View source for RuneScape

{{otheruses|the game itself (not including gameplay)}}
{{Title|''RuneScape''}}
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{{Infobox Game
|title = RuneScape
|image = [[File:RuneScapeLogo.png|250px|RuneScape logo]]
|developer = [[Jagex|Jagex Ltd.]]
|publisher = Jagex|Jagex Ltd.
|released = ''[[DeviousMUD]]'':<br />[[November]] [[1998]]<br />''[[DeviousMUD|Runescape Original]]'':<br />[[October]] [[1999]]<br />''[[RuneScape Classic]]'':<br />[[4 January]] [[2001]]<br />''[[RuneScape 2]]'':<br />[[29 March]] [[2004]]<br />''[[RuneScape HD]]'':<br />[[14 July]] [[2008]]
|genre = Fantasy MMORPG
|modes = Multiplayer
|platforms = Java Platform: Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac OS X
|media = Web interface
|requirements = RuneScape: 512 MB [[Wikipedia:Random access memory|RAM]], 1 GHz [[Wikipedia:Central processing unit|CPU]]<br />''RuneScape HD'': 512 MB RAM, 1.5 GHz CPU, Nvidia GeForce 4 or equivalent<ref>[http://services.runescape.com/m=forum/forums.ws?25,26,423,63319466] on the main RuneScape website.</ref><ref>[http://runescape.wikia.com/wiki/File:Safe_mode_select.png]</ref>
|input = Keyboard, mouse
|website = http://www.runescape.com/
}}
'''''RuneScape''''' is a Java-based [[Wikipedia:Massively multiplayer online role-playing game|massively multiplayer online role-playing game]] (MMORPG){{CiteGeneral |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2003/dec/11/games.onlinesupplement2 |title=Rune to move |accessdate=16:53, July 8, 2011 (UTC)|last=Dodson |first=Sean |date=19:45, January 2, 2011 (UTC) |work=Technology news |publisher=The Guardian News and Media Limited |quote=RuneScape is an MMORPG ... RuneScape is the creation of Andrew Gower, who developed the game while Cambridge undergraduates. Just over two years ago, he operated RuneScape from a bedroom in his parents' house in Nottingham ... Outside South Korea, Sony's EverQuest is seen to be the market leader in the world of MMORPG, with a shade over 500,000 subscribers. RuneScape has nearly half that again ... But can RuneScape convert its masses of free players (around a high 660,000) into paying subscribers, of which there are only 58,000? |name=ProquestGower}} operated by British developer [[Jagex|Jagex Ltd]]. With over fifteen million active [[Free play|free accounts]] and more than three million paid member accounts,{{fact|date=April 2009}} RuneScape has achieved second place of the most played MMORPG games in the world,{{CiteGeneral |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6469729.stm |title=MMO games on the rise |accessdate=16:53, July 8, 2011 (UTC)|date=19:45, January 2, 2011 (UTC) |publisher=BBC News}} and the most popular free MMORPG in the world for two years in a row.{{CiteNews|url=http://news.runescape.com/newsitem.ws?id=1386|title=RuneScape in Guinness World Records!|newsdate=22 August 2008|date=16:53, July 8, 2011 (UTC)}}

As of April 11, 2012, RuneScape has 1,114,000 paying members.

RuneScape offers both free and subscription content and is able to be played from any computer which is able to be connected to the internet, and to be able to run in any ordinary web browser without straining on/or expending system resources.{{CiteGeneral |url=http://www.pssociety.org/a5.php |title=Game On! |author=PlayStation Society |accessdate=16:53, July 8, 2011 (UTC) |format=Web |date=15:07, January 15, 2011 (UTC)}} Since its release, the game has been praised for its free-playing abilities and its availability on a web browser. Each month, the website has around 10 million unique visitors,{{CiteGeneral |url=http://www.jagex.com/corporate/Advertisers/general.ws |title=Jagex Software (Advertising) |accessdate=16:53, July 8, 2011 (UTC)|publisher=Jagex |quote=RuneScape.com has over 10 million unique users a month, according to Media Metrix.}} and 6 million unique players access their accounts to play the game.{{CiteGeneral |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=16:53, July 8, 2011 (UTC) |author=Wagner James Au |accessdate=16:53, July 8, 2011 (UTC)|publisher=GigaOM Network |quote=RuneScape is... a traditional fantasy role-playing game that boasts six million active monthly players}}

[[File:RuneScape homepage.png|thumb|left|Current RuneScape homepage]]
[[Wikipedia:Yahoo!|Yahoo!]] recorded "RuneScape" as the fifth most popular overall search term for the year of [[2008]]{{CiteGeneral |url=http://buzz.yahoo.com/yearinreview2008/top10/ |title=Top 10 Searches for 2008 |accessdate=16:53, July 8, 2011 (UTC)|work=2008 Year in Review |publisher=Yahoo! |date=15:07, January 15, 2011 (UTC)}} - this makes it the only video game in the top ten, despite other big-name games being released in that year.{{CiteGeneral |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/87774-Runescape-Tops-Alba-Lohan-and-Jolie-in-Yahoo-Searches |title=Runescape Tops Alba, Lohan and Jolie in Yahoo Searches |accessdate=16:53, July 8, 2011 (UTC) |last=Rea |first=Jared |date=15:07, January 15, 2011 (UTC) |publisher=The Escapist magazine |quote=In a year that brought us heavyweight titles such as Grand Theft Auto IV, Gears of War 2 and Wii Fit, RuneScape managed to be the only video game to make Yahoo's top ten searches for 2008.}} For the same year, it was the number one most popular search term for Canada specifically.
{{ToC|left}}
{{Wpalso|RuneScape}}{{clear|left}}
==History and development==
[[File:Rsc stats.png|thumb|left|A screen shot of ''[[RuneScape Classic]]'']]
''[[DeviousMUD]]'', the forerunner to RuneScape, was created in 1998 by [[Andrew Gower|Andrew]], [[Paul Gower|Paul]], and [[Ian Gower]]. The game used isometric graphics. The original version was scrapped, and never publicly released. In [[1999]], Gower completely rewrote DeviousMUD, albeit with no improvements to the graphics or several other aspects of the game. This version was released as a public beta for approximately one week before it was again withdrawn.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://deviousmud.tripod.com/ |title=DeviousMUD |accessdate=~~~~~ |publisher=DeviousMUD.tripod.com}}</ref>

As [[Wikipedia:Cambridge University|Cambridge University]] undergraduates, the Gower brothers worked on a complete rewrite of the game. The isometric view was replaced by a mixture of both 3D and 2D sprites. The game, renamed RuneScape (created using a word combiner and randomizer program that Andrew had), was released to the general public as a beta version and for testing on [[4 January]] [[2001]] and was originally operated from their parents' house in Nottingham.<ref name="ProquestGower"/> In December 2001, the Gower brothers and Constant Tedder formed [[Jagex]] to take over the business aspects of running RuneScape. By that time, there were over one million registered [[account]]s.

On [[27 February]] [[2002]], a membership service was created,{{NamedRef|aboutjagex}} allowing players to choose to pay a monthly fee to access a variety of additional features including new areas, quests, and items. This service significantly changed the focus of the game.
[[File:Oldloginscreen.png|thumb|The RuneScape login screen before [[RuneScape High Detail]] was released]]

As RuneScape became more popular, Jagex began planning major changes. Although only a graphical update was initially planned,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://news.runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/newsitem.ws?id=64 |title=The biggest update ever... |date=2003-02-13 |accessdate=~~~~~ |publisher=Jagex Ltd.}}</ref> the developers opted instead to rewrite the game engine completely, introducing a version that consisted entirely of three-dimensional graphics, with other significant improvements. While in development, this version was known as ''[[RuneScape 2]]''. A beta version of the new engine was made available to paying members on [[1 December]] [[2003]]. At that time, the game had 660,000 [[free play]]ers and 58,000 [[member]]s.<ref name="ProquestGower" /> The finished version was launched on [[29 March]] [[2004]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://news.runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/newsitem.ws?id=204 |title=RS2 Launched! |date=2004-03-29 |accessdate=~~~~~ |publisher=Jagex Ltd.}}</ref> Upon release, ''RuneScape 2'' was renamed RuneScape, and the older version of the game was kept online as ''RuneScape Classic''. On [[2 February]], [[2006]], Jagex [[ban]]ned more than 5000 ''Classic'' accounts due to cheating. On [[2 August]], 2006, ''[[RuneScape Classic]]'' was closed to new accounts and restricted to paying members who had played ''Classic'' at least once in the prior six months.<ref name="classic_restrict">{{Cite web |url=http://news.runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/newsitem.ws?id=531 |title=Nearly 5000 RS-classic accounts banned |date=2006-07-02 |accessdate=~~~~~ |publisher=Jagex Ltd.}}</ref>

On [[16 May]] [[2006]], Jagex upgraded RuneScape's game engine, primarily as a back-end upgrade rather than a visible graphical boost.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://news.runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/newsitem.ws?id=584 |title=Game engine upgraded! |date=2006-05-16 |accessdate=~~~~~|publisher=Jagex Ltd.}}</ref> In particular, the amount of memory required to run RuneScape was significantly reduced, allowing the game to be expanded and improved without increasing the loading time for most players. As of March 2007, RuneScape had more than 9 million players.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.tomsgames.com/us/2007/03/26/runescape_exposed/ | title = RuneScape Exposed Part 1: An Education Kids Don't Need | accessdate = 2009-02-16 | author = Charles M. Kozierok | last = Kozierok | first = Charles | date = 2007-03-26 | publisher = Tom's Games, Bestofmedia Group | pages = 1 | archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080120112900/http://www.tomsgames.com/us/2007/03/26/runescape_exposed/ | archivedate = 2008-01-20 | quote = RuneScape is arguably the biggest MMORPG in the world, with more than nine million players.}}</ref> The engine was upgraded once again on [[26 June]] [[2007]], to allow Jagex to add more complex content to RuneScape in the future.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://news.runescape.com/newsitem.ws?id=850 |title=Game Engine Update |date=2007-06-26 |accessdate=~~~~~ |publisher=Jagex Ltd.}}</ref>

On [[5 July]] [[2007]], an article was released in which Andrew Gower told an interviewer he saw a release of RuneScape onto seventh-generation gaming consoles (such as the [[Wikipedia:Wii|Wii]], the [[Wikipedia:Xbox 360|Xbox 360]], and the [[Wikipedia:PlayStation 3|Playstation 3]]) as "tempting"; however, he states that there are currently no such plans to do so.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=167285 |title="RuneScape on console "tempting", says MMO's creator" |accessdate=~~~~~ |date=2007-07-05 |publisher=ComputerandVideoGames.com}}</ref>

On [[10 December]] [[2007]], [[Jagex]], faced with widespread real world trading rule violations, decided to remove several key areas of the game, especially player killing in an area called, "the wild". Many serious players believed that the game needed to keep several of these areas at least in part; the update prompted a record number of users in the rants forum, and it is estimated that over 60,000 membership subscriptions were canceled. However, many of these memberships canceled were macros themselves rather than legitimate players.
[[File:RSHD Login15.png|thumb|The Old RuneScape HD login screen]]

On [[1 July]] [[2008]], ''[[RuneScape High Detail]]'', also known as ''RuneScape HD'' or ''RSHD'' by some, which was a major overhaul of RuneScape's graphics and the single largest update of [[RuneScape 2]] to date, was released to [[member]]s as a beta. On [[14 July]] [[2008]], this update became available to non-members and the entire RuneScape community.

Jagex appointed current CEO, [[Mark Gerhard]] as of [[1 February]] [[2009]]<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.jagex.com/corporate/Press/releaseCEO_2.ws | title = Jagex Appoints Mark Gerhard as Chief Executive Officer | accessdate = 2009-02-16 | date = 2009-01-30 | work = Press Releases | publisher = Jagex | location = United Kingdom | quote = Jagex today announced the appointment of Mark Gerhard as the new Chief Executive Officer following the resignation of Geoff Iddison earlier this month. Mark Gerhard, who currently serves as the Chief Technical Officer at Jagex, has been appointed to lead the company from 1st February.}}</ref> (a Sunday), though it was not announced on the RuneScape homepage until [[9 February]].<ref name="future">{{cite web | url = http://news.runescape.com/newsitem.ws?id=1648 | title = The Future of RuneScape | accessdate = 2009-02-16 | author = Mod MMG | last = Gerhard | first = Mark | date = 2009-02-09 | work = RuneScape News List | publisher = Jagex | location = United Kingdom | quote = My name is Mark Gerhard and I am the new CEO of Jagex, the makers of RuneScape ... a lot of free players told us they found our video adverts before the game annoying to the point it was putting them off playing, so we've scrapped them with immediate effect ... the free game... isn't merely a demo for the members’ version. If anything, we see the members’ version as an expansion pack ... Another thing that has cropped up in recent times, which we'd like to clear up once and for all, is the common belief that RuneScape is a game aimed at kids. This is absolutely not the case. We can see how this view has fostered, however, thanks to our over-zealous chat filter, Quick Chat worlds, “dumbing down” of certain bits of humour and storylines}}</ref> He promised to make the [[members]] version of RuneScape seem like an expansion, instead of simply becoming a "full version" of the [[free play|free-to-play]] version/game. He also commented on opinions that RuneScape had been "dumbed down", promising players that it was not aimed extensively at a child-based consumer audience.

[[Jagex]] re-released [[RuneScape Classic]] on November 2009 and again on June 2010. They were going to re-release RuneScape Classic on January 2011, but they didn't. September 2011, RuneScape Classic was re-released again. It was the last time players were able to access it.

=== Servers ===

{{main|Server}}

[[File:RuneScape server location map.svg|thumb|left|RuneScape servers are located in fifteen countries: USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Australia, Finland, Belgium, Mexico, Brazil, Ireland, Norway, Denmark, New Zealand, India and Sweden.]]

RuneScape servers are located throughout the world, which are numbered and referred to as ''worlds'' by players and Jagex. The servers use Unix, Debian GNU/Linux, and Cisco IOS software,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.jagex.com/corporate/Jobs/Technologies/Systems_Administrator.ws |title=Job Info Page |accessdate=~~~~~|publisher=Jagex Ltd.}}</ref> and they are located in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Australia, Finland, Belgium, Mexico, Brazil, Ireland, Norway, Denmark, New Zealand and Sweden.<!-- BUT NOT GERMANY The German servers are currently located in Finland; please don't add Germany --><ref name="countries">[http://news.runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/newsitem.ws?id=664 "Game-world locations renamed"]<!-- Finland -->, [http://news.runescape.com/newsitem.ws?id=596 "11 new worlds online"]<!-- Canada -->, [http://news.runescape.com/newsitem.ws?id=560 "5 new worlds in Stockholm, Sweden"]<!-- Sweden, Netherlands -->, [http://news.runescape.com/newsitem.ws?id=527 "6 new Australian servers online!"]<!-- Australia -->, [http://news.runescape.com/newsitem.ws?id=517 "8 new worlds in Miami"]<!-- U.S. -->, and [http://news.runescape.com/newsitem.ws?id=405 "New London servers"]<!-- UK -->. RuneScape Technical News (2005-04-26 through 2006-11-20). Retrieved on 2007-05-13.</ref> Historically, servers have been located in areas where they will provide the best connection for players in a cost-effective manner. Servers are moved or added as the need arises.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://news.runescape.com/newsitem.ws?id=116 |title=Singapore server relocated |date=2003-07-25 |accessdate=~~~~~ |publisher=Jagex Ltd.}}</ref>

[[File:Gielinor map.png|thumb|right|[[Gielinor|RuneScape]] from above. The [[Unknown]] is covered by clouds.]]

Each of the 200 RuneScape servers allow 2,000 players to connect simultaneously. The [[servers]] are divided into free servers, accessible to all players, and [[members|member]] servers, accessible only by those players who choose to pay a monthly fee for additional content. Unlike many other MMORPGs, RuneScape characters are not bound to a particular server, but rather can switch freely among the servers each time they access the game.<ref name="getting_started">{{Cite web |url=http://www.runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/kbase/viewarticle.ws?article_id=2058|title=How do I get started? |accessdate=~~~~~|publisher=Jagex Ltd.}}</ref> Some servers are given suggested activity labels, allowing players performing tasks that require or are made easier by group participation, such as activities, to more easily find each other.<ref name="themed servers">{{Cite web |url=http://news.runescape.com/newsitem.ws?id=887 |title=Themed Worlds |date=2007-07-13 |accessdate=~~~~~ |publisher=Jagex Ltd.}}</ref>

In addition to the RuneScape servers, there are two members-only servers for ''[[RuneScape Classic]]'', both located in the United Kingdom. Each of these is limited to 1,250 players, allowing a total number of 2,500 simultaneous ''RuneScape Classic'' players. Only players who played ''RuneScape Classic'' in the six months prior to the banning of about 5,000 accounts are able to use these.

=== Advertising ===

To support ''RuneScape's'' free content, [[Free-to-play#Advertisements|advertisements]] are displayed above the playing screen for [[Free-to-play|free-players]]. 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. The deal also allowed WildTangent to distribute RuneScape through the WildTangent Games Network, a distribution channel, reaching over 20 million PCs. WildTangent has stressed that this agreement will not change the way RuneScape is presented and that they plan to make the presence of the advertisements, vital to RuneScape, as non-invasive as possible.

Jagex moderators have stated that there will be no in-game advertisements. Since computer users may use advertisement blockers which may discourage advertisers, Jagex introduced a rule that prohibits players from blocking the advertisements in the free game.

Jagex had introduced video adverts, which free players would have to wait to finish before they could play the game (usually a time span of 10 seconds or longer). However, these were found to be very unpopular, and Jagex removed them completely in February 2009 despite the fact that they generated "significantly more revenue than other adverts".<ref name="future" />

=== Other languages ===

On [[14 February]] [[2007]], Jagex released a [[RuneScape Germany|German closed beta translation]] of RuneScape. The German edition of the game can now be played by anyone. Currently, there are six German language servers online: three that are for [[members]] only, and three that [[free play]]ers can also use.<ref name="GermanRelease">{{Cite web |url=http://news.runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/newsitem.ws?id=713 |title=German Language Beta Launch – Some Information |accessdate=~~~~~ |date=2007-02-14 |publisher=Jagex Ltd.}}</ref> The [[RuneScape France|French version]] was released on [[10 December]] [[2008]], but was announced on the English site on the 11th with many users looking forward to the update. After releasing [[FunOrb]] (another [[Jagex]] Creation), in Brazilian Portuguese, it was fairly obvious that the next version of RuneScape to be released in a different language would be Brazilian Portuguese. They also announced it on a Behind The Scenes Post.<ref name="DecemberBtS">{{Cite web |url=http://news.runescape.com/newsitem.ws?id=1508 |title= Behind the Scenes – December |accessdate=~~~~~ |publisher=Jagex Ltd.}}</ref>
On 23 July 2009, RuneScape Brazil was released for everyone to play, though it was not on the recent news posts until the 24 July.

== Membership ==

{{main|Members}}

The [[members]] form of RuneScape is an optional service that provides extensive additional content and extra features when compared to the [[free-to-play]] version of the game. Most quests and several [[skills]], as well as three-quarters of the [[world map]], are reserved for members. Members can play more [[Activities|activity]] with unique rewards, use additional items, and have access to improvements for nearly all skills. Paying users also receive considerably more storage space for their items, priority [[Customer support|customer service]], the ability to vote in most player polls, and the ability to post on the official forums at any level. Regular game updates are usually reserved for members; however, a few updates each year affect the free version of the game.

Monthly membership fees are set at £3.50, $5.95 USD, $5.00 CDN, €4.60, $9.50 AUD, $9,90 NZD or $8.90 SGD, if paid with a monthly subscription using a credit or debit card. Monthly subscriptions can be canceled at any time without losing the days for which the player has paid; however, refunds are not available for unused days if a player cancels or is banned due to rule infractions. Other payment methods are available, including PayPal, check or money order, and telephone providers in certain countries; however, these payment methods generally charge a fee added by the payment provider. Payments made by check or money order are typically for a set number of months.

On [[18 August]] [[2008]], the membership fees increased by $0.95 [[Wikipedia:USD|USD]] for new subscribers. However, previous and already subscribing members would still only have to pay $5.00 USD if they have paid before 18 August, (for example, if one had paid on [[17 August]], then each subsequent payment, assuming there are no "pauses" between payments, would remain as $5.00 USD). Regional or international charges and billing fees still have to be taken into effect (if present), though. On [[23 January]] [[2012]] it was announced that memberships fees would increase by $2.00 [[Wikipedia:USD|USD]] on [[1 February]] [[2012]], any memberships created before 1 February would continue to charged for  $5.95 USD until the membership was terminated. If one's $5.95 membership runs out after 1 February, they would have a 7 day grace period before the subscription cost would raise to $7.95 USD.

Members are granted access to members-only [[server]]s, which have no in-game advertisements displayed during play, disputably resorting in less [[lag]] and/or distraction. Although members can play RuneScape on free servers, all member-specific content and items are available only within members' servers. Also, note that Members cannot access free servers while standing in a members-only area.

Membership benefits on the German, French and (Brazilian) Portuguese servers carry over to the English servers and vice-versa.

== Gameplay ==

[[File:Darklightspecial.gif|left|frame|A player and an NPC engage in combat.]]

RuneScape takes place in the fantasy-themed realm of [[Gielinor]], which is divided into several different kingdoms, regions, and areas. Players can travel throughout the gaming world on foot, by using [[magic]]al [[teleportation]] spells or devices or mechanical means of [[transportation]]. Each region offers different types of monsters, materials, and quests to challenge players.

[[Players]] are shown on the screen as customizable avatars. They set their own goals and objectives, deciding which of the available activities to pursue. There is no linear path that must be followed. Players can engage in [[combat]] with other players or with computer controlled [[monsters]] (NPCs), complete [[quests]], or increase their [[experience]] in any of the available [[skills]].<ref>{{Cite news |first=Nick |last=Wingfield |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 |accessdate=~~~~~}}</ref> Players interact with each other through [[trading]], [[chat]]ting, or playing combative or cooperative [[activities]].

New players used begin by playing a tutorial quest, [[Unstable Foundations]].<ref name="getting_started" /> They are led on a set path where they learn most of the non-member skills needed to succeed in [[Gielinor]], the realm of RuneScape. After completing the tutorial, players can access information from tutors located in the towns they explore, or from an [[Advisor system|advisor]] button which can be accessed at any time. The advisor can give helpful information on different topics including money making, skills, and various items. Some stores and shops also provide free samples of low level equipment and the basic items needed for various skills.

== Community ==

{{main|Community}}

RuneScape players represent a wide range of nationalities and ages. Most players speak English to some extent. Players who speak languages other than English tend to gravitate to servers populated by other players who speak the same language; some worlds have larger numbers of players who speak Spanish, Dutch, French, German, or other languages. It is not uncommon, however, to see many languages on the chat screen throughout RuneScape. A German translation of RuneScape has been released as an open beta.<ref name="GermanRelease"/>
A set of official [[RuneScape Forums]] created entirely by Jagex programmers is available to players on the RuneScape website. On the forums, players are able to participate in game discussions, play player-made forum games, make arrangements to buy or sell items, and interact with the community. Free players can read the forums, but posting on them is reserved for paying members. The RuneScape forums are quite diverse, allowing thousands of players to access them at any given time. Each forum has its own specific list of rules enforced by [[forum moderators]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://forum.runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/codeofconduct.ws |title=Code of Conduct |accessdate=~~~~~ |publisher=Jagex Ltd.}}</ref>

Players can submit questions via an e-mail address listed on the website to any NPC in the game. Selected letters are answered in an update called [[Postbag from the Hedge]], typically at the end of each month. This feature began on [[26 September]] [[2005]], and has since become one of the most accessed pages of the site. Beginning [[24 September]] [[2002]], players could submit questions to the [[Gods]] of RuneScape; however, this feature was discontinued on [[9 December]] [[2004]]. Players can also submit original RuneScape related artwork, some of which is displayed in a gallery on the RuneScape website. Media featured have included sculpture, comics, drawings, and paintings.

Many fansites have been established by players, only a few of which are supported or recognised by Jagex. In order to provide players with an alternative, official site to get the information they want or need, Jagex introduced the Knowledge Base,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://news.runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/newsitem.ws?id=556 |title=New Improved Game Guide Released! |accessdate=~~~~~ |date=2006-03-13 |publisher=Jagex Ltd.}}</ref> then called the [[Game Guide]] and eventually removed, which offers information on gameplay, the main RuneScape rules, and account security.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/kbase/index.ws |title=Welcome to the RuneScape Knowledge Base |accessdate=~~~~~|publisher=Jagex Ltd.}}</ref> However, at least one major fansite criticised Jagex for not recognising fansites' contributions to the development of its game. Soon after this criticism they re-introucted Fansite Support. Different fansites are rated from bronze to platinum, depending on a number of factors including the size of the fansite, how community orientated they are, and how much support they offer players. Platinum is the highest followed by gold, then silver and the lowest is bronze.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://tip.it/runescape/index.php?times=78 |title=So Who Needs Fansites Anyway? |accessdate=~~~~~|date=2007-01-26 |publisher=Tip.it}}</ref>

RuneScape has a player economy based largely around items produced using skills. Raw materials are collected using the extracting skills, such as [[Fishing]], and are processed into more advanced materials with processing skills, such as [[Cooking]]. The products produced by processing skills, such as armour or food, are often sold and used by players in combat. Some players engage in arbitrage, commonly referred to as "[[Merchanting guide|merchanting]]", in order to turn a profit in game by buying and selling items. Historically, inflation has caused some instability in the game economy. Inflation is caused by a variety of factors, including the large number of resources put into the game by macroing.<ref name="tipittimes">{{Cite web |url=http://www.tip.it/runescape/index.php?times=90 |title=The Price is Right! Or is it? |date=2007-04-13 |accessdate=~~~~~ |publisher=Tip.It}}</ref>

=== Rules and cheating ===

{{main|Rules of RuneScape}}

Jagex has put in place a number of [[Rules of Conduct|rules]] for player conduct, such as rules against offensive language, scamming, and bug abuse. To enforce the rules, RuneScape uses three types of moderators: [[Jagex moderator]]s, who are actual Jagex employees; [[player moderator]]s, who are trusted ordinary players who enforce the rules in the game; and [[forum moderator]]s, who are trusted players who police the game forums. On the forums, Jagex moderators are identified by gold crowns and backgrounds on their posts while forum moderators have green crowns and backgrounds; in game, Jagex moderators have gold crowns next to their names in chat while player moderators have silver crowns. In addition, any player has the ability to report rule-breaking using a "[[Report abuse screen|report abuse]]" feature; misuse of this feature can result in action being taken against the reporter. The effectiveness of Jagex's hunt on abusers has been debated in an article posted on Twitchguru.

There are also rules prohibiting the use of third-party software to play the game, known as macroing, and the sale of game items for real money, known as real-world trading. In the early days of the game, most cheaters were individual players using special programs that exploited weaknesses in the game's client-server communications by sending false data to the server. In response, Jagex made direct interaction with the client very difficult. Players then began using macro programs to automate mouse clicks for repetitive tasks. [[Random events]], requiring human reaction and decision making, are one method Jagex employs to attempt to disrupt such programs. According to Jagex, many cheaters are now based in [[Wikipedia:Game sweatshop|game sweatshops]] in East Asia, making [[coins|gold]] to sell to players for real-world money, an issue in many other [[Wikipedia:MMORPG|MMORPGs]]. In response, Jagex issued a statement condemning real-world trading, which had already been against the rules. In the statement, they also claimed that they were seizing billions of gold and banning thousands of accounts every week for cheating. On 10 December 2007, Jagex removed or changed several key elements of the game, making [[Real world trading]] almost impossible, but upsetting a huge number of players<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://news.runescape.com/newsitem.ws?id=785 |title=Bots and real-world trading |accessdate=~~~~~ |date=2007-05-01 |publisher=Jagex Ltd.}}</ref> An a poll set out by Jagex on 21 December 2010, 91% players voted yes for wilderness and free trade to come back. On the 17th of January of the following year, Jagex confirmed the return of both Free Trade and Wilderness, which were reinstated on 1 February.

== Reception ==

As of December 2003, RuneScape was one of the fastest growing out of all of the MMORPGs, having a userbase fifty percent larger than that of ''[[Wikipedia:EverQuest|EverQuest]]''.<ref name="ProquestGower" /> The game is praised for its free play abilities. JustRPG gave it a score of 83%, and summarised the game with: "In short, the game of RuneScape is a fun, addictive game, and while the graphics may not be perfect [this review was done before the RuneScape HD update], 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."<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://just-rpg.com/default.asp?pid=1209 |accessdate=~~~~~ |last=Gasperazzo |first=Wendy |title=Runescape |publisher=Just RPG}}</ref>

PC Gamer UK in December 2003 states that while the "traditional RPG values of [[quests|questing]], slaying [[bestiary|monsters]] and developing your character in a familiar medieval setting" won't "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 before players upgrade to a members account," describing the game as "an unsurprising success." <ref>{{Cite news |last=Sutherns |first=Mark |title=Runescape 2: browser-based Goblin basher goes 3D. |work=PC Gamer UK, issue 129 |pages=145 |publisher=Future Publishing |date=2003-12}}</ref>

A three-year study published by Brunel University in March 2006 claims that playing RuneScape can be beneficial to players. The study concluded that the nature of games like RuneScape can teach younger players (from ages 7–15) about vital skills that they will need as they enter the labor market, and working hard to achieve goals.<ref name="bbcallworknoplay">{{Cite news |title=How gaming is all work and no play |publisher=BBC News |date=2006-03-14 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4774534.stm |accessdate=~~~~~}}</ref> An article on Twitchguru in March 2007 claims the opposite, that the skills and lessons learned in RuneScape are not suitable for children.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://twitchguru.com/2007/03/26/runescape_exposed/ |title=RuneScape Exposed Part 1: An Education Kids Don't Need |date=2007-03-26 |publisher=TwitchGuru}}</ref>

The Yahoo! Buzz Log stated in May 2006 that, "while it may not be as easy on the eyes as some other popular online RPG games, like ''[[Wikipedia:World of Warcraft|World of Warcraft]]'', ''[[Wikipedia:City of Heroes|City of Heroes]]'', or ''[[Wikipedia:EverQuest|EverQuest]]'', RuneScape is still a lot better way to kill time than pushing around cells in a spreadsheet."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hurd |first=Gordon |title=The Rundown on Runescape |publisher=Yahoo! Buzz Log |date=2006-05-08 |url=http://buzz.yahoo.com/buzzlog/9096/the-rundown-o-runescape |accessdate=~~~~~}}</ref>

In June 2009, RuneScape was named Best Desktop Game at the Seventh Annual Duke's Choice Awards, which recognise "the year's most influential [[Java]] technology-based applications" and "highlight the efforts of the [[Java]] developer community and the innovative applications they create".

A reasonable portion of the gaming community mocks or makes fun of RuneScape due to its outdated graphics, which are not state of the art for most contemporary online games today. However, a noticeable effect has been observed in that much of the jeering has quelled significantly after the release of RuneScape in HD.

== See also ==

* [[Community]]

== External links ==

; Official sites
* [http://www.runescape.com ''RuneScape''] — The official ''RuneScape'' website
* [http://www.runescape.com/l=1/ ''RuneScape Germany''] — The official German translation of the ''RuneScape'' website and game
* [http://www.runescape.com/l=2/ ''RuneScape France''] — The official French translation of the ''RuneScape'' website and game
* [http://www.runescape.com/l=3/ ''RuneScape Portuguese''] — The official Portuguese (BR) translation of the ''RuneScape'' website and game
* [http://www.runescape.com/a=142/affiliatesplash_nl.ws ''RuneScape Dutch''] - The site advertised by the Dutch commercials in the Netherlands.
* [http://www.jagex.com Jagex site] — The official Jagex site

; Other sites
* [[wikipedia:RuneScape|RuneScape]] — [[Wikipedia:Wikipedia|Wikipedia's]] ''RuneScape'' article
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lD6FYQx58NI&eurl=http://nl.runescape.wikia.com/wiki/Hoofdpagina RuneScape Commercial] — Official Dutch RuneScape commercial on YouTube.
* [http://twitter.com/officialjagex Jagex Twitter] - The twitter account of Jagex Games Studio. Updates, happenings, and sneak peaks on Jagex products and company.

== References ==

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{{wikipedia|RuneScape}}

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[[Category:Game info]]
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