October 21, 2023

Jagex stamps out an Old School RuneScape mod prior to release, players organize a protest [Updated]

RuneScape and Old School RuneScape (OSRS) are both free-to-play versions of the original RuneScape, developed by Jagex. Though they are different versions of the same game, they are still developed by Jagex, which means they are still allowed to sell official merchandise.

Released in 2005, RuneScape is a browser based multiplayer online game that has a lot of age on it. That is why a lot of players prefer to play it in a browser rather than a native app. It has a rich player base and a large number of buildings to build and quests to achieve. The latest release of the game has been in trouble for a while due to a controversial parallel in-game event. The in-game event, which was called ‘RuneFest’ was a celebration of RuneScape’s 10th anniversary. As part of the event, a piece of content from the Mod Pack ‘Old school RuneScape’ was released in a parallel event in the in-game event. This in-game content

In the past few years, RuneScape has been a place for mods, where you can download and play with modifications from the developers. However, the developers have been determined to stamp out modders, and have been doing so with a ruthless efficiency. They have been taking down mods, releasing statements, and occasionally issuing a banhammer to those they believe are making a nuisance of themselves. Now a group of players have organized a protest.

(At the bottom, we’ve included Jagex’s most recent statement.)

Despite the game’s open-source nature, one Old School RuneScape modder is fuming when Jagex sent out a letter asking that the project be shut down. The MMORPG creator stated that it sends out such emails because it is working on its own HD update for OSRS. RuneLite HD is one of many graphics modifications that seem to be targeted by the MMORPG developer.

“We contacted the creators of known HD projects yesterday and requested them to cease developing their projects since this is a project we are directly examining at Jagex,” the studio said in a statement. “Hopefully, the news that Jagex and the Old School crew are working on this project really excites you, even if it means we’ll have to gently ask you to stop working on your own project.”

What irritates both the modder and the fans is that this demand was made only hours before RuneLite HD was released.

On Reddit, mod author 117 stated, “It seems that this is the end.” “Over the course of two years, I worked for around 2000 hours. All of you have shown tremendous support. I could never have predicted the tremendous enthusiastic reaction our initiative has received. I’m very disappointed and angry with Jagex, and I’m very sad that I won’t be able to share this project with you after such a lengthy journey.”

Players angry with Jagex’s activities and the decision to change the game’s third-party rules staged a sit-in protest in Falador’s town square.

Update

Following the outcry, Jagex is reportedly attempting to figure out a method to keep the mod running until its own launch, which should have been done before the internet became aware of it.

📢 Following yesterday’s announcement, we have heard your comments loud and clear. We’ve been debating that input all day and will act on it as long as the debates continue.

🔗 https://t.co/IpfiEJUL7f pic.twitter.com/D97BsoSYyB pic.twitter.com/D97BsoSYyB pic.twitter.com/D97BsoSYyB pic.twitter.com/D97BsoSYyB pic.twitter.com/D97BsoSYyB pic.twitter

September 8, 2021 — Old School RuneScape (@OldSchoolRS)

The official release of Old School RuneScape is fast approaching and Jagex is preparing to release their remake of RuneScape, the MMO that started it all. The release date is estimated to be sometime in early October; however, Jagex has made no secret of the fact that Old School RuneScape is not a finished product and they will be using a beta phase to test and make changes to the game. Perhaps one of the biggest changes in Old School RuneScape is the removal of quests and the introduction of a skill-based system to level up.. Read more about mod ash and let us know what you think.