RuneScape is one of the oldest MMORPGs still running in the world, and it has a very close bond with the community that is totally crazy about the game. Our author Alexander Leitsch experienced this firsthand at RuneFest.
On October 4th and 5th, the RuneFest 2019 took place in Farnborough, UK. We at MeinMMO were invited, and I had the honor of making the trip and attending the event.
What I experienced on the island far exceeded what I expected from RuneFest. It was not only about the announcements for the future of the MMORPG, but the whole game, its community, and the developers celebrated each other, and it was extreme.
I have never experienced a better atmosphere at a gaming event. But let’s go in order.
What is RuneScape? RuneScape was released in 2001 as a browser MMORPG set in a medieval fantasy world. The game has since been heavily modified and exists in two versions:
- RuneScape 3 is the developed MMORPG that can be played on PC in its own client, though a mobile version is in the works.
- Old School RuneScape is a version that is modeled after the original RuneScape from 18 years ago. It can be played on both PC and smartphone and is developed in close collaboration with the fans.
Currently, RuneScape is extremely successful. At times, over 80,000 players log in simultaneously. For such an old game, the numbers are extremely good, and they have mostly gone up rather than down in recent years.
What is RuneFest? RuneFest is an annual event where the developers rent a large hall and announce new features for the game. It is somewhat like a small BlizzCon, where the fans and the surrounding events are much more in focus than the news.
RuneFest 2019 is the ninth edition of this event. The participation alone costs players between 135 and 150 British pounds. This does not include hotel and travel. And still, the event was extremely well-attended.
Amazing atmosphere even on the evening before
What happened on Friday? On Friday evening, the developers held the Golden Gnome Award. This is an award given to various members of the community.
There was a Golden Gnome for:
- the best artists around RuneScape
- the best RuneScape streamers
- the best YouTubers
- and for many other categories.
The event was modeled after the big gala events. A red carpet was rolled out, we as spectators sat at tables in front of the stage, and all nominees were briefly introduced. The winner of the award was then invited to the stage for a brief speech, provided they were present.
How did the audience react? Personally, I did not expect the huge number of fans that would show up that evening. More than 2,000 fans attended the Golden Gnome award, as one of the developers informed me.
The atmosphere was a mix of goosebumps and excitement. Every presentation of the nominees was celebrated frenetically. Every award winner was accompanied to the stage with great cheers.
Even after the awards ended, many players stayed together, talked with the artists, and celebrated. There was no competitive spirit.
Mini-golf and can throwing meet new info and panels
What happened on Saturday? On Saturday, RuneFest was officially opened. After a large event on stage, the curtain opened to the second half of the hall.
There was a colorful, small wonderland in the style of RuneScape. The focus was on a jungle theme with a huge, fire-breathing volcano.
What activities were there? For RuneScape fans, the second half of the hall offered several activities. Besides PCs and smartphones to play their favorite MMORPG, there were also other tasks such as:
- A mini-golf course with 9 holes
- A labyrinth
- A photo booth with a green screen
- Pens and tablets to participate in the “Design a Boss” event
- and much more.
However, for those who wanted to learn more about the game or exchange ideas, the panels offered the right framework for that. There were entertaining events where the community could interact and informative panels that revealed more about the future of the game.
New items for RuneScape in the coming months
What was announced for RuneScape at the panels? Fans of the newer version can look forward to a major new feature in January 2020.
The MMORPG will get archaeology as the 28th skill, the last one having been released over 4 years ago. Powerful relics and weapons can be found, but for the expeditions, one must venture into dangerous excavation sites with strong enemies.
Additionally, further changes are planned for RuneScape in 2019 and 2020, including:
- The player farm will become the “Ranch out of Time”, allowing dinosaurs and other lizards to be raised.
- The skills Herblore and Farming will be raised from level 99 to 120.
- New quests for Desperate Measures, the continuation of the current story, along with many side quests.
- New pets.
- A new Elder Gods War Dungeon that is supposed to be particularly difficult.
What can fans of Old School RuneScape look forward to? The Old School version of RuneScape will receive the new Morytania expansion. This brings:
- The new area Cinity of Darkmeyer
- New activities
- New quests
- The new group boss Nightmare of Ashihama.
The expansion is expected to be released in early 2020. Furthermore, Old School RuneScape will receive leagues and a clan system in the coming months.
The modern RuneScape on mobile? While Old School RuneScape already allows crossplay between PC and smartphone, the modern RuneScape is also expected to receive a mobile version.
This has been in a testing phase for a while and is expected to be released for players with a subscription in early access later this year.
RuneScape – A phenomenon you have to love
What makes RuneScape so special? For many fans, RuneScape was the first MMORPG they experienced, sometimes at a very young age. The game accompanies them throughout their lives, and their youth has been somewhat revived with Old School RuneScape.
From the interview from last year, I know that many players appreciate the simplicity of RuneScape. Here, a sword is still a sword and has no magical effects. The game is also considered stress-free and serves as a relaxation tool for many, unlike modern games.
What makes RuneScape special for me? For me personally, it is not the MMORPG itself that is special, but the people around it:
- The developers love this game and do everything to excite the fans. At the start of the archaeology panel, they reenacted a scene from Indiana Jones, bringing many excited faces.
- The fans, in turn, return the favor to the developers by celebrating the game and sharing it with their friends.
I have never experienced such a close bond. Until RuneFest, I had no major contact with RuneScape. I have already spent several hours in the game.
Even though it will never be my favorite MMORPG due to the point-and-click movement, the game and the people around it have fascinated me immensely.
