Why RuneScape, a 2000s Classic, Is More Popular Than Ever
â–Ľ Summary
– RuneScape, a classic online game from 2001, saw significant growth in 2025, reaching over a million paid members and a record 240,000 simultaneous players.
– The game’s enduring appeal is attributed to its strong community, nostalgic retro version (Old School RuneScape), and distinctive British humor.
– Under new leadership, Jagex made major player-friendly changes, including letting the community vote to remove unpopular in-game microtransactions.
– Players and developers emphasize that the game feels co-created with its community, with updates addressing long-standing fan requests.
– Many players have formed deep, lasting personal connections through the game, including friendships and marriages, reinforcing its role as a constant in their lives.
The classic online game RuneScape is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, drawing more players now than at almost any point in its 25-year history. Recent figures show a paid membership base growing well beyond one million, a significant 30% increase from the start of the year. Millions more engage with the free version, and the game achieved a historic peak with 240,000 users logged in simultaneously. This level of concurrent activity places it among the top few titles on platforms like Steam, demonstrating that this medieval fantasy world is far from a relic. While that number has settled to around 175,000, the trend is clear: a wave of players is returning to the land of Gielinor.
Originally launched in 2001, RuneScape carved out its niche as an early browser-based MMO that required no downloads. Its rise was fueled by accessible gameplay, a strong social element, and a distinctive sense of humor. Today, it exists as two distinct experiences. There’s the modernized RuneScape, often called RS3, and Old School RuneScape (OSRS), a version that deliberately retains the look and feel of the 2007 game, complete with its nostalgic retro graphics. This old-school iteration is currently seeing explosive growth.
A key factor in this revival is a renewed focus on the community by developer Jagex. Under new leadership, the studio has made bold moves to rebuild player trust. This included a landmark decision to let the community vote on removing many in-game microtransactions, a major revenue stream that often frustrates players. The vote passed overwhelmingly, a gesture that generated immense goodwill. “This is what actually investing into the game’s growth looks like,” noted one fan on Reddit. Studio head Jon Bellamy acknowledged the financial risk but stated, “with a 10-year or 15-year view for the business… my gut says this is totally the right thing to do.”
These “integrity-based upgrades” are part of a broader strategy to refine the experience based on direct player feedback. Improvements range from polishing the user interface and combat systems to removing mechanics that pressure daily logins. This collaborative approach resonates deeply. Megan, a streamer with 20,000 followers, explained, “They listen to us and I think that’s why it’s so successful still, because it’s not just a game that is made for us, it’s kind of a game that’s made with us.”
Beyond updates, the enduring heart of RuneScape is its profound social fabric. For many, it’s a primary venue for lasting connection. Players routinely report meeting close friends and even life partners within the game. Ryan, a content creator known as The RS Guy, met his wife through RuneScape. “For me, we started off our relationship by playing RuneScape together every day for a good year,” he shared, noting how common such stories are within the community. This shared history creates a unique bond, transforming the game from a simple pastime into a foundational social space.
The game’s longevity also fosters a personal relationship that evolves with its players. As Ryan describes, the experience has “grown up” alongside its audience, weathering ups and downs much like a family member. This creates a deep reservoir of core memories that players can always return to. Game designer Molly Mason encapsulates this sentiment with a common community phrase: “you never quit, you just take a break.” The game remains a constant, offering a familiar world and a persistent character ready whenever a player chooses to return.
Combined, these elements, a commitment to player-driven development, a vibrant and connective community, and decades of shared history, explain why this early 2000s classic is capturing imaginations once again. It’s not merely a nostalgic trip; it’s a living world that has matured alongside its dedicated fans, proving that some digital worlds are built to last.
(Source: BBC)