The MMORPG RuneScape was first released in 2001. The special retro version “Old School”, which is modeled after RuneScape from 17 years ago, continues to grow. Our Leya wondered why this is the case and has followed the traces of the MMORPG.
RuneScape is one of the oldest MMORPGs in the world and comes from the British developer Jagex. For many players aged 25 to 35, this cheerful game was their first encounter with an MMORPG. It was released in 2001 as a free browser game and has been set in the pseudo-medieval fantasy world of Gielinor since then.
Since the closure of Classic RuneScape, there are now two versions of the game:
- RuneScape 3: This is the “normal” version, which regularly receives graphical updates and has gameplay changes added.
- Old School RuneScape: This version is modeled after the 17-year-old RuneScape from its origins and was released in 2013 at the request of fans. The game still features the old graphics that we would probably label as ugly from today’s perspective. The old, clunky mechanics of the MMORPG classic can also be found here.
Old School RuneScape still has surprisingly many players and more are joining
Retro version has more players: For years, forum posts have repeatedly emerged asking why Old School RuneScape is still so actively played. It goes so far that many fans prefer the old version to the “normal” RuneScape 3.
About 60,000 concurrent players in 2018: Old School RuneScape manages to gather an average of around 50,000 to 60,000 players online at the same time daily. Since its release in 2013, a strong upward trend has been observed, as shown by the blue line in the graphic below.
Popular on Twitch: Even on Twitch, no one seems to be bothered by the pixelated graphics and old gameplay. The Twitch page for Old School RuneScape has 179,304 followers and 9,707 viewers (September 9, 6:00 PM). The eSports PvP mode “Deadman”, which takes place in seasons, is particularly popular.
Why? Anyone looking at Old School RuneScape must inevitably ask the question of why. Why would so many players prefer this old MMORPG when there are other, more modern, prettier alternatives like World of Warcraft, The Elder Scrolls Online, or even a modern RuneScape.
I looked into this question and visited the Runefest 2018, a large fan festival where players and developers come together to celebrate their game. This year, for the first time, the Runefest had to move to a larger venue than before due to the large number of fans attending – also a sign of growth.
For veterans, nostalgia plays a role
Interview to find an answer: At Runefest 2018, I had the opportunity to talk to Mathew Kemp, the Senior Product Manager for Old School RuneScape. I asked him for a deeper insight into the phenomenon.
I was particularly interested in why so many players preferred the retro version over the modern version.
Senior Product Manager Mathew Kemp believes in nostalgia: “I can definitely tell you why so many people play it. I can’t say for sure why some players prefer one over the other. I’ve always looked at it this way: Back in the day, Old School RuneScape was the relevant game of its time (2005-2007), which was 12 to 14 years ago. The players were 12 to 14 years old back then and are now in their late twenties to early thirties.“
“These players have […] the memories they had back when they played RuneScape. They simply want to play it again and relive those memories.
That moment when you play an MMORPG for the first time is a special moment for a person. You’ll never get that moment back. You only have that one chance to experience the first time. That’s a reason many still stick with [Old School] RuneScape.”
There are also new players: It’s not just nostalgia
Declining player base as a problem: If most players are veterans, one might think that this could eventually become a problem. A game needs “fresh blood” to continue running in the long run.
Young players are joining: However, Kemp assured me that Old School RuneScape has a steady influx of new players of all ages. There are teenagers and also players who have long surpassed 60. This was also reflected at Runefest, where all age groups were represented. However, most visitors were in their twenties.
Old School RuneScape is so simple that it reduces stress
This statement that there are still quite a few new players did not completely align with Kemp’s reasoning that players found their way to Old School RuneScape purely out of nostalgia. This made me suspicious, and I pressed for more clarity.
MeinMMO: Why do you think new players even start Old School RuneScape? You see the graphics and think it’s just an old game. Why don’t they start something modern like WoW or Elder Scrolls Online?
Mathew Kemp: “I also find that fascinating. When we ask our players why they play our game, which we do quite often, we consistently receive a key answer. That is, it’s simple to play.
You understand [Old School RuneScape] immediately, and it’s not as overloaded as other games with high-end graphics. When I hold a sword in my hand, it is a sword. There are no flashy or sparkling effects. This simplicity is exactly what our players appreciate.”
A safety net of relaxation
Players use Old School RuneScape to relax: Kemp further stated that Jagex often has intense conversations with players: “We asked them how they feel when playing Old School RuneScape, and the word relaxation came up time and time again,” Kemp said, “These players have said that when they play League of Legends and become stressed, they simply return to Old School RuneScape because it calms them down.“
With a thoughtful look, Kemp continued: “It is part of their life to relax with Old School RuneScape. It’s almost like it’s their safety net. With Old School RuneScape, they have something […] that doesn’t put them under pressure.“
Old graphics as support: Kemp believes that the pixelated graphics also support that simplicity that players long for. In several surveys by Jagex, it was found that players definitely do not wish for a revision of the graphics.
RuneScape should remain simple and familiar: Most want Old School RuneScape to simply remain as it is. This applies to both old and new Old School RuneScape players. Kemp emphasized that Jagex places great importance on marketing the game just as it is. Therefore, the artwork used for advertising Old School RuneScape is kept simple like the game itself.
Old School RuneScape is not played for its looks
At RuneFest 2018, I found confirmation of what Senior Product Manager Mathew Kemp told me. I strolled through the festival and talked to the players themselves. There were only a few Old School players there. Most of those present were “modern” RuneScape players.
However, I found one Old School player who sat down for a chat with me.
Players are attracted by mechanics: The festival-goer, who preferred to remain anonymous, jokingly mentioned at the outset that there were probably hardly any Old School players at the festival because they were too busy playing. After all, Old School RuneScape also means Old School Grind.
Players invest massive amounts of time and resources to reach specific goals in the game. In “modern” RuneScape 3, there are some features that make grinding easier and shorten the process. However, these old systems are appreciated by Old School players.
The festival-goer explained why he prefers Old School RuneScape over the modern one: “You know, I get asked this question quite often. I don’t have a real answer for it. Maybe it’s nostalgia, but I don’t think that’s all there is to it.
Old School RuneScape simply allows for more room for imagination. Do you know the phenomenon of the “Uncanny Valley”? When things want to look real but aren’t, which gives you a weird feeling?
“Modern” RuneScape gives me that feeling. When I look at it, it tries really hard to look good, but it actually isn’t that great. That’s why I like Old School. I play the game mainly because of the system, the way it works, not really for the looks.”
Old School RuneScape: The lovely neighbor next door
In response to the question of why Old School RuneScape is still so relevant and why it continues to grow, there is probably not just one true answer. From my conversations at RuneFest, I can only think of the analogy of the lovely neighbor.
No exciting beauty, but charmingly lovable: She may not be as flashy and sexy as the young thing that looked at you mischievously from the bar. Old School RuneScape is that one friend next door where we feel comfortable right away. Both have their charm. However, our lovely neighbor opens the door to us in her shabby pajamas with disheveled hair, already offering us a hot cup of coffee.
Here we throw ourselves onto the old couch we have sat on so many times before and just let ourselves fall. We accept her quirks just as she accepts ours. That’s exactly why we love her, exactly why she is particularly charming and in her way a real beauty.
Old School RuneScape for Mobile: On October 30, Old School RuneScape will be released for iOS and Android. The modern version is still a bit away. However, beta tests for it have already started.
According to Senior Product Manager Kemp, expanding the platforms for Old School RuneScape is an important means to continue growing. Jagex aims to expand further beyond mobile in the future.
