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{{ Infobox CVG
| title = RuneScape
| image = ]
| developer = ]
| publisher = Jagex Ltd.
| released = ''RuneScape Classic'': <br /> ] ]<br />''RuneScape 2'': <br /> ] ]
| genre = ] ]
| modes = ]
| platforms = ]: ], ], ]<includeonly></includeonly>
| media = Web interface
| requirements = Low detail: 64 MB ], 300 MHz ]<br />High detail: 128 MB RAM, 500 MHz CPU
| input = ], ]
| website = http://www.runescape.com/
}}
'''''RuneScape''''' is a ]-based ] operated by ] With over ten million active ]<!-- This citation may be out of date.--><ref name="wildtangent">{{cite web |url= http://biz.gamedaily.com/industry/adwatch/?id=13256&page=1|title= WildTangent Explores RuneScape|accessdate=2006-05-03|last= Radd|first= David|date= 2006-07-17|publisher= GameDaily BIZ}}</ref> and more than one million paid member accounts,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://news.runescape.com/newsitem.ws?id=789 | title=RuneScape reaches one million members! | accessdate=2007-05-13 | date= 2006-05-04 | publisher= Jagex}}</ref> ''RuneScape'' is rated among the most popular ]s in the world.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6469729.stm|title= MMO games on the rise|accessdate= 2007-06-19|date= 2007-03-20|publisher= BBC News}}</ref> More than five million unique players access their accounts to play ''RuneScape'' at least once per month.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.jagex.com/corporate/Advertisers/general.ws |title=Jagex Software (Advertising) |accessdate= 2007-05-26 |publisher= Jagex}}</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.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.pssociety.org/a5.php|title= Game On!|accessdate= 2007-01-28|year= 2007|publisher= PlayStation Society}}</ref>

] created <!--###Please don't wiki-link DeviousMUD, it just redirects back here###-->''DeviousMUD'', the forerunner to ''RuneScape'', in 1998. Rewritten and renamed, the first version of ''RuneScape'' was released to the public on ] ]. Since its release, the game has been praised for its ] abilities and its availability on a web browser.

''RuneScape'' takes place in the ]-themed realm of Gielinor,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/varrock/letters/letters16.ws|title= Letters 16|accessdate= 2006-03-11|work= RuneScape god letters|publisher= Jagex}}</ref> which is divided into several different kingdoms, regions, and 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 gaming world on foot, by using magical teleportation spells or devices, or mechanical means of transportation.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://tip.it/runescape/?page=getting_around.htm|title= Getting Around Guide|accessdate= 2007-01-28|author= Eeeeediot|date= 2007-12-02|work= Tip.it General Guides|publisher= Rune Tips}}</ref> Each region offers different types of monsters, materials, and quests to challenge players.

Players are shown on the screen as customisable ]. 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 monsters, complete quests, or increase their experience in any of the available skills.<ref name="WSJKnights">{{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= 2006-10-05}}</ref> Players interact with each other through trading, chatting, or playing combative or cooperative mini-games.

== History and development ==
]s show '''DeviousMUD''', the forerunner to ''RuneScape'', which was never released to the public.]]

<!--###Please don't wiki-link DeviousMUD, it just redirects back here###-->''DeviousMUD'', the forerunner to ''RuneScape'', was created in 1998 by ]. The game, which was never publicly released, used ]. In 1999, Gower completely rewrote the game, albeit with no improvements to the graphics or several other aspects of the game. This version was released as a public ] version 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= |archiveurl= |archivedate=}}</ref>

As a ] undergraduate, Gower worked on a complete rewrite of the game with the assistance of his brother, Paul Gower.<ref name="ProquestGower">Dodson, Sean. "." '']'', ], ] ] ].</ref> The isometric view was replaced by a mixture of both ] and ] ]. The game, renamed ''RuneScape'', was released to the public as a ] version on ] ]<ref name="WhatisJagex">{{cite web|url= http://www.runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/kbase/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= |archiveurl= |archivedate=}}</ref> and was originally operated from their parents' house in Nottingham.<ref name="ProquestGower"/> In December 2001, the Gower brothers and Constant Tedder formed ] to take over the business aspects of running ''RuneScape''.<ref name="WhatisJagex"/>

On ] ], a membership service was made available, allowing players who 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.

]

As ''RuneScape'' became more popular, Jagex began planning major changes. Although only a graphical update was initially planned,<ref> - ''RuneScape Game Updates News'', ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</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 ] ], and the finished version was launched on ] ].<ref> - ''RuneScape'' Game Updates News. Retrieved ] ]</ref> Upon release, ''RuneScape 2'' was renamed ''RuneScape'', and the older version of the game was kept online as ''RuneScape Classic''. On ] ], Jagex banned more than 5000 ''Classic'' accounts due to cheating. At the same time, ''RuneScape Classic'' was closed to new accounts and restricted to paying members who had played ''Classic'' at least once since ] ].<ref name="classic_restrict"> - ''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. Retrieved ] ].</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. The engine was upgraded once again on ] ] to allow Jagex to add more complex content to ''RuneScape'' in the future.<ref> (] ]). ''RuneScape'' Game Updates News. Retrieved on ] ].</ref>

On ] ], an article was released in which Andrew Gower told an interviewer he saw a release of ''RuneScape'' onto the ] of gaming consoles (the ], the ], and the ]) as "tempting"; however, he states that there are no current 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=2007-07-05 |author= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=05 |year=2007 |month=July |format= |work= |publisher=ComputerandVideoGames.com |pages= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref>

=== Servers ===
], ], ], ], ], ], and ].<!--##### BUT NOT GERMANY! THE GERMAN LANGUAGE SERVERS ARE IN FINLAND! #####-->]]

<!-- Please don't change the number of servers unless several servers are put online or taken down. We know the exact number, but it's not really relevant, and we don't want to change it every time a server is added/removed. -->
There are about 140<!-- READ ABOVE! --> ''RuneScape'' servers located throughout the world, which are numbered and referred to as ''worlds'' by players and by ]. The servers use ], ], and ] software,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jagex.com/corporate/Jobs/Technologies/Systems_Administrator.ws |title=Job Info Page |accessdate=2007-09-03 |author= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=] Ltd. |pages= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> and they are located in the ], the ], ], the ], ], ], and ].<!--##### BUT NOT GERMANY ##### The German servers are currently located in Finland; please don't add Germany. --><ref name="countries"><!-- Finland -->, <!-- Canada -->, <!-- Sweden, Netherlands -->, <!-- Australia -->, <!-- U.S. -->, and <!-- UK -->. ''RuneScape'' Technical News (] ] through ] ]). Retrieved on ] ].</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>. ''RuneScape'' Technical News (] ]). Retrieved ] ].</ref>

Each of the ''RuneScape'' servers allows 2,000 players to connect simultaneously, allowing a maximum capacity of approximately 280,000 players online at any given time. The servers are divided into free servers, accessible to all players, and 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"/> Some servers are given suggested activity labels, allowing players performing tasks that require or are made easier by group participation, such as mini-games, to more easily find each other.<ref name="themed servers">. ''RuneScape'' Website News (] ]). Retrieved ] ].</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.

=== Advertising ===
To support ''RuneScape's'' free content, advertisements are displayed above the playing screen on the free-player servers. On ] ], Jagex signed an exclusive marketing and distribution contract with ] Games,<ref name="wildtangent"/> 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,<ref name = wildtangent /> a distribution channel, reaching over 20 million consumer PCs.<ref>{{ cite news | title = WildTangent Sells Ads in Runescape Online Game | 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 = wildtangent /> 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.<ref>{{cite news | title = Runescape:Rules of Conduct:Rule 15-Advert Blocking | work = RuneScape Knowledge Base | publisher = Jagex | date = 2006 | url = http://www.runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/kbase/viewarticle.ws?article_id=2396 | accessdate = 2006-08-11 }}</ref>

=== Other languages ===
On ] ], Jagex released a ] closed beta translation of ''RuneScape''. Currently, there are two German language servers online, one for each the free and members versions of ''RuneScape''.<ref name="GermanRelease">{{cite web|url= http://news.runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/newsitem.ws?id=713|title= RuneScape: German Language Beta Launch|accessdate = 2007-02-14|accessmonthday= |accessyear= |author= Jagex|last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year= 2007|month= |format= |work= |publisher= Jagex|pages= |archiveurl= |archivedate=}}</ref><ref name="GermanOpenBeta">{{cite web|url= http://news.runescape.com/lang/de/newsitem.ws?id=707|title= Hereinspaziert - die Open Beta der deutschen Version beginnt!|accessdate = 2007-03-08|accessmonthday= |accessyear= |author= Jagex|last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2007-02-07|format= |work= |publisher= Jagex|pages= |language= German|archiveurl= |archivedate=}}</ref>

== Membership ==
Membership in ''RuneScape'' is an optional service that provides extensive additional content and extra features when compared to the free version of the game. Most quests and several skills, as well as three-fourths of the world map, are reserved for members. Members can play mini-games with unique rewards, use additional items, and have access to improvements for nearly all skills, as well as the ability to construct their own home. Paying users also receive considerably more storage space for their items, priority customer service, the ability to vote in most player polls, and the ability to post on the official forums. Regular game updates are usually reserved for members; however, a few updates each year affect the free version of the game.<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= |archiveurl= |archivedate=}}</ref>

Monthly membership fees are set at ], ] US, ] CDN, ], $8.20 ] or $8.90 ], if paid with a monthly subscription using a credit or debit card.<!--These amounts are not 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 unless they are changed by Jagex--> 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 ], cheque 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 cheque or money order are typically for a set number of months.<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= |archiveurl= |archivedate=}}</ref>

Members are granted access to members-only servers, which have no advertisements displayed during play. Although members can play ''RuneScape'' on free servers, members-only content and items are available only on member servers, and members cannot access free servers while standing in a members-only area.

Membership benefits on the German servers carry over to the English servers and vice-versa.<ref name="GermanOpenBeta"/>

== Gameplay ==
New players begin in a secluded area populated only by other beginners, Tutorial Island.<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 = 2007-01-28|author= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year= 2006|month= |format= |work=RuneScape Knowledge Base |publisher= Jagex|pages= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> 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. These non-player characters, or ], can replace some basic equipment items if necessary, as well as giving new players and advanced players appropriate information about their respective skills.

=== Sound ===
''RuneScape'' has music, sound effects, and ambient noises throughout Gielinor to enhance gameplay. The music 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. As different locations are visited by the player, new music for that area is unlocked, and can be played back later. Players can adjust the volumes of the music, sound effects, and ambient noises independently of each other.<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= |archiveurl= |archivedate=}}</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, planning 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 granting players the ability to customise their characters by supplying a wide choice in character models. Unlike many games in the genre, player characters are always human; however, players can choose their gender and appearance from a variety of hairstyles and colours, body types, facial features, and default clothing options.<ref name="getting_started"/>
On-screen appearance is further optimised by wearing or wielding items, with each different item having a unique image. Standard weapons of the same class, such as swords, use the same set of animations in combat; however, some special weapons have their own, distinctive animations that differ completely from those of other weapons in their category.

Players' appearances can be changed using special equipment or during particular game events. Transformations into frogs, mushrooms, eggs, and other objects and animals can occur, depending on the circumstances. These "morphs" are temporary, and sometimes allow players to avoid negative gameplay effects or access otherwise unreachable areas; however, they restrict certain activities that human characters are normally allowed to perform.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://runescape.salmoneus.net/easter_2006.html |title=Easter 2006 Event |accessdate=2007-03-05 |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year=2007 |month= |format= |work= |publisher= Sal's Realm of RuneScape|pages= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref>

Every activity performed by a player, such as planting a seed in a farming plot or walking down a street, has its own distinctive animation. Players can also express emotions through the use of emotes, which are specialized animations that can be performed at will. New players start out with most available emotes; some, however, must be earned through gameplay.<ref> ''RuneScape'' Knowledge Base. Retrieved ] ].</ref>

=== Skills ===
]

Skills in ''RuneScape'' are the 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 ] the player receives, and the more desirable the result. The total skill level of a player partly symbolises the player's status in the game. The ''RuneScape'' hiscore tables can be viewed by all players, and players with higher overall levels are well known within the ''RuneScape'' community. Upon reaching the highest available level in a skill, members may obtain a special ], referred to as a "Cape of Achievement" or a "Skill Cape", which can be used to perform an ] related to that skill.

Some skills, such as defence and hitpoints, increase the players prowess in combat. Some skills, such as woodcutting and fishing, enable the player to collect raw materials that can be processed into usable items using other skills, such as fletching and cooking. The items created can be used by the player or sold to other players in game for a profit. Other skills allow players to kill certain non-player characters, build their own houses, and move around the map with greater ease.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/kbase/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= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref>

=== Combat ===
]

Combat 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". Combat level is the only information about the player that is visible to all other players while in game. The minimum combat level is 3; the maximum combat level a player can reach is 126. Other skill levels increase total levels and overall rankings, which can be seen by other players on the official "high scores".<ref name="FightingBasics">{{cite web |url= http://www.runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/kbase/viewarticle.ws?article_id=1945|title= Fighting - The Basics|accessdate = 2006-10-09 |date= |year=2006 |work=RuneScape Knowledge Base |publisher=Jagex}}</ref>

Unlike most games in the MMORPG genre, ''RuneScape'' does not require players to choose a character class. Players are not bound to a specific category of combat, and they may freely change between the three styles of combat at any time simply by switching weapons, armours, or the form and focus of attack. Players can carry the weapons and armours of the three combat categories in their inventories, switching between or even combining the styles at will.

Combat is subdivided into melee, magic, and ranged categories. Melee attacks are close range with or without weapons,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/kbase/viewarticle.ws?article_id=2349 |title=Melee - The Basics |accessdate = 2006-10-14 |date= |year=2006 |work=RuneScape Knowledge Base |publisher=Jagex}}</ref> magic attacks focus on using runestones to cast spells,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/kbase/viewarticle.ws?article_id=1901|title=Magic - The Basics |accessdate = 2006-10-14 |date= |year=2006 |work= RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher= Jagex}}</ref> and ranged attacks use projectile weapons.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/kbase/viewarticle.ws?article_id=1962 |title=Ranged - The Basics |accessdate = 2006-10-14 |date= |year=2006 |work= RuneScape Knowledge Base |publisher= Jagex}}</ref> Most of the game's weapons are medieval or fantastical in nature and feature different strengths and weaknesses.

Players die when they receive enough damage from combat, poison, or obstacles to cause their hitpoints to fall to zero. Players who die reappear at one of three respawn points with all their skills, including hitpoints, restored to normal levels; however, they drop all but the three most valuable items they were carrying at the time of death. A special prayer increases this to four items, but recent ], denoted by a skull above the player's head, decreases this to no items, or just one with the prayer.<ref name="FightingBasics"/>

=== Quests ===
] are storylines that players can choose to complete. Quests often require players to have minimum levels in certain skills or a minimum combat level to complete them. Some quests require players to work together. Quests are grouped into four categories based on requirements and difficulty. Novice quests effectively act as extended tutorials for new players. Intermediate quests are designed to challenge players on a relatively basic level, while experienced and master quests aim to challenge the more experienced players. Many master quests open up new areas of Gielinor for players to explore. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/kbase/viewarticle.ws?article_id=2312 |title=Beginners' Guide |publisher=Jagex |work=RuneScape Knowledge Base |accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref> Once a player completes all quests in the game, another achievement cape, commonly referred to as the "quest cape", can be purchased from an NPC. Wearing this cape allows the player to perform a special emote.<ref>. ''RuneScape Knowledge Base''. Jagex. Retrieved ] ].</ref> Many quests require players to kill particularly powerful monsters.

Upon completing quests, players receive rewards that vary depending on the difficulty of the quest. Rewards often include coins, items, access to a new area, or an increase in skill experience. Quest points are also awarded for completing most quests. Some quests require the player to have a specified number of quest points or to have previously completed certain quests before beginning the quest. Many quests are part of overlapping storylines that become more difficult as the player progresses through them. The longest of these has been in ''RuneScape'' since 2002<ref> - ''RuneScape'' Game Update News, ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref> and currently contains seven separate quests.<ref name="questlist">''RuneScape'' Quest List - and . ''RuneScape Knowledge Base''. Jagex. Retrieved ] ].</ref><ref> ''RuneScape Knowledge Base''. Jagex. Retrieved ] ].</ref>

]

=== Interaction ===
Many 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 ], regardless of their race. Monsters range from common, low level creatures like chickens and bears to unique, much more powerful monsters like the King Black Dragon, Chaos Elemental, Tz-Tok-Jad, or Kalphite Queen. Each type of monster has its own strengths and weaknesses. ], for example, have low defence against magical attacks while most dragons have extremely high defence against magic. Monsters may either be aggressive or non-aggressive. Non-aggressive monsters simply ignore players unless they are attacked. Aggressive monsters may attack all players or may only attack players with combat levels below a specified level, depending on the circumstances or location. This can make certain areas throughout Gielinor dangerous or inconvenient to players with lower combat levels.<ref> Tip.It, ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref>

''RuneScape'' also features independent mini-games for its players. Mini-games take place in certain areas and normally involve a specific skill. Mini-games usually require players to cooperate or to compete with each other. Popular mini-games include ''Castle Wars'', which is similar to the real-life game ], and ''Pest Control'', a highly combat-focused mini-game. Most of the mini-games are available only to paying members.<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= |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 Wilderness, where players risk their lives and their items fighting 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= |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 Pits, and in combat arenas or dungeons in player owned houses. Players engaging in PvP combat in the Duel Arena must agree on the rules and any items to be won by the victor before their battle.

]
=== Random events ===
Random events are short interludes that occur during the game, requiring some form of player input.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zybez.net/misc.php?id=11 |title= Runescape Random Events Guide| accessdate = 2007-08-18|year=2007|month=|format=|work=|publisher= Runescape Help|pages= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= |}}</ref> They were introduced to deter players from using automated programs, known as ], autoers, or ], to play the game with no human interaction. The use of such macros is explicitly forbidden and can result in the permanent ban of accounts found to be using them. 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 levelling 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 = 2006-10-14 |author= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= 2006-07-13|year=|month= |format= |work= |publisher= RuneScape Tips|pages= |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 more sophisticated actions from players, who must respond to these events quickly and correctly to avoid a negative effect, such as being ] across the map or taking damage.
Players are usually rewarded for responding correctly to random events.<ref name=Salmoneus_link> {{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= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }} </ref>

== 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 ], ], ], ], or other languages. It is not uncommon, however, to see many languages on the chat screen throughout ''RuneScape''. A ] of ''RuneScape'' has recently been released as an open ].<ref name="GermanRelease"/><ref name="GermanOpenBeta"/>

A set of official ] 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 ]. 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 ].<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= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref>

Players can submit questions via an e-mail address listed on the website to any ] 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 ] ] and has since become one of the most accessed pages of the site. Beginning ] ], players could submit questions to the ]; however, this feature was discontinued on ] ].<ref> - Jagex. Retrieved ] ].</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/lang/en/aff/runescape/varrock/letters/lettersindex.ws|title=Letter and Picture Archives (The Players' Gallery)|accessdate=2007-02-25|publisher=Jagex}}</ref>

Many ''RuneScape'' ] have been established by players, none of which are supported or recognized 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 = 2006|author= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= 2006-03-13|year= |month= |format= |work= RuneScape Website News|publisher=Jagex |pages= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> 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 = 2007|author= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= 2007-01-23|year= |month= |format= |work= RuneScape Website|publisher=Jagex |pages= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> However, at least one major fansite has criticised Jagex for not recognising fansites' contributions to the development of its game.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tip.it/runescape/index.php?times=78|title="So Who Needs Fansites Anyway?"|accessdate = 2007|author= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= 2007-01-26|year= |month= |format= |work= Rune Tips|publisher= |pages= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref>

''RuneScape's'' economy is based largely around items produced using skills. Raw materials are collected using the ], such as ''fishing'', and are processed into more advanced materials with ], 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 ], commonly referred to as ''merchanting'', in order to turn a profit in game by buying and selling items. Historically, ] 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 ].<ref name="tipittimes">{{cite web|url=http://www.tip.it/runescape/index.php?times=90|title=The Price is Right! Or is it?|work=Tip.It Times|date=2007-04-13|accessdate=2007-05-24|publisher=Tip.It}}</ref>

=== Rules and cheating ===

Jagex has put in place a number of rules for player conduct, such as rules against offensive language, scamming, and bug abuse.<ref name="rules">. ''RuneScape'' Knowledge Base. Retrieved ] ].</ref> To enforce the rules, ''RuneScape'' uses three types of ]: Jagex moderators, who are actual Jagex employees; player moderators, who are trusted ordinary players who enforce the rules in the game; and forum moderators, 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" feature; misuse of this feature can result in action being taken against the reporter.<ref>. ''RuneScape'' Knowledge Base. Retrieved ] ].</ref> The effectiveness of Jagex's hunt on abusers has been debated in an article posted on ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://twitchguru.com/2007/04/02/runescape_exposed_part_2/|title=RuneScape Exposed Part 2: Jagex Fiddles While RuneScape Burns|date=2007-04-02|publisher=TwitchGuru}}</ref>

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 or ].<ref name="rules"/> 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 ]s in ], making gold to sell to players for real-world money, an issue in many other 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. Nevertheless, real-world trading and macroing activities still continue.<ref>. Retrieved ] ].</ref><ref> (] ]). ''RuneScape'' Customer Support News. Retrieved ] ].</ref>

== Reception ==
A study by ] claims that playing ''RuneScape'' can be beneficial to players. The study concluded that the nature of games like ''RuneScape'' can teach teenagers vital skills that they will need as they enter the (someone fix this) market, including working hard to achieve goals.<ref name="bbcallworknoplay">{{cite news | last = | first = | coauthors = | title = How gaming is all work and no play | work = | pages = |publisher = BBC News | date = 2006-03-14 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4774534.stm | accessdate = 2006-08-07 }}</ref> An article on ] 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> As of December 2003, ''RuneScape'' was one of the fastest growing out of all of the ]s, having a userbase fifty percent larger than that of ].<ref name="Guardianrunetomove">{{cite news | last = | first = | coauthors = | title = Rune to move. | work = | pages = | publisher = Guardian Unlimited | date = 2003-12-11 | url = http://technology.guardian.co.uk/online/story/0,3605,1103882,00.html | accessdate = 2006-08-08}}</ref> The game is praised for its free play abilities. JustRPG summarised the game with "In short, the game of Runescape is a fun, addictive game, and while the graphics may not be perfect, for a game written in Java, they aren't bad. The ] are varied, the community is alright, and it'll eat up your time if you aren't careful," giving it a score of 83%.<ref>{{cite web | | url = http://just-rpg.com/default.asp?pid=1209 | accessdate = 2007-04-30 | last = Gasperazzo | first = Wendy | coauthors = | title = Runescape | work = | pages = | publisher = Just RPG}}</ref> The ] Buzz Log states that "while it may not be as easy on the eyes as some other popular online RPG games, like '']'', '']'', or '']'', ''RuneScape'' is still a lot better way to kill time than pushing around cells in a ]."<ref>{{cite news | last = Hurd | first = Gordon | coauthors = | title = The Rundown on Runescape | work = | pages = | publisher = Yahoo Buzz Log | date = 2006-05-08 | url = http://buzz.yahoo.com/buzzlog/9096/the-rundown-o-runescape| accessdate = 2006-08-08 }}</ref> ] UK in December 2003; states that while the "traditional ] values of ]ing, slaying ]s and developing your character in a familiar ] 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 | coauthors = | title = Runescape 2: browser-based Goblin basher goes 3D. | work = ] UK, issue 129| pages = 145 | publisher = ] | date = 2003-12 | url = | accessdate = }}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
{{Portal}}

; Official sites
* – The official ''RuneScape'' website
* – The official German translation of the ''RuneScape'' website and game
* – The official Jagex site
; Wikis
*]
*]

; Top 3 Major fansites
*
*
*
<!-- PLEASE don't add more fansites to this list without further discussion on the talk page. These are the most popular by Alexa ranking, and none of the others are close, so the current consensus is to keep ONLY these here. There are a couple that are fairly large, but not close to these - so unless the consensus changes, these are the only ones on here. Comments below explain why. -->
<!--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.-->
<!--Note that Zybez link has been added because per ], the 1-fansite rule is usually applicable if there is a serious issue with ELs in the article. This does not seem to be the problem with this article, so if we are able to keep control over the links, we can have 3 fansite links if we wish. RuneHQ, Rune Tips, Zybez are the three top sites, and no others are close, so I think this can safely conclude all previous issues/conflicts with the fansite links. -->
<!--DON'T add any more sites! -->
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Revision as of 00:02, 17 October 2007