffering">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/z-buffering|title=Z-buffering|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=2010-09-15|accessdate=2010-09-24| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XACgkVk | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=no}}</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|accessdate=2007-05-06| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XADcFYC | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=yes}}</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|accessdate=2009-09-12| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XADhNwn | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=yes}}</ref>
 
<ref name="RealSounds">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/new-combat-sound-effects|title=New Combat Sound Effects|author=Mod Bond|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=2010-10-18|accessdate=2010-10-18| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XAEaOTP | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=no}}</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=2009-10-01|accessdate=2009-10-13| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XAFA3PX | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=no}}</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|accessdate=2009-10-07| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XAG1bS8 | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=yes}}</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 Ltd|date=2010-11-05|accessdate=2010-11-08| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XAGCqEv | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=no}}</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|author=Mark Gerhard|publisher=Jagex|date=2014-04-05|accessdate=2014-04-06}}</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|accessdate=2009-02-27|date=2004-12-09| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XAGnoHh | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=no}}</ref>
 
<ref name="ReadersLetters">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=490|title=New readers letters|accessdate=2009-04-07|date=2005-09-26|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XAHQneS | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=no}}</ref>
 
<ref name="PlayersGallery">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/gallery|title=Players' Gallery|accessdate=2009-02-27|publisher=Jagex| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XAI1gVS | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=yes}}</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|accessdate=2009-04-10| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5mSYnohpU | archivedate = 2010-01-01| deadurl=yes}}</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|accessdate=2009-02-27| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XAIheTU | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=no}}</ref>
 
<ref name="Fansites">{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/fansites|title=Fansites|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|accessdate=2010-06-07| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XAJ75IW | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=yes}}</ref>
 
<ref name="runelinks">{{cite web|url=http://server1.runescape.com/runelinks.html|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20011024045004/http://server1.runescape.com/runelinks.html|archivedate=2001-10-24|title=RuneScape Links Page|accessdate=2001-08-24|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|accessdate=2009-05-08|date=2006-03-13|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XAJT2Kh | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=no}}</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|accessdate=2009-05-08|publisher=Jagex| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XAK3ogq | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=yes}}</ref>
 
<ref name="Wiki">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/runescape-revolution|title=RuneScape Revolution|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex|date=2011-11-22|accessdate=2011-11-22}}</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|accessdate=2009-05-12| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XAKowlS | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=yes}}</ref>
 
<ref name="WhoNeedsFansites">{{cite web|url=http://tip.it/runescape/index.php?times=78|title=So Who Needs Fansites Anyway?|accessdate=2009-05-08|date=2007-01-26|publisher=Rune Tips| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XAKt8xP | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=no}}</ref>
 
<ref name="FansitesTies">{{cite web|url=http://www.tip.it/runescape/index.php?times=210|title=Re: The Future of RuneScape|accessdate=2009-05-08|date=2009-02-15|publisher=Rune Tips| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XAL73Jy | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=no}}</ref>
 
  
<ref name="Twitch">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/a=97/araxxor-twitch-integration-and-lobby-update|title=Araxxor, Twitch Integration and Lobby Update|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|date=2014-07-28|accessdate=2014-07-30}}</ref>
+
In December 2010, a [[referendum]] was opened to decide whether to restore unbalanced trades and player-versus-player combat in the Wilderness, which closed with 1.2 million votes cast and 91% of voters in favour of the proposal, and these features were restored on 1 February 2011. A second referendum was announced in February 2013 to decide whether to run a separate version of the game dating from 2007, closing on 1 March 2013 with almost 450,000 votes. Servers for the 2007 version were opened on 22 February 2013 once 50,000 votes were collected.>
  
<ref name="RulesOfRuneScape">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=rswiki/en/Rules_of_RuneScape|title=Rules of RuneScape|publisher=Jagex|accessdate=2014-07-15}}</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|accessdate=2009-01-18| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5jeBHkPLN | archivedate = 2009-09-08| deadurl=yes}}</ref>
 
<ref name="Moderators">{{cite web |url=http://services.runescape.com/m=rswiki/en/Moderators|title=Moderators|publisher=Jagex|accessdate=2014-07-15}}</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 Ltd|work=RuneScape News|accessdate=2007-05-30|date=2007-05-01| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XALs7BK | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=no}}</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=2010-12-24|accessdate=2010-12-24| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XAMSNoA | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=no}}</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|publisher=Gamasutra|date=2011-01-18|accessdate=2011-03-05|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20110206124543/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/32504/12M_RuneScape_Players_Vote_To_Restore_PvP_Free_Trade_Features.php|archivedate=2011-02-06|deadurl=no}}</ref>
 
<ref name="BotanyBay">{{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|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6W6EG05c8|archivedate=2015-02-04|date=2012-09-26|accessdate=2012-09-26|deadurl=no}}</ref>
 
<ref name="BondAnnouncement">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/g=runescape/an-important-message-from-mod-mmg|title=An Important message from Mod MMG|author=Gerhard, Mark|publisher=Jagex|date=2013-09-25|accessdate=2014-01-14}}</ref>
 
<ref name="Bonds1Week">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/g=runescape/bonds--one-week-in|title=Bonds – One Week In|author=Pips|publisher=Jagex|date=2013-10-02|accessdate=2014-01-14}}</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|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5zdIfutpR|archivedate=2011-06-22|author=Hurd, Gordon|publisher=[[Yahoo!|Yahoo Buzz Log]]|date=2006-05-08|accessdate=2006-08-08}}</ref>
 
<ref name="JustRPG">{{cite web|url=http://just-rpg.com/default.asp?pid=1209|title=Reviews: RuneScape|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5zdIpBz87|archivedate=2011-06-22|author=Gasperazzo, Wendy|publisher=Just RPG|accessdate=2007-04-30}}</ref>
 
<ref name="develop">{{cite web|url=http://www.develop-online.net/features/203/IP-profile-RuneScape|title=IP profile: RuneScape|author=Gibson, Nick|publisher=Develop|date=2008-05-19|accessdate=2008-05-20| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XAOWWmd | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=no}}</ref>
 
<ref name="EuroGamer1">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/runescape-article|title=RuneScape|author=Blyth, Jon|publisher=EuroGamer|date=2009-02-09|accessdate=2009-02-20| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XAPQeT3 | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=no}}</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=2007-12-13|accessdate=2009-04-09| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XAQWtml | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=no}}</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=2007-12-10|accessdate=2010-06-07| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XAZnVwW | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=no}}</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=2007-12-10|accessdate=2010-04-18| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/60XASX8Bo | archivedate = 2011-07-29| deadurl=no}}</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=2008-02-01|accessdate=2008-07-10|archiveurl= http://www.webcitation.org/60XATCGvB|archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=no}}</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|publisher=EuroGamer|page=2|date=2008-02-19|accessdate=2010-10-23|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60XATcVgg|archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=no}}</ref>
 
<ref name="ReturnToCanifis">{{cite web|url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Runescape-Return-Canifis-T-Church/dp/1848567278/|publisher=[[Amazon.com]]|accessdate=2011-03-11|title=Runescape: Return to Canifis (Runescape 2)|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60XAVPE00|archivedate = 2011-07-29|deadurl=no}}</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|accessdate=2011-04-20|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60XAVZDgd|archivedate=2011-07-29|deadurl=yes}}</ref>
 
  
<ref name="NewSite">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/coming-next-week-new-website|title=Coming Next Week: New Website!|accessdate=2011-11-16|date=2011-11-15|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/63E811X3H|archivedate=2011-11-16|deadurl=no}}</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!|accessdate=2011-11-18|date=2011-10-25|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/63INGPYr2|archivedate=2011-11-18|deadurl=no}}</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=2011-04-06|accessdate=2012-03-06}}</ref>
 
<ref name="SOF1">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/spin-and-win-on-the-squeal-of-fortune|title=Spin and Win on the Squeal of Fortune!|author=Mod Nexus|publisher=Jagex|date=2012-02-28|accessdate=2012-04-02}}</ref>
 
<ref name="SOF2">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/squeal-of-fortune--extra-spins|title=Squeal of Fortune – Extra Spins|publisher=Jagex|date=2012-04-02|accessdate=2012-04-02}}</ref>
 
<ref name="SOF3">{{cite web|url=http://www.develop-online.net/news/40387/Runescape-begins-first-microtransaction-experiment|title=Runescape begins first microtransaction experiment|author=Crossley, Rob|publisher=Develop|date=2012-04-02|accessdate=2012-04-02}}</ref>
 
<ref name="Solomon">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/solomons-general-store---grand-opening|title=Solomon's General Store - Grand Opening!|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|year=2012|accessdate=2012-07-18}}</ref>
 
<ref name="MMGonMT">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/g=runescape/mod-mmg-on-runescape-micro-payments-1|title=Mod MMG on RuneScape Micro-Payments|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|author=Mark Gerhard|date=2012-08-29|accessdate=2014-02-15}}</ref>
 
<ref name="MMGonMT2">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/mod-mmg-on-runescape-micro-payments|title=Mod MMG on RuneScape Micro-Payments|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|author=Mark Gerhard|date=2014-03-26|accessdate=2014-03-27}}</ref>
 
<ref name="TreasureHunter">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/treasure-hunter|title=Treasure Hunter|publisher=Jagex|work=RuneScape News|year=2014|accessdate=2014-02-10}}</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=2013-02-13|accessdate=2013-02-13}}</ref>
 
<ref name="2007GameVoteResult">{{cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/old-school-runescape-poll-results-in|title=Old School RuneScape: Poll Results In!|author=Gerhard, Mark|publisher=Jagex|date=2013-03-01|accessdate=2013-03-05}}</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=2013-02-22|accessdate=2013-03-05}}</ref>
 
}}
 
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==

Revision as of 11:12, 16 March 2015

Template:Use dmy datesTemplate:Use British English Template:Pp-semi-indefTemplate:Pp-move-indef Template:Infobox video game

RuneScape is a fantasy massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) released in January 2001 by Andrew and Paul Gower, and developed and published by Jagex Games Studio. It is a graphical browser game implemented on the client-side in Java or HTML5, and incorporates 3D rendering. The game has had over 200 million accounts created and is recognised by the Guinness World Records as the world's largest free MMORPG and the most-updated game.

RuneScape takes place in the world of Gielinor, a medieval fantasy realm divided into different kingdoms, regions, and cities. Players can travel throughout Gielinor via a number of methods including on foot, magical spells, or charter ships. Each region offers different types of monsters, resources, and quests to challenge players. The game's fictional universe has also been explored through a tie-in video game on another of its maker's websites, FunOrb, Armies of Gielinor, and the novels Betrayal at Falador, Return to Canifis, and Legacy of Blood.

Players are represented in the game with customisable avatars. RuneScape does not follow a linear storyline; rather, players set their own goals and objectives. Players can choose to fight non-player character (NPC) monsters, complete quests, or increase their 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 on 4 January 2001 in beta form, and in December 2001, Jagex was formed to manage the game. As the game's popularity grew, the game engine was rewritten, and its beta was opened to paying players on 1 December 2003 under the name "RuneScape 2", and officially released on 29 March 2004.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The third iteration of the game, "RuneScape 3", was released on 22 July 2013.

Gameplay

A screenshot of the game interface from RuneScape

Players begin in a secluded area, where they are taken through a tutorial, a set path where they learn the most basic skills in RuneScape. 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.

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 quests at their discretion. Players interact with each other through trading, chatting or by participating in mini-games.

Skills

The 26 skills in RuneScape enable players to perform various activities within the game, allowing for interaction with NPCs, the environment and other players. Players gain experience points in a skill when they utilise 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". As the skill level rises, the ability to retrieve better raw materials and produce better products increases, as does the experience awarded if the player utilises 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 official high scores. Upon reaching the highest available level in a skill, members may buy a special cape to symbolise their achievement.

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 their own houses, move around the map with greater ease, steal from various NPCs, market stalls and chests located in-game, light fires, cook their own food, create their own potions, craft runestones and weapons, plant their own plants, hunt NPC animals, raid dungeons, and summon familiars to assist in combat and training skills.

Combat

RuneScape features a semi-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. Players engage in combat by 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 also summon a familiar to assist with combat, use special attacks called "abilities" to deal additional damage, and use potions and the Prayer skill to boost their combat prowess.

Combat is subdivided into three main categories: melee, magic and ranged. Melee attacks are close range,magic attacks focus on using runestones to cast spells, and ranged attacks use projectile weapons like arrows, darts or knives. These combat types make up a "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.. 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 three styles of combat by switching weapons and armour.

Combat is governed by a 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 reappear at a respawn point of their choice with their life and skill points restored; however, they drop all but three chosen items, as well as certain common items.Actually, you go to the last "hub point"; gotta find a source for this-----> Dying spawns a gravestone that will hold all of the player's items and will last for an allotted time; however, there are situations in which all items will be lost upon death. If the player does not return in time, the grave will collapse and their items will disappear. In June 2012 players were invited to beta-test a new combat system, which included fundamental changes such as re-balancing the Combat Triangle to avoid favouring melee attacks, 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. On 24 January 2014, Jagex announced plans to further change the combat system with changes such as improvements to abilities and the reintroduction of special attacks. A second beta-test was opened that was available to all registered accounts. In addition to the beta, various polls were added for players to vote on in game that would determine the result of future content development,some of which would dictate the development of the improved combat system. A beta for a separate combat system dubbed Legacy Mode was officially opened to players on 16 June 2014 before being introduced to the live game on 14 July

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. The Duel Arena allows players to stake money and items, while other PvP games offer their own rewards. 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.

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. In December 2007, the Wilderness was altered to prevent players from transferring in-game items for real-world currency.PvP combat was removed from the Wilderness and temporarily restricted to new mini-games named Bounty Hunter and Clan Wars. 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. "PvP Worlds" were introduced on 15 October 2008 where players could fight almost anywhere in Gielinor, but these and "Bounty Worlds" were removed when PvP combat in the Wilderness was restored on 1 February 2011.

Non-player interaction

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 goblins, to unique and often much more powerful monsters, such as the King Black Dragon, Kalphite Queen, TzTok-Jad, or the Corporeal Beast.

Most monsters have their own strengths and weaknesses, notable exceptions being certain 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.

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.

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, or by using a large automated marketplace known as the 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 to communicate with each other through a separate channel.Quick Chat allows players to choose from a list of predetermined messages to send as Public Chat, Clan Chat, or Friends Chat.

RuneScape also features independent mini-games, 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.

Quests

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. Once a player completes all quests in the game, an achievement item known as the "Quest Point Cape" can be claimed. New quests are released periodically.

History and development

Andrew Gower developed RuneScape with the assistance of his brother Paul Gower. It was originally conceived as a text-based MUD, but graphics were incorporated early in development, adding it to the ranks of what were then known as "graphical MUDs".The first public version of the game utilised a mixture of three-dimensional and two-dimensional sprites. It was released as a beta version on 4 January 2001, and originally operated out of their parents' house in Nottingham.In December 2001, the Gower brothers, along with Constant Tedder, formed Jagex to take over the business aspects of running RuneScape. Among its early innovations Jagex developed an interpreted domain-specific scripting language called RuneScript, which is used by RuneScape's server for event handling. 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.

Ranged combat in RuneScape Classic

As the game gained more users, Jagex began planning major changes. The developers rewrote the game engine, producing a new version of the game with entirely three-dimensional graphics called RuneScape 2. A beta version of RuneScape 2 was released to paying members for a testing period beginning on 1 December 2003, and ending in March 2004. 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 banned more than 5000 Classic 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 Additional reopenings have taken place in November 2009, June 2010 and September 2011.It is currently only possible to play Classic on an account that has logged in during at least one of these four periods.

To support RuneScape's free content, advertisements appear on a banner above the playing screen on the free-to-play servers. Since computer users may use advertisement blockers, which may discourage advertisers, Jagex introduced a rule that prohibits players from blocking these advertisements. On 13 July 2006, Jagex signed an exclusive marketing and distribution contract with WildTangent Games, 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,reaching over 20 million consumer PCs.


On 16 May 2006, Jagex upgraded RuneScape's game engine, improving the game's loading times and reducing its memory requirements. On 1 July 2008, Jagex released a beta of their "High Detail" mode for members, which was extended to free players two weeks later. High Detail Debut"/> Before the launch, Jagex stated that it would be officially revealed at the 2008 E3 trade show.

On 14 February 2007, a German translation of RuneScape was introduced, followed by a French translation on 11 December 2008, Brazilian Portuguese on 24 July 2009, and Latin American Spanish on 25 April 2013. In an interview in May 2008, former Jagex CEO Geoff Iddison stated that, "We do plan to go East with it [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." RuneScape later launched in India through the gaming portal Zapak on 8 October 2009, and in France and Germany through Bigpoint Games on 27 May 2010.

On 28 February 2012, an in-game feature was introduced called the "Squeal of Fortune" that allowed players to win items on a daily basis by spinning the wheel. 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. 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.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. On 29 August 2012, Gerhard released a response to this controversy, describing these microtranstactions 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.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.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.Partnership with Supersonic ads was dropped for one with Peanut Labs, but no reference exists suitable for citation. Relevant post is http://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 tablets, platforms and even smart TVs." A video released on 22 March 2013 stated that the new version would be called RuneScape 3 and would utilise WebGL, and would include a fully customisable user interface and improved audio.A closed beta of the HTML5 version went live on 17 April 2013, followed by a separate alpha version of the new interface on 24 April. RuneScape 3 was released on 22 July 2013.

Servers

Template:As of there were 139 English RuneScape servers located throughout the world, which are numbered and referred to as worlds by players and by Jagex. 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.

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