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| {{Infobox CVG| title = RuneScape | |||
| |image = ] | |||
| |developer = ] Ltd. | |||
| |publisher = Jagex Ltd. | |||
| |designer = | |||
| |engine = ] | |||
| |released = ''RuneScape Classic'' - ] ]<br>''RuneScape'' - ] ] | |||
| |genre = ] | |||
| |modes = ] | |||
| |ratings = | |||
| |platforms = Operating System Independent (Web-Based ]) | |||
| |media = Web interface | |||
| |requirements = Low Detail : 64 MB ] + 300 MHz ]<br>High Detail : 128 MB ] + 500 MHz ] | |||
| |input = ], ] | |||
| |website=http://www.runescape.com}} | |||
| '''''RuneScape''''' is an ] that is programmed in ] by developers in ]. With over nine million active ]<ref> - GameDaily BIZ, ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref> and more than 850,000 ], ''RuneScape'' was rated among the most populous ]s in the world.<ref> - ], ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref> ''RuneScape'' offers both free and subscription content and is designed to be accessible from any location with an Internet connection and to run in an ordinary ] without straining system resources. | |||
| ''RuneScape'' takes place in the ]-themed realm of ],<ref>, RuneScape.com. Retrieved ] ].</ref> which is divided into the Kingdoms of Misthalin, Asgarnia, and Kandarin, the ] island of Karamja, the Kharidian Desert, the ], and various other areas.<ref> {{Cite visual|url=http://www.runescape.com/worldmap/worldmap.ws|title=RuneScape world map|accessdate=2006-06-15|medium=Image|distributor=Jagex}}</ref> Players can travel throughout the game world on foot, or by using ] teleportation, gnome gliders, fairy rings, and other methods of transport. Each region offers different types of ], materials, and ] to challenge players. | |||
| Players are shown on the screen as customizable ]. 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 ] with other players or with monsters, complete quests, or increase their experience in any of the available ].<ref name="WSJKnights">{{cite news |first=Nick |last=Wingfield |authorlink= |author= |coauthors= |title= The Knights of Networking; Online Fantasy Game RuneScape Has Dull Graphics, but It's Free, Luring Millions to Play, Mingle|url= |format= |work= Wall Street Journal| publisher= Dow Jones & Company, Inc.|pages= |page=B.1 | date=2006-10-05 | accessdate=2006-10-05 | language=English}} </ref> Players can also interact with each other through trading, chatting, or playing combative or cooperative mini-games. | |||
| ==History and development== | |||
| ] of DeviousMUD, the forerunner to ''RuneScape'', never released to the public.]] | |||
| Andrew Gower began work on the forerunner to ''RuneScape'' in ]. This game, never released to the public, had ] and was titled "DeviousMUD". In 1999, Gower began to rewrite the game. Despite being completely rewritten, the second version was very similar to the first with the same graphics. This version was released as a public ] for approximately one week before it was withdrawn.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://deviousmud.tripod.com/|title= DeviousMUD|accessdate=2006-09-11 |accessmonthday= |accessyear= |author= |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year= 2006|month= |format= |work= |publisher= DeviousMUD.tripod.com|pages= |language=English |archiveurl= |archivedate=}}</ref> | |||
| As a ] undergraduate, Gower began work on a complete rewrite<ref name="ProquestGower">Dodson, Sean. "." '']'', ], ] 11 Dec. 2003.</ref> with the assistance of his brother, Paul Gower. The isometric view was replaced by ] and ] ]. The game, renamed ''RuneScape'', was released to the public as a ] version on ] ].<ref name="WhatisJagex">{{cite web|url= http://kbase.runescape.com/viewarticle.ws?article_id=2449|title= What is Jagex?|accessdate= |accessmonthday= 2006-09-10|accessyear= |author= |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year= 2006|month= |format= |work=RuneScape Knowledge Base |publisher= Jagex|pages= |language= English|archiveurl= |archivedate=}}</ref> The game was operated from Gower's parent's house in Nottingham.<ref name="ProquestGower"> </ref> In December 2001 , the Gower brothers and Constant Tedder formed ] to take over the business aspects of running ''RuneScape''.<ref name="WhatisJagex"> </ref> | |||
| On ] ], Jagex launched an optional service. In order to gain access to a more extensive variety of features, players could choose to pay a monthly fee of £3.20, $5.00 ], or €8.40 <!--These amounts are not necessarily the applicable exchange rates - they are the actual Jagex fee charged in those currencies; there is no "approximately"; these are the exact amounts - please do not adjust them--> per month when paid by credit card. Players can also pay through online services such as ], by check or money order, or with their telephone number by paying additional fees to the payment provider.<ref name="MemberBenefits">{{cite web|url= http://runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/members/members.ws|title= Benefits for Members|accessdate= 2006-09-17|accessmonthday= |accessyear= |author= |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year= 2006|month= |format= |work= |publisher= Jagex|pages= |language= English|archiveurl= |archivedate=}}</ref> While not a new version, because the game still operated under the same game engine, this service significantly changed the focus of the game. | |||
| In addition to the use of Java as the programming language and platform used to develop ''RuneScape'', Jagex has developed their own ], known as ''Runescript'', to aid in development of the game.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/newsitem.ws?id=636 |title= Progress Update|accessdate= 2006-09-21|author= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= 2006-09-18|year= |month= |format= |work=RuneScape Behind the Scenes News |publisher=Jagex |pages= |language=English |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }} </ref> | |||
| ] | |||
| As technological advances kept coming over the years, Jagex began to make massive changes to ''RuneScape''. Although they planned only a graphical update,<ref> - ''RuneScape Game Updates News'', ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref> Jagex instead worked to completely rewrite the game engine. They introduced a version that consisted entirely of ], with other significant improvements. While in development, this version was called ''RuneScape 2'', although it has become simply ''RuneScape'', with the original version being called ''RuneScape Classic'' to differentiate between them. A beta version was made available to paying members on ] ], and the finished version was launched on ] ].<ref> - ''RuneScape'' Game Updates News. Retrieved ] ]</ref> On ] ], play of ''RuneScape Classic'' was restricted to paying members who had played the original version frequently. All other ''RuneScape Classic'' accounts were permanently banned and access for the creation of new accounts was removed from the servers.<ref> - ''RuneScape'' Customer Support News, ] ]. Retrieved ] ]</ref> | |||
| On ] ], Jagex upgraded ''RuneScape's'' game engine, primarily as a back-end upgrade rather than a visible graphical boost.<ref> - ''RuneScape'' Game Updates News. ] ].</ref> Most importantly, the amount of memory required to run ''RuneScape'' was significantly reduced, allowing the game to be expanded and improved without increasing its load time for most players. This is the current version of ''RuneScape'' being promoted by Jagex, and is the version most people associate with the word ''RuneScape''. | |||
| ===Servers=== | |||
| ] | |||
| Jagex maintains about 130 servers in seven countries. Servers are numbered and referred to as "worlds" by ''RuneScape'' players. Each of the many ''RuneScape'' servers has a capacity of approximately 2,000 players, allowing over 260,000 simultaneous players. The two ''RuneScape Classic'' servers are each limited to 1,250 players, allowing 2,500 simultaneous players. | |||
| ''RuneScape'' servers are located in the ] (with both the ''RuneScape Classic'' servers), the ], ], the ], ], ], and ].<ref> - ''RuneScape'' Technical News, ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref> | |||
| ===Graphics=== | |||
| ''RuneScape'' can be run with high or low-detail graphics; high-detail mode enhances texture and design, whereas low-detail provides a cleaner look and can reduce ] on older or less powerful computers. In February 2005, Jagex began the process of updating the graphical images in the ''RuneScape'' cities and the wilderness. Jagex plans ultimately to improve the graphics of the entire free area of ''RuneScape'' without causing more lag for people using ] Internet connections.<ref> ''RuneScape'' Game Updates News, ] ]. Retrieved ] ]</ref> | |||
| ''RuneScape'' places emphasis on allowing players the ability to customise their characters by supplying a wide choice in character models. Unlike many games in the genre, player characters must be human; however, players can choose their appearance from a wide range of hairstyles, body types, facial features, clothing options, and gender.<ref> {{cite web |url= http://kbase.runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/viewarticle.ws?article_id=2058|title=How do I get started? |accessdate= 2006-10-09|author= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year= 2006|month= |format= |work=RuneScape Knowledge Base |publisher= Jagex|pages= |language=English |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> | |||
| On-screen appearance is further optimised by wearing or wielding items, with each different item having a unique image. Appearance can also be radically changed with special equipment and during particular events. Players can be transformed by game characters or their surroundings into frogs, mushrooms, or small animals. Players using certain items can transform themselves into piles of stone, eggs, or monkeys, allowing them to avoid negative effects or gaining them access to otherwise unreachable places. Such "morphs" are temporary, and players cannot perform certain activities which normally can be done in human form. | |||
| Each activity that a character performs has its own distinctive animation, from walking down a city street to planting a seed in a farming plot to sewing leather into a pair of gloves. Players can also express particular emotions whenever they choose through the use of "emotes." New players start with many of the available emotes, but others, such as "Bunny Hop" or "Scared", must be earned from quests, random events, or holiday events. | |||
| Many standard weapons, such as all normal metal swords, daggers, and so forth, have their own entire category animation, while fighting or performing other activities. Special weapons, such as Darklight, Silverlight, Wolfbane, and others, have their own singular animations which differ completely than the animations for the other weapons of that category. | |||
| ===Advertising=== | |||
| To support ''RuneScape's'' free content, Jagex displays advertisements above the playing screen on the free-player servers. On ] ], Jagex signed an exclusive marketing and distribution contract with ] Games,<ref name="gamedailyadvertising"> {{cite news | |||
| | last = | |||
| | first = | |||
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| | title = GameDAILY: WildTangent Explores RuneScape | |||
| | work = | |||
| | pages = | |||
| | language = English | |||
| | publisher = CBS SportsLine | |||
| | date = 2006-07-17 | |||
| | url = http://sportsline.com/games/story/9558992 | |||
| | accessdate = 2006-08-08 }} | |||
| </ref> which allows WildTangent to handle advertising in and around ''RuneScape'' in the United States. The deal also allows WildTangent to distribute ''RuneScape'' through the WildTangent Games Network,<ref name = gamedailyadvertising /> a distribution channel reaching over 20 million consumer PCs.<ref>{{cite news | |||
| | last = | |||
| | first = | |||
| | coauthors = | |||
| | title = WildTangent Sells Ads in Runescape Online Game | |||
| | work = | |||
| | pages = | |||
| | language = English | |||
| | publisher = MediaBuyerPlanner | |||
| | date = 2006-07-13 | |||
| | url = http://www.mediabuyerplanner.com/2006/07/13/wildtangent_sells_ads_in_runesc/ | |||
| | accessdate = 2006-08-08 }}</ref> 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.<ref name = gamedailyadvertising /> Since computer users may use advertisement blockers, Jagex has introduced a rule that prohibits players from blocking the advertisements in the free game, in order to encourage advertisers thus keeping the free version of the game running through ad revenue.<ref>{{cite news | |||
| | last = | |||
| | first = | |||
| | coauthors = | |||
| | title = Runescape:Rules of Conduct:Rule 15-Advert Blocking | |||
| | work = RuneScape Knowledge Base | |||
| | pages = | |||
| | language = English | |||
| | publisher = Jagex | |||
| | date = 2006 | |||
| | url = http://kbase.runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/viewarticle.ws?article_id=2396 | |||
| | accessdate = 2006-08-11 }}</ref> | |||
| ==Gameplay== | |||
| New players begin in a secluded area populated only by other beginners. They are led on a set path where they learn most of the skills needed to succeed in Gielinor. All players can access information from tutors located in the towns they explore. These NPCs can replace some basic equipment items if necessary. Since it takes many hours to develop a character, many players regard playing ''RuneScape'' as a lifestyle, not a side activity. Playing ''RuneScape'' can be addictive, and some people play ''RuneScape'' more than they do anything else.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.gamefaqs.com/computer/online/review/R35534.html|title= RuneScape:"Addicting as hell... but with room for improvements" |accessdate= 2006-08-09|accessmonthday= |accessyear= |author= ciruiz88 |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= 2002-06-14|year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher= Gamespot GameFAQs|pages= |language= English |archiveurl= |archivedate=}}</ref> | |||
| Jagex has included music, sound effects, and ambient noises throughout Gielinor to enhance gameplay. The music, while often a simple tune,<ref name="funbutgetsold">{{cite web|url= http://www.gamefaqs.com/computer/online/review/R98290.html|title= RuneScape: "It's fun for a while, but it gets old pretty quickly" |accessdate= 2006-08-09|accessmonthday= |accessyear= |author= Black_Cheese |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= 2006-02-27|year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher= Gamespot GameFAQs |pages= |language= English |archiveurl= |archivedate=}}</ref>, is designed to enhance mood and help to define the underlying cultures of the various locations around Gielinor. Sound effects, such as the "sploosh" heard when a lobster trap is submerged in water, are heard as players train their skills. Ambient noises, such as the cry of seagulls flying over the ocean, occur in logical places. Players can turn the music and sounds off if they prefer.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.gamersinfo.net/index.php?art/id:390|title= RuneScape|accessdate= 2006-08-10|accessmonthday= |accessyear= |author= Cloud8976 |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= 2005-03-30|year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher= GamersInfo |pages= |language= English |archiveurl= |archivedate=}}</ref> | |||
| ===Skills and combat=== | |||
| ].]] | |||
| :<div class="noprint">''Main article{{#if:{{{2|}}}|s}}: ]{{#if:{{{2| }}} | |||
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| ] in ''RuneScape'' are abilities that enable players to perform activities in the game. Players gain experience in a skill when they perform activities that utilise that skill, such as mining ore from a rock to increase the mining skill. In general, the higher the level required to perform a task, the more experience points the player receives, and the more desirable the result. The combined skill level of a player partly symbolises the player's status in the game. The ''RuneScape'' hiscores tables can be viewed by all players, and players with higher overall levels are well known. ''RuneScape'' has twenty-three trainable skills in four categories: combat (attack, strength, defence, magic, ranged, prayer, and hitpoints); extraction (mining, fishing, woodcutting, thieving, and farming); processing (smithing, cooking, crafting, runecrafting, fletching, and herblore); and independent (firemaking, agility, construction, slayer, and hunter).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kbase.runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/viewcategory.ws?cat_id=776 |title=Skills |accessdate=2006-10-14 |author= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year=2006 |month= |format= |work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher= Jagex |pages= |language=English |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/newsitem.ws?id=656 |title=Behind the Scenes - November |accessdate=2006-11-04 |author= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year=2006 |month= |format= |work=RuneScape News|publisher= Jagex |pages= |language=English |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> | |||
| :<div class="noprint">''Main article{{#if:{{{2|}}}|s}}: ]{{#if:{{{2| }}} | |||
| |{{#if:{{{3|}}}|, | and }}]}}{{#if:{{{3|}}} | |||
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| ] | |||
| ] is an important aspect of the gameplay in ''RuneScape'', as it is one of the most direct ways of gaining wealth and is needed to start and complete many quests. Combat level, determined by applying a formula to the seven combat skills, is usually referred to simply as "level". The highest combat level is 126 and it is the only information about the player that is visible to other players while in game. Other skill levels increase total levels and overall rankings for players, but not their combat levels.<ref> {{cite web |url= http://kbase.runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/viewarticle.ws?article_id=1945|title= Fighting-The Basics|accessdate=2006-10-09 |author= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year=2006 |month= |format= |work=RuneScape Knowledge Base |publisher=Jagex |pages= |language= English|archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> | |||
| Combat is subdivided into melee, magic, and ranged categories. Melee attacks are close range with or without weapons,<ref> {{cite web |url=http://kbase.runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/viewarticle.ws?article_id=2349 |title=Melee-The Basics |accessdate=2006-10-14 |author= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year=2006 |month= |format= |work=RuneScape Knowledge Base |publisher=Jagex |pages= |language=English |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }} </ref> magic attacks focus on using runestones to cast spells,<ref> {{cite web |url=http://kbase.runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/viewarticle.ws?article_id=1901|title=Magic-The Basics |accessdate=2006-10-14 |author= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year=2006 |month= |format= |work= RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher= Jagex |pages= |language=English |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }} </ref> and ranged moves use projectile weapons.<ref> {{cite web |url=http://kbase.runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/viewarticle.ws?article_id=1962 |title=Ranged-The Basics |accessdate=2006-10-14 |author= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year=2006 |month= |format= |work= RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex |pages= |language= English|archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }} </ref> Most of the game's ] are medieval or fantastical in nature and feature different strengths and weaknesses. | |||
| Unlike other games in the genre, ''RuneScape'' does not require players to choose a ]. Players are not bound to a specific category of combat, and they may freely change between the three forms of combat at any time simply by switching weapons, armours, or methods of attack. Players can even carry the weapons and armours of all three combat categories in their inventories, switching between or even combining the forms at will. | |||
| ===Quests=== | |||
| Quests give players the opportunity to experience an adventure within the realm of Gielinor. Quests are assigned from ]s where players are presented with conflict associated with the game's storyline. Most quests require specific experience in skills and combat. Quests are divided into four categories according to difficulty. Novice Quests act as tutorials to acquaint new players with the various ] they will need in the game. Intermediate Quests are designed for players who seek harder obstacles, while Experienced and Master Quests are designed to challenge ''RuneScape's'' most experienced players, while they often open new areas to be explored. There are only a few Master Quests, and only very experienced and well-prepared players can expect success in completing these. These quests have strict requirements and contain complex long storylines that can involve the completion of challenging obstacles. | |||
| Quests include rewards upon completion that depend on the difficulty of the quest. Rewards often include money, items, access to an area, or an increase in skill experience. Quest points are also awarded based on the difficulty of the quest. As demonstration of a player's prior accomplishments and ability, a specific amount of quest points or the completion of specific quests are often required to begin a quest, enter a specific area, access some skills, use special weapons, and more. Some quests are part of an overlapping storyline, the most famous of which has been in ''RuneScape'' for several years and currently contains seven separate quests. There are currently 18 quests available to free players and an additional 96 members quests<ref>RuneScape quests manual - and . RuneScape.com. Retrieved ] ].</ref>. <!-- Please update the number of quests as new quests are added. This number is current as of 11/8/06. --> | |||
| ===Interaction=== | |||
| Many ]s (NPCs) populate the realm of Gielinor. Although some NPCs, such as shopkeepers, have game functions that require them to be unavailable for combat, most NPCs can be attacked. Attackable NPCs are generally referred to as ], whether they are human, semi-human, animal, elemental, or demonic. Monsters range from common, low level creatures like chickens and bears to unique, much more powerful monsters like the King Black Dragon, Chaos Elemental, or Kalphite Queen. Each type of monster has its own strengths and weaknesses. Demons, for example, have low defence against magical attacks while dragons have extremely high defence against magic. Monsters may also be aggressive (attacking any player who comes within range, regardless of combat level), non-aggressive (not attacking players unless provoked, regardless of combat levels), or partially aggressive (attacking only those players whose combat level is twice theirs or less). This can make certain areas within the game dangerous to players depending upon their own combat levels. | |||
| ''RuneScape'' features a number of independent mini-games for its players. Mini-games take place in certain areas and normally involve a specific skill. Many mini-games require players to cooperate or compete with each other. Popular mini-games include ''Castle Wars'', which is similar to the real-life game ], and ''Pest Control''.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://runescape.salmoneus.net/mini_games.html|title= mini-Games & Mini-Quests|accessdate= 2006-10-09|author= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year= 2006|month= |format= |work= |publisher= Sal's Realm of RuneScape|pages= |language= English|archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> | |||
| Players can fight against other players in ] (PvP) combat in certain areas of Gielinor. The most common place is in the ], where players risk their lives as well as their items, challenging other players.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://runescape.salmoneus.net/wildy_survival.html|title= Wilderness Survival Guide|accessdate=2006-10-09 |author= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year=2006 |month= |format= |work= |publisher=Sal's Realm of RuneScape |pages= |language= English|archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> Players can engage in PvP combat without risking their items in mini-games such as ''Castle Wars'' and the ''TzHaar Fight Pit'', and in combat arenas in ]. In the Duel Arena, players must agree on the rules of engagement and the stake before combat between them begins. | |||
| ===Random events=== | |||
| Random events are short interludes that occur during the game, requiring some form of player input. They were introduced to deter players from using automated programs, known as macros or ], to play the game with no human interaction. The use of such macros is forbidden, and use of them will result in that player's account being permanently banned. Postings in the ''RuneScape'' forums by Andrew Gower suggest that random events were designed not only to hinder macroers but to alleviate the monotony that can occur while leveling skills for long periods of time (referred to as ]).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tip.it/runescape/?page=random_events.htm |title= Random Events Guide|accessdate=2006-10-09 |author= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= 2006-07-13|year=|month= |format= |work= |publisher= RuneScape Tips|pages= |language=English |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote=}}</ref> | |||
| Some random events are simple, requiring a player only to click on an ] or to leave the area temporarily; others require the player to navigate a ], answer a question, kill a monster, or imitate another NPCs actions. Players must respond to these events quickly and correctly in order to avoid a negative effect, such as being ] across the map or taking damage. Players correctly responding to random events can receive rewards or experience.<ref> {{cite web |url= http://runescape.salmoneus.net/random_events.html|title= Random Events|accessdate=2006-10-14 |author= Salmoneus|authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year=2006 |month= |format= |work= |publisher=Sal's Realm of RuneScape |pages= |language=English |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }} </ref> | |||
| Two random events have been removed from the game by ''Jagex'': Tangle Vine and Dr Ford. The purpose for their removal varies, from the event being too dangerous to players, simply causing a sum of graphical problems, or just being a major inconveniece to any player who gets that random event.<ref> {{cite web |url= http://www.tip.it/runescape/?page=random_events.htm#removed|title= Random Events|accessdate=2006-11-19 |author= Eeeeediot|authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year=2006 |month= |format= |work= |publisher=Tip.it |pages= |language=English |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> | |||
| In the event of a broken Internet connection, characters can still be active within the game, allowing random events to occur. As some random events cause damage to players, this could kill a legitimate player who is not using macros. For this reason, random events are a controversial part of the game.{{fact}} | |||
| ==Membership== | |||
| To access more of the game world, players may upgrade their account by purchasing a subscription. Commonly known as "membership", this is a ] service that gives access to a variety of additional features. The premium fee attached to membership ranges from $5.00 to $9.99 ] per month. Payment options vary from using a credit card, making a phone call, sending a text message, and sending cash by mail. The cost of this subscription has been $5.00 USD per month since its conception, while additional costs are influenced by any third-party that handle the transactions. | |||
| Membership allows players to explore more of ''RuneScape'' beyond the free area of the map. This subscription adds more than twice the land and offers an extensive amount of additional content. Other benefits include more items, regular game updates, access to the official forums, and priority customer support. Game updates are mainly limited to paying members unless the update has a direct influence on a free aspect of the game.<ref name="MemberBenefits"> </ref> | |||
| ==Community== | |||
| Players of ''RuneScape'' represent a wide range of nationalities and ages; however, because the game is currently only available in ], almost all players speak English to some extent. Players who speak languages other than English tend to gravitate to worlds that are populated by other players who speak the same language; some worlds have a greater percentage of players who speak ], ], ], ], or other languages. It is not uncommon, however, to see many different languages on the chat screens throughout ''RuneScape''. According to Constant Tedder, the company is starting to focus on translating ''RuneScape'' into different European languages, especially German.<ref name="WSJKnights"> </ref> | |||
| A group of official ] created entirely by Jagex programmers is available to players on the ''RuneScape'' website. By accessing the forums, paying members 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 are unable to post messages. 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=RuneScape Forums: Code of Conduct |accessdate= 2006-10-14|author= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year=2006 |month= |format= |work=RuneScape Forums |publisher=Jagex |pages= |language=English |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }} </ref> | |||
| Players can submit questions to any ] in the game. Selected letters are answered in an update called ''Postbag from The Hedge'' at the end of each month. This feature of the site started on ] ] and has since become one of the most accessed pages of the site. From ] ] through ] ], players could submit questions to the ''RuneScape'' gods; however, the gods will no longer communicate so directly with mortal beings.<ref> - Jagex. Retrieved ] ].</ref> | |||
| A number of ] have been established for ''RuneScape''. Jagex does not support or recognize any of the fansites and has introduced the Knowledge Base to provide players with an alternative, official site to get the information they want or need.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://news.runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/newsitem.ws?id=556|title=New Improved Game Guide Released! |accessdate= 2006|author= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= 2006-03-13|year= |month= |format= |work= RuneScape Website News|publisher=Jagex |pages= |language=English |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> | |||
| ==Critical review== | |||
| ''RuneScape'' has been criticized for several of its primary components, such as graphics and gameplay. ''RuneScape''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> graphics are substandard compared to other games in the MMORPG category.<ref name="GameFAQscouldbebetter"> {{cite web|url= http://www.gamefaqs.com/computer/online/review/R32109.html|title= RuneScape: "It could be ALOT better but it's still fun" |accessdate= 2006-08-09|accessmonthday= |accessyear= |author= Archae The Great |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= 2002-03-19|year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher= Gamespot GameFAQs |pages= |language= English |archiveurl= |archivedate=}} </ref> Because ''RuneScape'' is designed to run in a web browser and download quickly, its graphics will never compare particularly well with desktop ] games. Some disagree with this compromise, whereas others argue that the quality of a game does not depend solely on its graphics, and point out that the graphics actually compare quite well with other browser based games.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onrpg.com/ftopic63047.html|title= Runescape |accessdate= 2006-08-09|accessmonthday= |accessyear= |author= Mihalick |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= 2006-01-17|year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher= ONRPG |pages= |language= English |archiveurl= |archivedate=}}</ref> | |||
| Tasks in ''RuneScape'' are frequently criticised for being ], requiring users to click repeatedly in the same pattern to train skills.<ref name="GameFAQscouldbebetter" /> Jagex designed the farming skill with this criticism in mind, but their efforts to make it less repetitive were criticised for making the process of gaining experience too complicated. Many of the game's repetitive tasks such as smelting and cooking are able to be partially automated through the use of context-sensitive right-click menus, giving the player the ability to perform a specific task a predetermined number of times. However, this partial automation is interruptible by random events and player level advancements, both of which may require player interaction. In addition, the game is generally considered fairly easy to learn for new players. Players begin in a secluded area populated only by other beginners and are led on a set path where they learn most of the skills needed to succeed in Gielinor.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.gamefaqs.com/computer/online/review/R35534.html|title= RuneScape:"Addicting as hell... but with room for improvements" |accessdate= 2006-08-09|accessmonthday= |accessyear= |author= ciruiz88 |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= 2002-06-14|year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher= Gamespot GameFAQs|pages= |language= English |archiveurl= |archivedate=}}</ref> New players can also access tutors located in the first town they explore. These NPCs provide helpful information and replace some basic equipment items if necessary. | |||
| The community as a whole has also been criticized. Attempted ] is common in ''RuneScape'', although this exists throughout the MMORPG genre. Scammers use diverse methods to trick players into trading items for much less than they are worth or into revealing their passwords. Players attempting to take advantage of the game use automated scripts, or bots, to play the game for them, which is against the game rules.<ref name="GameFAQscouldbebetter"> </ref> Jagex has taken various measures to prevent cheating, such as introducing random events that require immediate human response and providing safety warnings in the player trading system. In response to automated scripts, Jagex has banned over 20,000 accounts through a macro detection system.<ref> - ''RuneScape'' Customer Support News ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref> ''RuneScape'' chat filters have the ability to censor words and letter combinations that may be offensive to players. Players are often able to use intentional misspellings, ], or symbols to bypass the filter. To combat this, Jagex is continually making changes to the filter,<ref> - ''RuneScape'' Customer Support News ] ]. Retrieved ] ]</ref> most of which are successful in alleviating some of the problems. Some changes, however, have unexpected results, blocking legitimate words. For example, the word "fletching", which is the name of a ] in the game, was blocked for a period of time in August 2006. Because ''RuneScape'' has a chat feature, the game has been criticized for its possible influence on younger players. Some parents are worried that their children, eager to play each day, could be contacted by unsavory characters. However, many parents are satisfied that players of ''RuneScape'' can control who can contact them in the chatbox.<ref>"Family: FamilyForum: Reader to reader: Your problems, your solutions: Do I let my son play this internet game?" Guardian 20 May 2006: 6. ProQuest Platinum. ProQuest Information and Learning. 30 Sept. 2006 . | |||
| - </ref> | |||
| Business aspects of the ''RuneScape'' organization have fallen under criticism. ''RuneScape'' has been criticised for not having enough free content or not updating the free content often enough. While ''RuneScape'' does have a considerable amount of free content, most updates and features for high-level players are limited to paying members.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/members/members.ws|title= RuneScape:Benefits for Members |accessdate= 2006-08-09|accessmonthday= |accessyear= |author= Jagex|last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year= 2006|month= |format= |work= |publisher= Jagex|pages= |language= English|archiveurl= |archivedate=}}</ref> Additionally, due to the limited number of customer support employees, some players have expressed dissatisfaction with Jagex's customer support.{{fact}} Jagex has increased the size of their customer support team and has expanded the online Knowledge Base in order to alleviate some of these problems.<ref> - RuneScape.com, ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref> | |||
| ==Footnotes== | |||
| {{reflist|2}} | |||
| ==External links== | |||
| {{Portal}} | |||
| * - The official ''RuneScape'' website | |||
| * - The official Jagex site | |||
| * - The official ''RuneScape'' guide | |||
| * - The official ''RuneScape'' forums | |||
| ; Wiki | |||
| * ] - A collection of articles primarily dedicated towards ''RuneScape'' | |||
| ; Fansite | |||
| * - One of the fansites with the most traffic | |||
| * - The other of the fansites with the most traffic | |||
| <!--Per Misplaced Pages policy, ***only*** the highest-traffic fan site to be linked. As RuneHQ and Rune Tips are the most popular (per Alexa ranking), and they are too close too each other to make a call as to which is most popular, they have been added but ***no more*** links may be added. Please see the talk page before changing this link. If you need more information on RuneScape, a Google search should suffice.--> | |||
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Revision as of 19:05, 10 December 2006
