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{{Infobox CVG| title = Rune$cape {{Infobox CVG| title = RuneScape
|image = ] |image = ]
|developer = ] Ltd. |developer = ] Ltd.
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|designer = Jagex Ltd. |designer = Jagex Ltd.
|engine = ] |engine = ]
|released = ''Rune$cape Classic'' - ] ]<br>''Rune$cape'' - ] ] |released = ''RuneScape Classic'' - ] ]<br>''RuneScape'' - ] ]
|genre = ] |genre = ]
|modes = ] |modes = ]
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|input = ], ]}} |input = ], ]}}


'''''Rune$cape''''' is a ] by ] developer ] Limited, programmed in ]. With nearly nine million active ] and 800,000 ],<ref> - GameDaily BIZ, ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref> ''Rune$cape'' is one of the top online games in the world.<ref> - ], ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref> ''Rune$cape'' was launched on ] ] and offers both free and subscription content. ''Rune$cape'' is designed to be accessible from any location with an internet connection and to run in an ordinary web browser without straining system resources. '''''RuneScape''''' is a ] by ] developer ] Limited, programmed in ]. With nearly nine million active ] and 800,000 ],<ref> - GameDaily BIZ, ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref> ''RuneScape'' is one of the top online games in the world.<ref> - ], ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref> ''RuneScape'' was launched on ] ] and offers both free and subscription content. ''RuneScape'' is designed to be accessible from any location with an internet connection and to run in an ordinary web browser without straining system resources.


''Rune$cape'' takes place in the imaginary realm of Gielinor, which is divided into the Kingdoms of Misthalin, Asgarnia, and Kandarin, as well as the tropical island of Karamja, the Kharidian Desert, and the Wilderness, among others.<ref> - Rune$cape.com, retrieved ] ].</ref> Movement throughout ''Rune$cape'' utilizes three methods: foot travel, vehicle assisted travel and magical teleportation. Each region offers different types of monsters, materials, and quests. ''RuneScape'' takes place in the imaginary realm of Gielinor, which is divided into the Kingdoms of Misthalin, Asgarnia, and Kandarin, as well as the tropical island of Karamja, the Kharidian Desert, and the Wilderness, among others.<ref> - RuneScape.com, retrieved ] ].</ref> Movement throughout ''RuneScape'' utilizes three methods: foot travel, vehicle assisted travel and magical teleportation. Each region offers different types of monsters, materials, and quests.


Players, shown on the screen as customisable ], can see and interact with each other. They set their own goals and objectives, deciding which of the available activities to pursue as there is no linear path that must be followed. Players may engage in combat with other players or with monsters, complete quests, increase their experience in the available skills, or have a simple conversation with other players.<ref> - ], ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref> Players interact with each other through chatting, trading, participating in mutual missions, and playing combative or co-operative mini-games. Players, shown on the screen as customisable ], can see and interact with each other. They set their own goals and objectives, deciding which of the available activities to pursue as there is no linear path that must be followed. Players may engage in combat with other players or with monsters, complete quests, increase their experience in the available skills, or have a simple conversation with other players.<ref> - ], ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref> Players interact with each other through chatting, trading, participating in mutual missions, and playing combative or co-operative mini-games.
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] ]
''Rune$cape's'' first version began as a one-man project. Andrew Gower started working on the original game in 1998. This version was very different from the ''Rune$cape'' of today. It had ], and was originally titled 'DeviousMUD'. This version was never released to the public. In 1999, Andrew scrapped 'DeviousMUD', and started to work on a completely rewritten version. Despite being completely rewritten, this version was very similar to the first as it had isometric graphics but had name changes. This version was released as a public beta for approximately one week, and then withdrawn. After the beta failed, Andrew started yet again with a third attempt in October 1999. This time, his brother, Paul Gower, helped him. The isometric view was replaced in favour of both ] and ] graphic ]. The game was renamed ''Rune$cape'' and released to the public as a ] version on ] ]. This version is still online today and is currently titled ''Rune$cape Classic''. ''RuneScape's'' first version began as a one-man project. Andrew Gower started working on the original game in 1998. This version was very different from the ''RuneScape'' of today. It had ], and was originally titled 'DeviousMUD'. This version was never released to the public. In 1999, Andrew scrapped 'DeviousMUD', and started to work on a completely rewritten version. Despite being completely rewritten, this version was very similar to the first as it had isometric graphics but had name changes. This version was released as a public beta for approximately one week, and then withdrawn. After the beta failed, Andrew started yet again with a third attempt in October 1999. This time, his brother, Paul Gower, helped him. The isometric view was replaced in favour of both ] and ] graphic ]. The game was renamed ''RuneScape'' and released to the public as a ] version on ] ]. This version is still online today and is currently titled ''RuneScape Classic''.


On ] ], play was restricted to ] who had logged in at least once between that date and ] ]. This meant that no other accounts that did not meet this expectation would ever be allowed the use of ''Rune$cape Classic''.<ref> - ''Rune$cape'' Customer Support News, ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref> On ] ], Jagex launched a service available to ]. This allowed players to pay approximately £3.20 GBP ($5.00 USD) a month to obtain access to a more extensive variety of additional features. This service was optional while ] remained. While not a new version because the game still operated under the same game engine, this service significantly changed the focus of the game. As technological advances kept coming over the years, Jagex began to make massive changes to ''Rune$cape''. Although this revision was originally planned to be a graphical update,<ref> - ''Rune$cape'' Game updates news, ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref> Jagex instead worked to completely rewrite the game engine. They introduced a version that consisted entirely of ], with other significant improvements. While in development, this version was named ''Rune$cape 2''. The name was later changed to ''Rune$cape'', but the name ''Rune$cape 2'' is still used to differentiate between it and ''Rune$cape Classic''. An incomplete beta of this version was made available to members on ] ], and the finished version was launched on ] ].<ref> - ''Rune$cape'' Game update news. Retrieved ] ].</ref> On ] ], play was restricted to ] who had logged in at least once between that date and ] ]. This meant that no other accounts that did not meet this expectation would ever be allowed the use of ''RuneScape Classic''.<ref> - ''RuneScape'' Customer Support News, ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref> On ] ], Jagex launched a service available to ]. This allowed players to pay approximately £3.20 GBP ($5.00 USD, $8.00 AUD ) a month to obtain access to a more extensive variety of additional features. This service was optional while ] remained. While not a new version because the game still operated under the same game engine, this service significantly changed the focus of the game. As technological advances kept coming over the years, Jagex began to make massive changes to ''RuneScape''. Although this revision was originally planned to be 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 named ''RuneScape 2''. The name was later changed to ''RuneScape'', but the name ''RuneScape 2'' is still used to differentiate between it and ''RuneScape Classic''. An incomplete beta of this version was made available to members on ] ], and the finished version was launched on ] ].<ref> - ''RuneScape'' Game update news. Retrieved ] ].</ref>


On ] ], Jagex upgraded ''Rune$cape's'' game engine, improving many aspects of it including the chat system.<ref> - ''Rune$cape'' Game updates news. ] ].</ref> This version appears to the player as the same ''Rune$cape'' as before, since the upgrades are much more low key than introduced previously. This version focused more on the underlying programming. Most importantly, the amount of memory used while ''Rune$cape'' runs was significantly reduced, allowing the game to be expanded and improved in ways without increasing its load time for most players. This is the current version of ''Rune$cape'' being promoted by Jagex, and is the version most people associate with the word ''Rune$cape''. On ] ], Jagex upgraded ''RuneScape's'' game engine, improving many aspects of it including the chat system.<ref> - ''RuneScape'' Game updates news. ] ].</ref> This version appears to the player as the same ''RuneScape'' as before, since the upgrades are much more low key than introduced previously. This version focused more on the underlying programming. Most importantly, the amount of memory used while ''RuneScape'' runs was significantly reduced, allowing the game to be expanded and improved in ways 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=== ===Servers===
] ]
Jagex maintains 133 <!--this is correct; there are 133 servers - 131 for ''Rune$cape'' and two for ''Rune$cape Classic'' - for some reason, there is no server number 126; please do not change this unless the number of servers changes-->servers in six countries. Servers are numbered and referred to as "worlds" by ''Rune$cape'' players. Each of the 131 ''Rune$cape'' servers has a capacity of 2,000 players, allowing 262,000 simultaneous players. The two ''Rune$cape Classic'' servers are each limited to 1,250 players, allowing 2,500 simultaneous players. Jagex maintains 133 <!--this is correct; there are 133 servers - 131 for ''RuneScape'' and two for ''RuneScape Classic'' - for some reason, there is no server number 126; please do not change this unless the number of servers changes-->servers in six countries. Servers are numbered and referred to as "worlds" by ''RuneScape'' players. Each of the 131 ''RuneScape'' servers has a capacity of 2,000 players, allowing 262,000 simultaneous players. The two ''RuneScape Classic'' servers are each limited to 1,250 players, allowing 2,500 simultaneous players.


''Rune$cape'' servers are located in the ] (20, including both ''Rune$cape Classic'' servers), the ] (79), ] (14), the ] (6), ] (6) and ] (8).<ref> - ''Rune$cape'' Technical News, ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref> ''RuneScape'' servers are located in the ] (20, including both ''RuneScape Classic'' servers), the ] (79), ] (14), the ] (6), ] (6) and ] (8).<ref> - ''RuneScape'' Technical News, ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref>


===Graphics=== ===Graphics===
''Rune$cape'' can be run with high or low detail graphics; high detail mode enhances texture and design, whereas low detail provides a cleaner cut look and can reduce ']' on older or less powerful computers. In February 2005, Jagex began the process of updating the graphical images in the ''Rune$cape'' cities and the wilderness. Portions of the changes have been met with player dissatisfaction, while others have received accolades from players. Jagex plans ultimately to improve the graphics of the entire free-to-play area of ''Rune$cape'' without causing more ] for people using ] Internet connections.<ref> ''Rune$cape'' Game Update News, ] ]. Retrieved ] ]</ref> ''RuneScape'' can be run with high or low detail graphics; high detail mode enhances texture and design, whereas low detail provides a cleaner cut 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. Portions of the changes have been met with player dissatisfaction, while others have received accolades from players. Jagex plans ultimately to improve the graphics of the entire free-to-play area of ''RuneScape'' without causing more ] for people using ] Internet connections.<ref> ''RuneScape'' Game Update News, ] ]. Retrieved ] ]</ref>


''Rune$cape'' places emphasis on allowing players to customise their characters by supplying a wide choice in character models. Unlike other games in the same genre, player characters must be human. Players can choose and change their gender as well as hairstyle, body type, and facial features. 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 activities other than chatting while morphed. Players can transform themselves into imps, sheep, or rabbits by wearing armour or other items that conflict with their team god in the waiting area of the mini game Castle Wars. ''RuneScape'' places emphasis on allowing players to customise their characters by supplying a wide choice in character models. Unlike other games in the same genre, player characters must be human. Players can choose and change their gender as well as hairstyle, body type, and facial features. 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 activities other than chatting while morphed. Players can transform themselves into imps, sheep, or rabbits by wearing armour or other items that conflict with their team god in the waiting area of the mini game Castle Wars.


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 must be earned from quests or random events. Some emotes were able to be obtained only during past holiday events, and any player who did not participate in those events will never be able to obtain them. 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 must be earned from quests or random events. Some emotes were able to be obtained only during past holiday events, and any player who did not participate in those events will never be able to obtain them.


===Advertising=== ===Advertising===
To support ''Rune$cape'''s ] content, Jagex displays advertisements above the playing screen to help pay for the free servers. On ] ], Jagex signed an exclusive marketing and distribution contract with ] Games,<ref name="gamedailyadvertising"> {{cite news To support ''RuneScape'''s ] content, Jagex displays advertisements above the playing screen to help pay for the free servers. On ] ], Jagex signed an exclusive marketing and distribution contract with ] Games,<ref name="gamedailyadvertising"> {{cite news
| last = | last =
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| title = GameDAILY: WildTangent Explores Rune$cape | title = GameDAILY: WildTangent Explores RuneScape
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| url = http://sportsline.com/games/story/9558992 | url = http://sportsline.com/games/story/9558992
| accessdate = 2006-08-08 }} | accessdate = 2006-08-08 }}
</ref> which allows WildTangent to handle advertising in and around ''Rune$cape''. The deal also allows WildTangent to distribute ''Rune$cape'' through the WildTangent Games Network,<ref name = gamedailyadvertising /> a distribution channel reaching over 20 million consumer PCs.<ref>{{cite news </ref> which allows WildTangent to handle advertising in and around ''RuneScape''. 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 = | last =
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| title = WildTangent Sells Ads in Rune$cape Online Game | title = WildTangent Sells Ads in Runescape Online Game
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| date = 2006-07-13 | date = 2006-07-13
| url = http://www.mediabuyerplanner.com/2006/07/13/wildtangent_sells_ads_in_runesc/ | url = http://www.mediabuyerplanner.com/2006/07/13/wildtangent_sells_ads_in_runesc/
| accessdate = 2006-08-08 }}</ref> WildTangent has stressed that this agreement will not change the way ''Rune$cape'' is presented, and that they plan to make the presence of the advertisements, vital to ''Rune$cape'', as non-invasive as possible. Jagex moderators have stated that there will be no ''in-game'' advertisements.<ref name = gamedailyadvertising /> Since computer users may use advertisement blockers, Jagex has introduced a rule that prohibits players from blocking the advertisements in the free game, in order to encourage advertisers.<ref>{{cite news | accessdate = 2006-08-08 }}</ref> WildTangent has stressed that this agreement will not change the way ''RuneScape'' is presented, and that they plan to make the presence of the advertisements, vital to ''RuneScape'', as non-invasive as possible. Jagex moderators have stated that there will be no ''in-game'' advertisements.<ref name = gamedailyadvertising /> Since computer users may use advertisement blockers, Jagex has introduced a rule that prohibits players from blocking the advertisements in the free game, in order to encourage advertisers.<ref>{{cite news
| last = | last =
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| title = Rune$cape:Rules of Conduct:Rule 15-Advert Blocking | title = Runescape:Rules of Conduct:Rule 15-Advert Blocking
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| publisher = Jagex | publisher = Jagex
| date = 2006 | date = 2006
| url = http://Rune$cape.com/ | url = http://runescape.com/
| accessdate = 2006-08-11 }}</ref> | accessdate = 2006-08-11 }}</ref>


<!--This section is quite badly written. Some of the information here should go into a new membership section. <!--This section is quite badly written. Some of the information here should go into a new membership section.
==Players== ==Players==
Players can choose to play ''Rune$cape'' on free-to-play (F2P) servers, which are supported by advertising. Alternatively, they can pay a monthly fee for extra content, including additional quests, items, skills, and an enlarged map area. These pay-to-pay (P2P) players can also participate in all the activities available to F2P players. Players can choose to play ''RuneScape'' on free-to-play (F2P) servers, which are supported by advertising. Alternatively, they can pay a monthly fee for extra content, including additional quests, items, skills, and an enlarged map area. These pay-to-pay (P2P) players can also participate in all the activities available to F2P players.


There are approximately 800,000 subscribers and an additional 9,000,000 ad-supported users who play ''Rune$cape''.<ref> - GameDaily BIZ, ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref> The game usually has more than 100,000 simultaneous players online, peaking at over 150,000 players on weekends and during holiday periods. In March 2006, a record 180,000 simultaneous players was reached.<ref> - ''Rune$cape'' Technical News, ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref> This record was broken on ] ], when over 202,000 players were online simultaneously,<ref> - GameDaily BIZ, ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref> making ''Rune$cape'' the most popular online ] based game in the world. There are approximately 800,000 subscribers and an additional 9,000,000 ad-supported users who play ''RuneScape''.<ref> - GameDaily BIZ, ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref> The game usually has more than 100,000 simultaneous players online, peaking at over 150,000 players on weekends and during holiday periods. In March 2006, a record 180,000 simultaneous players was reached.<ref> - ''RuneScape'' Technical News, ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref> This record was broken on ] ], when over 202,000 players were online simultaneously,<ref> - GameDaily BIZ, ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref> making ''RuneScape'' the most popular online ] based game in the world.


In addition to additional game content, P2P players are able to vote in polls and post on the ''Rune$cape'' official forums. Since commencing the P2P option, Jagex has updated ''Rune$cape'' on a weekly basis for members. Content for F2P players receives less frequent updates.<ref> - ''Rune$cape'' Game Updates News, ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref> Paid membership is also required to play ''Rune$cape Classic''. In addition to additional game content, P2P players are able to vote in polls and post on the ''RuneScape'' official forums. Since commencing the P2P option, Jagex has updated ''RuneScape'' on a weekly basis for members. Content for F2P players receives less frequent updates.<ref> - ''RuneScape'' Game Updates News, ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref> Paid membership is also required to play ''RuneScape Classic''.
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==Gameplay== ==Gameplay==
===Combat and skills=== ===Combat and skills===
] ]
] is an important aspect of the gameplay in ''Rune$cape'', as it is one of the most direct ways of gaining wealth and is needed to complete many quests. Combat level is usually referred to simply as "level". It is the only skill level visible to other players while in game. A player's ] is calculated using the seven combat skills: attack, strength, defence, hitpoints, magic, prayer, and ranged. Other skills increase total levels and overall rankings for players, but not their combat levels. The maximum combat level in ''Rune$cape Classic'' is 123, and the maximum in the current ''Rune$cape'' is 126. ] 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 complete many quests. Combat level is usually referred to simply as "level". It is the only skill level visible to other players while in game. A player's ] is calculated using the seven combat skills: attack, strength, defence, hitpoints, magic, prayer, and ranged. Other skills increase total levels and overall rankings for players, but not their combat levels. The maximum combat level in ''RuneScape Classic'' is 123, and the maximum in the current ''RuneScape'' is 126.


Unlike similar games, ''Rune$cape'' does not have ]. Combat is simply subdivided into melee, magic, and ranged categories. Melee attacks are close range with or without weapons, magic attacks focus on using runestones to cast spells, and ranged moves use ] weapons. Most of the game's ] feature different strengths and weaknesses, and are midaeval and fantastical in nature. Unlike similar games, ''RuneScape'' does not have ]. Combat is simply subdivided into melee, magic, and ranged categories. Melee attacks are close range with or without weapons, magic attacks focus on using runestones to cast spells, and ranged moves use ] weapons. Most of the game's ] feature different strengths and weaknesses, and are midaeval and fantastical in nature.


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. Players can even activate prayers to deal damage in combat. 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. Players can even activate prayers to deal damage in combat.


] ]


] 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, for instance mining a rock would increase the mining skill. In general, the higher 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 ''Rune$cape'' hiscores tables can be viewed by all players, and players with higher overall levels are well known. ''Rune$cape'' has twenty-two 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, and slayer). ] 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, for instance mining a rock would increase the mining skill. In general, the higher 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-two 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, and slayer).


===Interaction=== ===Interaction===
]s populate ''Rune$cape''. Almost every NPCs in ''Rune$cape'' can be attacked, although some, such as shopkeepers, cannot be engaged in combat by players. Attackable NPCs are generally referred to as ], whether they are human, animal, elemental, or demonic. Monsters range from common, low level creatures like chickens and ducks to unique, much more powerful monsters like the ], ], or ]. 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 level), non-aggressive (not attacking players unless provoked, regardless of levels), or partially aggressive (attacking only those players who are within a predetermined number of levels above or below their own level). This can make certain areas within the game dangerous to players depending upon their own combat levels. ]s populate ''RuneScape''. Almost every NPCs in ''RuneScape'' can be attacked, although some, such as shopkeepers, cannot be engaged in combat by players. Attackable NPCs are generally referred to as ], whether they are human, animal, elemental, or demonic. Monsters range from common, low level creatures like chickens and ducks to unique, much more powerful monsters like the ], ], or ]. 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 level), non-aggressive (not attacking players unless provoked, regardless of levels), or partially aggressive (attacking only those players who are within a predetermined number of levels above or below their own level). This can make certain areas within the game dangerous to players depending upon their own combat levels.


Players can fight against other players in ] (PvP) combat in certain areas of ''Rune$cape''. The most common place is in the Wilderness, where players risk their lives as well as their items, challenging other players. Players can engage in PvP combat without risking their items in mini-games, such as Castle Wars and the TzHaar Fight Pit or in combat arenas in player's houses. In the Duel Arena, another mini-game, players must agree on the rules of engagement and the stake, before combat begins. Players can fight against other players in ] (PvP) combat in certain areas of ''RuneScape''. The most common place is in the Wilderness, where players risk their lives as well as their items, challenging other players. Players can engage in PvP combat without risking their items in mini-games, such as Castle Wars and the TzHaar Fight Pit or in combat arenas in player's houses. In the Duel Arena, another mini-game, players must agree on the rules of engagement and the stake, before combat begins.


Quests in ''Rune$cape'' are one-time adventures found throughout the realm of Gielinor. They serve a variety of purposes. The novice quests act as tutorials to acquaint new users with the various ] they will need in the game and are usually linear in nature. The harder quests are designed to challenge experienced players to resolve a world conflict, which might just open up a new area to be explored for fun or profit. Each quests include a reward, such as money, rare or valuable items, or an increase in skill experience. Most quests give the player "quest points", the number usually depending on the difficulty of the quest. A certain number of quest points is required to start certain quests, used to demonstrate a player's ability. Some quests are part of an overlapping storyline, the most famous of which is the Plague City story line, which has been in ''Rune$cape'' for several years and currently contains seven separate quests. On ] ], Jagex released the one-hundredth ''Rune$cape'' quest, Recipe for Disaster, which is a sequel to the first quest, Cook's Assistant. Quests in ''RuneScape'' are one-time adventures found throughout the realm of Gielinor. They serve a variety of purposes. The novice quests act as tutorials to acquaint new users with the various ] they will need in the game and are usually linear in nature. The harder quests are designed to challenge experienced players to resolve a world conflict, which might just open up a new area to be explored for fun or profit. Each quests include a reward, such as money, rare or valuable items, or an increase in skill experience. Most quests give the player "quest points", the number usually depending on the difficulty of the quest. A certain number of quest points is required to start certain quests, used to demonstrate a player's ability. Some quests are part of an overlapping storyline, the most famous of which is the Plague City story line, which has been in ''RuneScape'' for several years and currently contains seven separate quests. On ] ], Jagex released the one-hundredth ''RuneScape'' quest, Recipe for Disaster, which is a sequel to the first quest, Cook's Assistant.


''Rune$cape'' features ] for its players, which are activities somewhat like quests but that can be done multiple times. Mini-games take place in certain areas and normally involve a specific skill. Many mini-games involve cooperative efforts or allow players to compete with each other. Popular mini-games include ] and ]. ''RuneScape'' features ] for its players, which are activities somewhat like quests but that can be done multiple times. Mini-games take place in certain areas and normally involve a specific skill. Many mini-games involve cooperative efforts or allow players to compete with each other. Popular mini-games include ] and ].


===Random events=== ===Random events===
{{main|Rune$cape random events}} {{main|RuneScape random events}}


Players often encounter random events that require player input. 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, or imitate another NPCs actions. Players must respond to these events quickly and correctly in order to avoid a negative effect, such as being teleported across the map. Players correctly responding to random events can receive rewards or experience. Players often encounter random events that require player input. 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, or imitate another NPCs actions. Players must respond to these events quickly and correctly in order to avoid a negative effect, such as being teleported across the map. Players correctly responding to random events can receive rewards or experience.


Random events deter players from macroing, which is the act of using a program to play the game with no human interaction. Postings in the ''Rune$cape'' 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 ]). Random events deter players from macroing, which is the act of using a program to play the game with no human interaction. 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 ]).


In the event of a broken Internet connection, players can be kicked off the server before they have a chance to remove their character from the game. In the time that the character is still active, random events could occur, killing or otherwise harming an innocent player. For this reason, random events are a controversial part of the game. In the event of a broken Internet connection, players can be kicked off the server before they have a chance to remove their character from the game. In the time that the character is still active, random events could occur, killing or otherwise harming an innocent player. For this reason, random events are a controversial part of the game.


==Community== ==Community==
{{main|Rune$cape community}} {{main|RuneScape community}}


Players of ''Rune$cape'' represent a wide range of nationalities and ages; however, because the game is currently only available in English, almost all players speak English to an extent. Players who speak languages other than English tend to gravitate to worlds that are populated by other players who speak the same language. For example, some worlds have a greater percentage of players who speak Spanish, Dutch, or Lithuanian. It is not uncommon to see different languages on the chat screens throughout ''Rune$cape''. Players of ''RuneScape'' represent a wide range of nationalities and ages; however, because the game is currently only available in English, almost all players speak English to an extent. Players who speak languages other than English tend to gravitate to worlds that are populated by other players who speak the same language. For example, some worlds have a greater percentage of players who speak Spanish, Dutch, or Lithuanian. It is not uncommon to see different languages on the chat screens throughout ''RuneScape''.


A group of official ] created entirely by Jagex programmers is available to players on the ''Rune$cape'' website. By accessing the forums, paying members are able to participate in game discussions, make arrangements to buy or sell items, and interact with the community. Free players can read the forums but are unable to post messages. The ''Rune$cape'' 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. On ] ], the ''Rune$cape'' forums underwent major code revisions. 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, 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. On ] ], the ''RuneScape'' forums underwent major code revisions.


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 ''Rune$cape'' gods; however, the gods will no longer communicate so directly with mortal beings.<ref> - Rune$cape.com. Retrieved ] ].</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> - RuneScape.com. Retrieved ] ].</ref>


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==Economy== ==Economy==
{{main|Rune$cape economy}} {{main|RuneScape economy}}
The ''Rune$cape'' economy is similar in many ways to real-world economies, as the concept of "supply and demand" plays an important role in determining the price of items. The currency used in ''Rune$cape'' is gold pieces, mostly referred to as "gp" or "coins". Unfortunately, the ''Rune$cape'' economy is plagued by inflation, as the number of gold pieces in circulation is unlimited and ever-increasing due to NPC drops and ]. Conversely, items that players may consider valuable, such as armour or treasure trail items, decline gradually in price as more of them appear. Jagex tries to counter inflation by adding features and items on a regular basis. One of Jagex's attempts to slow down the economy was the addition of the construction skill. Since this skill requires players to purchase most of the items needed to construct the furniture and items they place in their houses, this was a more successful attempt at countering inflation than anything else attempted in the past.<ref> tip.it. Retrieved ] ].</ref> The ''RuneScape'' economy is similar in many ways to real-world economies, as the concept of "supply and demand" plays an important role in determining the price of items. The currency used in ''RuneScape'' is gold pieces, mostly referred to as "gp" or "coins". Unfortunately, the ''RuneScape'' economy is plagued by inflation, as the number of gold pieces in circulation is unlimited and ever-increasing due to NPC drops and ]. Conversely, items that players may consider valuable, such as armour or treasure trail items, decline gradually in price as more of them appear. Jagex tries to counter inflation by adding features and items on a regular basis. One of Jagex's attempts to slow down the economy was the addition of the construction skill. Since this skill requires players to purchase most of the items needed to construct the furniture and items they place in their houses, this was a more successful attempt at countering inflation than anything else attempted in the past.<ref> tip.it. Retrieved ] ].</ref>
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===Press reviews=== ===Press reviews===
*'''Lessons on labour:''' According to ], playing ''Rune$cape'' as much as working on homework is not necessarily a bad thing. It can instruct players about working hard to achieve goals. Studies show that the nature of most games, including ''Rune$cape'', can teach teenagers vital skills as they enter the labour market. <ref name="bbcallworknoplay">{{cite news | last = | first = | coauthors = | title = How gaming is all work and no play | work = | pages = | language = English | publisher = BBC News | date = 2006-03-14 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4774534.stm | accessdate = 2006-08-07 }}</ref> *'''Lessons on labour:''' According to ], playing ''RuneScape'' as much as working on homework is not necessarily a bad thing. It can instruct players about working hard to achieve goals. Studies show that the nature of most games, including ''RuneScape'', can teach teenagers vital skills as they enter the labour market. <ref name="bbcallworknoplay">{{cite news | last = | first = | coauthors = | title = How gaming is all work and no play | work = | pages = | language = English | publisher = BBC News | date = 2006-03-14 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4774534.stm | accessdate = 2006-08-07 }}</ref>
*'''Fastest growing:''' ] stated that ''Rune$cape'' is one of the fastest growing out of all of the MMORPGs. Online RPGs are one of the few internet businesses that can entice people to pay for online content. <ref name="Guardianrunetomove">{{cite news | last = | first = | coauthors = | title = Rune to move. | work = | pages = | language = English | publisher = Guardian Unlimited | date = 2003-12-11 | url = http://technology.guardian.co.uk/online/story/0,3605,1103882,00.html | accessdate = 2006-08-08}}</ref> *'''Fastest growing:''' ] stated that ''Runescape'' is one of the fastest growing out of all of the MMORPGs. Online RPGs are one of the few internet businesses that can entice people to pay for online content. <ref name="Guardianrunetomove">{{cite news | last = | first = | coauthors = | title = Rune to move. | work = | pages = | language = English | publisher = Guardian Unlimited | date = 2003-12-11 | url = http://technology.guardian.co.uk/online/story/0,3605,1103882,00.html | accessdate = 2006-08-08}}</ref>
*'''Free, with no strings attached:''' Just RPG, an organization that reviews online role-playing games, says that "It's rare for something that's free to come with no strings attached, and is actually fun to boot." ''Rune$cape'' does just that.<ref>{{cite news | last = Gasperazzo | first = Wendy | coauthors = | title = Rune$cape | work = | pages = | language = English | publisher = Just RPG *'''Free, with no strings attached:''' Just RPG, an organization that reviews online role-playing games, says that "It's rare for something that's free to come with no strings attached, and is actually fun to boot." ''RuneScape'' does just that.<ref>{{cite news | last = Gasperazzo | first = Wendy | coauthors = | title = Runescape | work = | pages = | language = English | publisher = Just RPG
| date = 2006 | url = http://www.just-rpg.com/default.asp?pid=1209 | accessdate = 2006-08-08 }} | date = 2006 | url = http://www.just-rpg.com/default.asp?pid=1209 | accessdate = 2006-08-08 }}
</ref> </ref>
*'''Great entertainment:''' The ] Buzz Log states that the unrealistic roles of the characters in the MMORPG ''Rune$cape'' can provide good entertainment when people need a break.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hurd | first = Gordon | coauthors = | title = The Rundown on Rune$cape | work = | pages = | language = English | publisher = Yahoo Buzz Log *'''Great entertainment:''' The ] Buzz Log states that the unrealistic roles of the characters in the MMORPG ''Runescape'' can provide good entertainment when people need a break.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hurd | first = Gordon | coauthors = | title = The Rundown on Runescape | work = | pages = | language = English | publisher = Yahoo Buzz Log
| date = 2006-05-08 | url = http://buzz.yahoo.com/buzzlog/9096/the-rundown-on-Rune$cape| accessdate = 2006-08-08 }}</ref> | date = 2006-05-08 | url = http://buzz.yahoo.com/buzzlog/9096/the-rundown-on-runescape| accessdate = 2006-08-08 }}</ref>
*'''''Rune$cape 2'' a huge success:''' According to ] UK, ''Rune$cape 2'' should be a great success. "Available via your browser, the game can be fired up on a narrowband connection, in just a few minutes."<ref>{{cite news | last = Sutherns | first = Mark | coauthors = | title = Rune$cape 2: browser-based Goblin basher goes 3D. | work = ] UK, issue 129| pages = 145 | language = English | publisher = ] | date = 2003-12 | url = | accessdate = }}</ref> *'''''RuneScape 2'' a huge success:''' According to ] UK, ''RuneScape 2'' should be a great success. "Available via your browser, the game can be fired up on a narrowband connection, in just a few minutes."<ref>{{cite news | last = Sutherns | first = Mark | coauthors = | title = Runescape 2: browser-based Goblin basher goes 3D. | work = ] UK, issue 129| pages = 145 | language = English | publisher = ] | date = 2003-12 | url = | accessdate = }}</ref>
===Player Comments=== ===Player Comments===
''Rune$cape'' has been criticized for several of its primary components, such as graphics and gameplay. Members of the ''Rune$cape'' community argue that ''Rune$cape''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> graphics are substandard.<ref name="GameFAQscouldbebetter"> {{cite web|url= http://www.gamefaqs.com/computer/online/review/R32109.html|title= Rune$cape: "It could be ALOT better but it's still fun" |accessdate= 2006-08-09|accessmonthday= |accessyear= |author= Archae The Great |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= 2002-03-19|year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher= Gamespot GameFAQs |pages= |language= English |archiveurl= |archivedate=}} </ref>{{betterfact}} Because ''Rune$cape'' 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= Rune$cape |accessdate= 2006-08-09|accessmonthday= |accessyear= |author= Mihalick |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= 2006-01-17|year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher= ONRPG |pages= |language= English |archiveurl= |archivedate=}}</ref> Tasks in ''Rune$cape'' 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 levelling far too complicated. Learning the game for new players, however, is generally considered to be fairly easy. Players begin in a secluded area populated only by other beginners and are led on a set path where they learn the skills needed to succeed in Gielinor.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.gamefaqs.com/computer/online/review/R35534.html|title= Rune$cape:"Addicting as hell... but with room for improvements" |accessdate= 2006-08-09|accessmonthday= |accessyear= |author= ciruiz88 |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= 2002-06-14|year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher= Gamespot GameFAQs|pages= |language= English |archiveurl= |archivedate=}}</ref>{{betterfact}} Moreover, since it takes several hours to develop a character, many players regard playing ''Rune$cape'' as a lifestyle, not a side activity. Playing ''Rune$cape'' can be addicting, since players can play ''Rune$cape'' more than they do anything else.<ref name= "GameFAQscouldbebetter"> </ref> ''RuneScape'' has been criticized for several of its primary components, such as graphics and gameplay. Members of the ''RuneScape'' community argue that ''RuneScape''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> graphics are substandard.<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>{{betterfact}} 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 levelling far too complicated. Learning the game for new players, however, is generally considered to be fairly easy. Players begin in a secluded area populated only by other beginners and are led on a set path where they learn 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>{{betterfact}} Moreover, since it takes several hours to develop a character, many players regard playing ''RuneScape'' as a lifestyle, not a side activity. Playing ''RuneScape'' can be addicting, since players can play ''RuneScape'' more than they do anything else.<ref name= "GameFAQscouldbebetter"> </ref>
The community as a whole has also been criticized. Attempted ] is common in ''Rune$cape'', although this exists throughout the MMORPG genre. Scammers use diverse methods to trick players into trading items for much less than they are worth or into revealing their passwords. Players attempting to take advantage of the game use illegal automated bots or scripts to play the game for them.<ref name="GameFAQscouldbebetter"> </ref>Jagex has taken various measures to prevent cheating. They introduced random events that require immediate human response and provided safety warnings in the player trading system. In response, Jagex has banned over 15,000 accounts<ref> - ''Rune$cape'' Customer Support News ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref> through an advanced macro detection system. ''Rune$cape's'' chat filters have the ability to censor obscene words and letters though players are often able to use intentional misspellings, ], or symbols to bypass the filter. To combat this, Jagex made changes to the filter on ] ]<ref> - ''Rune$cape'' Customer Support News ] ]. Retrieved ] ]</ref> that were successful in alleviating some of the problems, although other problems remain. The chat filters can occasionally block legitimate words; words that innocent players often type in for can be blocked just because of these problems. 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 illegal automated bots or scripts to play the game for them.<ref name="GameFAQscouldbebetter"> </ref>Jagex has taken various measures to prevent cheating. They introduced random events that require immediate human response and provided safety warnings in the player trading system. In response, Jagex has banned over 15,000 accounts<ref> - ''RuneScape'' Customer Support News ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref> through an advanced macro detection system. ''RuneScape's'' chat filters have the ability to censor obscene words and letters though players are often able to use intentional misspellings, ], or symbols to bypass the filter. To combat this, Jagex made changes to the filter on ] ]<ref> - ''RuneScape'' Customer Support News ] ]. Retrieved ] ]</ref> that were successful in alleviating some of the problems, although other problems remain. The chat filters can occasionally block legitimate words; words that innocent players often type in for can be blocked just because of these problems.


Business aspects of the ''Rune$cape'' franchise have fallen under criticism, as well. Players criticise ''Rune$cape'' for not having enough free content or not updating the free content often enough. While ''Rune$cape'' does have a considerable amount of free content, most weekly updates and features for high-level players are limited to subscribed members.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.Rune$cape.com/|title= Rune$cape:Benefits for Members |accessdate= 2006-08-09|accessmonthday= |accessyear= |author= Jagex|last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year= 2006|month= |format= |work= |publisher= Jagex|pages= |language= English|archiveurl= |archivedate=}}</ref> Additionally, due to the limited customer support team employees and the ever-growing number of registered users, players have expressed dissatisfaction with Jagex's customer support.{{fact}} Jagex has attempted efforts to increase the size of their customer support team and has expanded their online Knowledge Base in order to alleviate some stress off the staff.<ref> - Rune$cape.com, ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref> Business aspects of the ''RuneScape'' franchise have fallen under criticism, as well. Players criticise ''RuneScape'' 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 weekly updates and features for high-level players are limited to subscribed members.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.runescape.com/|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 customer support team employees and the ever-growing number of registered users, players have expressed dissatisfaction with Jagex's customer support.{{fact}} Jagex has attempted efforts to increase the size of their customer support team and has expanded their online Knowledge Base in order to alleviate some stress off the staff.<ref> - RuneScape.com, ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref>


Most of the time the background music is a very simple tune.<ref name="funbutgetsold">{{cite web|url= http://www.gamefaqs.com/computer/online/review/R98290.html|title= Rune$cape: "It's fun for a while, but it gets old pretty quickly" |accessdate= 2006-08-09|accessmonthday= |accessyear= |author= Black_Cheese |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= 2006-02-27|year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher= Gamespot GameFAQs |pages= |language= English |archiveurl= |archivedate=}}</ref>{{betterfact}} Music in the game enhances feelings and emotions to go with the scenery and the mood.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.gamersinfo.net/index.php?art/id:390|title= Rune$cape|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>There are sound effects included in the game as the player practices a skill, most of which become very annoying after a while.<ref name="funbutgetsold" /> Most of the time the background music is a very 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>{{betterfact}} Music in the game enhances feelings and emotions to go with the scenery and the mood.<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>There are sound effects included in the game as the player practices a skill, most of which become very annoying after a while.<ref name="funbutgetsold" />


==Footnotes== ==Footnotes==
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==External links== ==External links==
{{Portal}} {{Portal}}
* - The official ''Rune$cape'' website * - The official ''RuneScape'' website
* - The official Jagex site * - The official Jagex site
* - The official ''Rune$cape'' guide * - The official ''RuneScape'' guide
* - The official ''Rune$cape'' forums * - The official ''RuneScape'' forums


; Wiki ; Wiki
* *


; Official affiliates ; Official affiliates
* *
* *


; Fansite ; Fansite
* - Fansite with the most traffic * - Fansite with the most traffic
<!-- Per Misplaced Pages policy, ***only*** the highest-traffic fan site is to be linked. As RuneHQ is the most popular, it has been added but ***no more*** links may be added. Please see the talk page before changing this link. If you need more information on Rune$cape, a Google search should suffice. --> <!-- Per Misplaced Pages policy, ***only*** the highest-traffic fan site is to be linked. As RuneHQ is the most popular, it has 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. -->


{{Rune$cape}} {{RuneScape}}


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Revision as of 09:48, 20 August 2006

2001 video game
RuneScape
File:Rslogo.gif
Developer(s)Jagex Ltd.
Publisher(s)Jagex Ltd.
Designer(s)Jagex Ltd.
EngineJava
Platform(s)OS Independent (Web Based Java Applet)
ReleaseRuneScape Classic - 4 January 2001
RuneScape - 29 March 2004
Genre(s)MMORPG
Mode(s)Multiplayer

RuneScape is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game by British developer Jagex Limited, programmed in Java. With nearly nine million active free players and 800,000 paying members, RuneScape is one of the top online games in the world. RuneScape was launched on 4 January 2001 and offers both free and subscription content. RuneScape is designed to be accessible from any location with an internet connection and to run in an ordinary web browser without straining system resources.

RuneScape takes place in the imaginary realm of Gielinor, which is divided into the Kingdoms of Misthalin, Asgarnia, and Kandarin, as well as the tropical island of Karamja, the Kharidian Desert, and the Wilderness, among others. Movement throughout RuneScape utilizes three methods: foot travel, vehicle assisted travel and magical teleportation. Each region offers different types of monsters, materials, and quests.

Players, shown on the screen as customisable avatars, can see and interact with each other. They set their own goals and objectives, deciding which of the available activities to pursue as there is no linear path that must be followed. Players may engage in combat with other players or with monsters, complete quests, increase their experience in the available skills, or have a simple conversation with other players. Players interact with each other through chatting, trading, participating in mutual missions, and playing combative or co-operative mini-games.

History and development

File:DeviousMUD2.PNG
A screenshot of DeviousMUD, the first version of the game that was not released to the public.

RuneScape's first version began as a one-man project. Andrew Gower started working on the original game in 1998. This version was very different from the RuneScape of today. It had isometric graphics, and was originally titled 'DeviousMUD'. This version was never released to the public. In 1999, Andrew scrapped 'DeviousMUD', and started to work on a completely rewritten version. Despite being completely rewritten, this version was very similar to the first as it had isometric graphics but had name changes. This version was released as a public beta for approximately one week, and then withdrawn. After the beta failed, Andrew started yet again with a third attempt in October 1999. This time, his brother, Paul Gower, helped him. The isometric view was replaced in favour of both three-dimensional and two-dimensional graphic sprites. The game was renamed RuneScape and released to the public as a beta version on 4 January 2001. This version is still online today and is currently titled RuneScape Classic.

On 12 January 2006, play was restricted to members who had logged in at least once between that date and 5 August 2005. This meant that no other accounts that did not meet this expectation would ever be allowed the use of RuneScape Classic. On 27 February 2002, Jagex launched a service available to paying members. This allowed players to pay approximately £3.20 GBP ($5.00 USD, $8.00 AUD ) a month to obtain access to a more extensive variety of additional features. This service was optional while free content remained. While not a new version because the game still operated under the same game engine, this service significantly changed the focus of the game. As technological advances kept coming over the years, Jagex began to make massive changes to RuneScape. Although this revision was originally planned to be a graphical update, Jagex instead worked to completely rewrite the game engine. They introduced a version that consisted entirely of three-dimensional graphics, with other significant improvements. While in development, this version was named RuneScape 2. The name was later changed to RuneScape, but the name RuneScape 2 is still used to differentiate between it and RuneScape Classic. An incomplete beta of this version was made available to members on 1 December 2003, and the finished version was launched on 29 March 2004.

On 16 May 2006, Jagex upgraded RuneScape's game engine, improving many aspects of it including the chat system. This version appears to the player as the same RuneScape as before, since the upgrades are much more low key than introduced previously. This version focused more on the underlying programming. Most importantly, the amount of memory used while RuneScape runs was significantly reduced, allowing the game to be expanded and improved in ways 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

File:Rswm.PNG
RuneScape servers are located in six countries.

Jagex maintains 133 servers in six countries. Servers are numbered and referred to as "worlds" by RuneScape players. Each of the 131 RuneScape servers has a capacity of 2,000 players, allowing 262,000 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 United Kingdom (20, including both RuneScape Classic servers), the United States (79), Canada (14), the Netherlands (6), Australia (6) and Sweden (8).

Graphics

RuneScape can be run with high or low detail graphics; high detail mode enhances texture and design, whereas low detail provides a cleaner cut look and can reduce 'lag' 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. Portions of the changes have been met with player dissatisfaction, while others have received accolades from players. Jagex plans ultimately to improve the graphics of the entire free-to-play area of RuneScape without causing more lag for people using dial-up Internet connections.

RuneScape places emphasis on allowing players to customise their characters by supplying a wide choice in character models. Unlike other games in the same genre, player characters must be human. Players can choose and change their gender as well as hairstyle, body type, and facial features. 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 activities other than chatting while morphed. Players can transform themselves into imps, sheep, or rabbits by wearing armour or other items that conflict with their team god in the waiting area of the mini game Castle Wars.

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 must be earned from quests or random events. Some emotes were able to be obtained only during past holiday events, and any player who did not participate in those events will never be able to obtain them.

Advertising

To support RuneScape's free-to-play content, Jagex displays advertisements above the playing screen to help pay for the free servers. On 13 July 2006, Jagex signed an exclusive marketing and distribution contract with WildTangent Games, which allows WildTangent to handle advertising in and around RuneScape. The deal also allows WildTangent to distribute RuneScape through the WildTangent Games Network, a distribution channel reaching over 20 million consumer 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, Jagex has introduced a rule that prohibits players from blocking the advertisements in the free game, in order to encourage advertisers.


Gameplay

Combat and skills

File:Runescape weapons specialattacks darklight-weaken.gif
The sword Darklight is one of many weapons available in RuneScape.

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 complete many quests. Combat level is usually referred to simply as "level". It is the only skill level visible to other players while in game. A player's combat level is calculated using the seven combat skills: attack, strength, defence, hitpoints, magic, prayer, and ranged. Other skills increase total levels and overall rankings for players, but not their combat levels. The maximum combat level in RuneScape Classic is 123, and the maximum in the current RuneScape is 126.

Unlike similar games, RuneScape does not have character classes. Combat is simply subdivided into melee, magic, and ranged categories. Melee attacks are close range with or without weapons, magic attacks focus on using runestones to cast spells, and ranged moves use projectile weapons. Most of the game's weapons feature different strengths and weaknesses, and are midaeval and fantastical in nature.

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. Players can even activate prayers to deal damage in combat.

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A player mines for coal.

Skills 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, for instance mining a rock would increase the mining skill. In general, the higher 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-two 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, and slayer).

Interaction

Non-player characters populate RuneScape. Almost every NPCs in RuneScape can be attacked, although some, such as shopkeepers, cannot be engaged in combat by players. Attackable NPCs are generally referred to as monsters, whether they are human, animal, elemental, or demonic. Monsters range from common, low level creatures like chickens and ducks 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 level), non-aggressive (not attacking players unless provoked, regardless of levels), or partially aggressive (attacking only those players who are within a predetermined number of levels above or below their own level). This can make certain areas within the game dangerous to players depending upon their own combat levels.

Players can fight against other players in player versus player (PvP) combat in certain areas of RuneScape. The most common place is in the Wilderness, where players risk their lives as well as their items, challenging other players. Players can engage in PvP combat without risking their items in mini-games, such as Castle Wars and the TzHaar Fight Pit or in combat arenas in player's houses. In the Duel Arena, another mini-game, players must agree on the rules of engagement and the stake, before combat begins.

Quests in RuneScape are one-time adventures found throughout the realm of Gielinor. They serve a variety of purposes. The novice quests act as tutorials to acquaint new users with the various skills and abilities they will need in the game and are usually linear in nature. The harder quests are designed to challenge experienced players to resolve a world conflict, which might just open up a new area to be explored for fun or profit. Each quests include a reward, such as money, rare or valuable items, or an increase in skill experience. Most quests give the player "quest points", the number usually depending on the difficulty of the quest. A certain number of quest points is required to start certain quests, used to demonstrate a player's ability. Some quests are part of an overlapping storyline, the most famous of which is the Plague City story line, which has been in RuneScape for several years and currently contains seven separate quests. On 15 March 2006, Jagex released the one-hundredth RuneScape quest, Recipe for Disaster, which is a sequel to the first quest, Cook's Assistant.

RuneScape features mini-games for its players, which are activities somewhat like quests but that can be done multiple times. Mini-games take place in certain areas and normally involve a specific skill. Many mini-games involve cooperative efforts or allow players to compete with each other. Popular mini-games include Castle Wars and Pest Control.

Random events

Main article: RuneScape random events

Players often encounter random events that require player input. Some random events are simple, requiring a player only to click on an NPC or to leave the area temporarily; others require the player to navigate a labyrinth, answer a question, or imitate another NPCs actions. Players must respond to these events quickly and correctly in order to avoid a negative effect, such as being teleported across the map. Players correctly responding to random events can receive rewards or experience.

Random events deter players from macroing, which is the act of using a program to play the game with no human interaction. 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 grinding).

In the event of a broken Internet connection, players can be kicked off the server before they have a chance to remove their character from the game. In the time that the character is still active, random events could occur, killing or otherwise harming an innocent player. For this reason, random events are a controversial part of the game.

Community

Main article: RuneScape community

Players of RuneScape represent a wide range of nationalities and ages; however, because the game is currently only available in English, almost all players speak English to an extent. Players who speak languages other than English tend to gravitate to worlds that are populated by other players who speak the same language. For example, some worlds have a greater percentage of players who speak Spanish, Dutch, or Lithuanian. It is not uncommon to see different languages on the chat screens throughout RuneScape.

A group of official forums 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, 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. On 10 April 2006, the RuneScape forums underwent major code revisions.

Players can submit questions to any NPC 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 26 September 2005 and has since become one of the most accessed pages of the site. From 24 September 2002 through 9 December 2004, players could submit questions to the RuneScape gods; however, the gods will no longer communicate so directly with mortal beings.


Criticism

Press reviews

  • Lessons on labour: According to BBC News, playing RuneScape as much as working on homework is not necessarily a bad thing. It can instruct players about working hard to achieve goals. Studies show that the nature of most games, including RuneScape, can teach teenagers vital skills as they enter the labour market.
  • Fastest growing: The Guardian stated that Runescape is one of the fastest growing out of all of the MMORPGs. Online RPGs are one of the few internet businesses that can entice people to pay for online content.
  • Free, with no strings attached: Just RPG, an organization that reviews online role-playing games, says that "It's rare for something that's free to come with no strings attached, and is actually fun to boot." RuneScape does just that.
  • Great entertainment: The Yahoo Buzz Log states that the unrealistic roles of the characters in the MMORPG Runescape can provide good entertainment when people need a break.
  • RuneScape 2 a huge success: According to PC Gamer UK, RuneScape 2 should be a great success. "Available via your browser, the game can be fired up on a narrowband connection, in just a few minutes."

Player Comments

RuneScape has been criticized for several of its primary components, such as graphics and gameplay. Members of the RuneScape community argue that RuneScape's graphics are substandard. Because RuneScape is designed to run in a web browser and download quickly, its graphics will never compare particularly well with desktop PC 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. Tasks in RuneScape are frequently criticised for being repetitive, requiring users to click repeatedly in the same pattern to train skills.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 levelling far too complicated. Learning the game for new players, however, is generally considered to be fairly easy. Players begin in a secluded area populated only by other beginners and are led on a set path where they learn the skills needed to succeed in Gielinor. Moreover, since it takes several hours to develop a character, many players regard playing RuneScape as a lifestyle, not a side activity. Playing RuneScape can be addicting, since players can play RuneScape more than they do anything else.

The community as a whole has also been criticized. Attempted scamming 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 illegal automated bots or scripts to play the game for them.Jagex has taken various measures to prevent cheating. They introduced random events that require immediate human response and provided safety warnings in the player trading system. In response, Jagex has banned over 15,000 accounts through an advanced macro detection system. RuneScape's chat filters have the ability to censor obscene words and letters though players are often able to use intentional misspellings, leetspeak, or symbols to bypass the filter. To combat this, Jagex made changes to the filter on 16 May 2006 that were successful in alleviating some of the problems, although other problems remain. The chat filters can occasionally block legitimate words; words that innocent players often type in for can be blocked just because of these problems.

Business aspects of the RuneScape franchise have fallen under criticism, as well. Players criticise RuneScape 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 weekly updates and features for high-level players are limited to subscribed members. Additionally, due to the limited customer support team employees and the ever-growing number of registered users, players have expressed dissatisfaction with Jagex's customer support. Jagex has attempted efforts to increase the size of their customer support team and has expanded their online Knowledge Base in order to alleviate some stress off the staff.

Most of the time the background music is a very simple tune. Music in the game enhances feelings and emotions to go with the scenery and the mood.There are sound effects included in the game as the player practices a skill, most of which become very annoying after a while.

Footnotes

  1. "WildTangent Explores RuneScape" - GameDaily BIZ, 17 July 2006. Retrieved 30 July 2006.
  2. "Virtual gamers reveal themselves" - BBC News, 7 October 2004. Retrieved 15 June 2006.
  3. RuneScape world map - RuneScape.com, retrieved 15 June 2006.
  4. "How gaming is all work and no play" - BBC News, 14 March 2006. Retrieved 15 June 2006.
  5. "Nearly 5000 RS-classic accounts banned" - RuneScape Customer Support News, 12 January 2006. Retrieved 4 March 2006.
  6. "The biggest update ever..." - RuneScape Game updates news, 13 February 2003. Retrieved 15 June 2006.
  7. RS2 Launched - RuneScape Game update news. Retrieved 30 July 2006.
  8. Game engine update - RuneScape Game updates news. 16 May 2003.
  9. "6 new Australian servers online!" - RuneScape Technical News, 28 December 2005. Retrieved 4 March 2006.
  10. RuneScape news RuneScape Game Update News, 22 Feb 2006. Retrieved 31 July 2006
  11. ^ "GameDAILY: WildTangent Explores RuneScape". CBS SportsLine. 2006-07-17. Retrieved 2006-08-08. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  12. "WildTangent Sells Ads in Runescape Online Game". MediaBuyerPlanner. 2006-07-13. Retrieved 2006-08-08. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  13. "Runescape:Rules of Conduct:Rule 15-Advert Blocking". Jagex. 2006. Retrieved 2006-08-11. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  14. Letter Archives - RuneScape.com. Retrieved 31 July 2006.
  15. "How gaming is all work and no play". BBC News. 2006-03-14. Retrieved 2006-08-07. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  16. "Rune to move". Guardian Unlimited. 2003-12-11. Retrieved 2006-08-08. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  17. Gasperazzo, Wendy (2006). "Runescape". Just RPG. Retrieved 2006-08-08. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  18. Hurd, Gordon (2006-05-08). "The Rundown on Runescape". Yahoo Buzz Log. Retrieved 2006-08-08. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  19. Sutherns, Mark (2003-12). "Runescape 2: browser-based Goblin basher goes 3D". PC Gamer UK, issue 129. Future Publishing. p. 145. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  20. ^ Archae The Great (2002-03-19). "RuneScape: "It could be ALOT better but it's still fun"". Gamespot GameFAQs. Retrieved 2006-08-09. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |accessyear=, |month=, |accessmonthday=, and |coauthors= (help)
  21. Mihalick (2006-01-17). "Runescape". ONRPG. Retrieved 2006-08-09. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |accessyear=, |month=, |accessmonthday=, and |coauthors= (help)
  22. ciruiz88 (2002-06-14). "RuneScape:"Addicting as hell... but with room for improvements"". Gamespot GameFAQs. Retrieved 2006-08-09. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |accessyear=, |month=, |accessmonthday=, and |coauthors= (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  23. "Over 15000 RuneScape accounts banned for cheating" - RuneScape Customer Support News 19 January 2006. Retrieved 30 July 2006.
  24. Game Engine update - RuneScape Customer Support News 16 May 2006. Retrieved 31 July 2006
  25. Jagex (2006). "RuneScape:Benefits for Members". Jagex. Retrieved 2006-08-09. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |accessyear=, |month=, |accessmonthday=, and |coauthors= (help)
  26. "New Improved Game Guide Released" - RuneScape.com, 13 March 2006. Retrieved 24 July 2006.
  27. ^ Black_Cheese (2006-02-27). "RuneScape: "It's fun for a while, but it gets old pretty quickly"". Gamespot GameFAQs. Retrieved 2006-08-09. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |accessyear=, |month=, |accessmonthday=, and |coauthors= (help)
  28. Cloud8976 (2005-03-30). "RuneScape". GamersInfo. Retrieved 2006-08-10. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |accessyear=, |month=, |accessmonthday=, and |coauthors= (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)

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