Developer Jagex has introduced a fourth MMO within the long-running RuneScape franchise, in addition to an animated adaptation.
At RuneFest in Birmingham, England, Jagex supplied a glimpse at this new MMO, which it mentioned was constructed “for a brand new technology of gamers.” It’s nonetheless in early improvement (a launch is not anticipated for at the very least a couple of years), and it doesn’t have an official title (Jagex goes with RS4 as a working title for now), however it’s going to “deliver the world of Gielinor to life in Unreal Engine, combining the depth, freedom and community-led spirit which have outlined RuneScape for 25 years with the know-how and sport design potentialities of right this moment.”
Jagex presently operates RuneScape itself, Previous College RuneScape, and spinoff RuneScape: Dragonwilds. RuneScape has seen various main updates tied to sequel names, together with a rename to RuneScape 2 in 2004 and RuneScape 3 in 2013. However each have been dropped in favor of, merely, RuneScape, and it’s now handled as an ongoing dwell service. It is tempting, then, to name this new sport RuneScape 4, and it might find yourself justifying the identify, however Jagex has but to rubber stamp any title.
Certainly, we hardly know something about this new RuneScape MMO, however with the point out of Unreal Engine, the expectation is it’s going to have fashionable visuals and design. A picture from the idea teaser and the idea teaser itself are beneath.
Here is the official blurb on the fourth RuneScape MMO:
Headlining RuneFest was the primary glimpse of an bold new chapter for RuneScape: a fourth RuneScape MMO, constructed for a brand new technology of gamers. Nonetheless early in improvement, the as-yet-unnamed title will deliver the world of Gielinor to life in Unreal Engine, combining the depth, freedom and community-led spirit which have outlined RuneScape for 25 years with the know-how and sport design potentialities of right this moment.
In a (*4*), Jagex defined that it has introduced RuneScape 4 so early as a result of it needs to construct on the tech improvement it made for Dragonwilds, and lean on the group co-development it established by way of RuneScape and Previous College. The developer insisted RS4 shouldn’t be a alternative for both RuneScape, Previous College, or Dragonwilds, every of which has its personal devoted group and will proceed to see funding. “We’ll be designing RS4 to sit down alongside them as a further solution to expertise RuneScape and the world of Gielinor,” Jagex mentioned.
“The truth is, we predict having completely different RuneScape experiences could make the entire household stronger,” the developer continued. “Gamers could spend most of their time in a single sport, transfer between a number of, or uncover Gielinor for the very first time by way of RS4. The ambition is not to exchange the RuneScape video games you like. It is to make the RuneScape universe greater.”
Jagex additionally confirmed RS4 shall be set in Gielinor, as you’d count on, and within the Sixth Age. “However we’re starting someplace that RuneScape gamers have solely just lately began to find – and that’s Ashenfall. An space first explored in RuneScape: Dragonwilds, and a landmass to the north-east of the Gielinor.
“RS4 will happen years after the occasions of Dragonwilds and the destruction of the Dragon Queen Kuldra. Time has handed, the world has moved on, and Ashenfall has modified with it. However Ashenfall is barely the start.
“Our ambition is for this journey to develop far past Ashenfall over time, transferring into locations you understand and love, in addition to opening up new locations and tales throughout Gielinor.”
RuneScape is in fact one of many longest-running video video games on this planet. Jagex says it’s seen over 300 million participant accounts created within the 25 years since RuneScape first launched. However the firm’s plan is to increase the franchise into new genres and even variations. For instance, at RuneFest Jagex additionally introduced work had began on a brand new RuneScape animated adaption, in partnership with YouTuber Charlie White, aka MoistCr1TiKaL, and LA-based manufacturing firm Lyrical Media. Right here’s the official blurb:
Moreover, Jagex unveiled plans to increase RuneScape past video games, partnering with creator and web phenomenon, Charlie White aka MoistCr1TiKaL in addition to acclaimed LA Based mostly manufacturing enterprise Lyrical Media, to deliver the world, characters and tales of Gielinor to life in a brand new thrilling animated adaption.
Jagex introduced much more at RuneFest right this moment. Right here’s the whole lot we noticed.
Wesley is IGN’s Managing Editor. Discover him on Twitter at @wyp100. You’ll be able to attain Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.