Old School RuneScape
News, coverage and analysis tracking Old School RuneScape across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Massively Overthinking: Does the MMORPG genre have a nostalgia problem?
This article discusses whether the MMORPG genre suffers from a nostalgia problem, with various writers debating the trend of classic servers and re-releases. While some see it as a financial crutch or a sign of stagnation, others view it as a valid form of game preservation or a necessary move in a risk-averse industry. The discussion highlights differing player attitudes and the potential for these throwback experiences to coexist with innovation.
Old School RuneScape takes a zero tolerance stance on crypto-fueled market manipulation
Jagex has implemented a zero-tolerance policy against the use of cryptocurrency for trading or profiting from in-game items in Old School RuneScape. The studio will take account-level actions against players caught manipulating the market for real-world gain. In other news, developers previewed an upcoming Graveyard agility course with new rewards.
Crypto traders rigged the market of classic MMO Old School RuneScape, so its developers came out with a "zero-tolerance" policy on market manipulation
Jagex has implemented a zero-tolerance policy against cryptocurrency-driven market manipulation in Old School RuneScape. The developer will take action against accounts influencing the in-game economy for real financial gain, classifying such activities as banned real-world trading.
MMO Week in Review: Foreverrrrr
BlizzCon 2026 saw major announcements including a new open-world StarCraft shooter, Diablo V for 2029, and World of Warcraft Forever launching soon. The event also revealed World of Warcraft's next retail expansion, The Last Titan, and sparked controversy over World of Warcraft Forever's monetization. Other news included the sunsetting of Ship of Heroes, layoffs at Pantheon Rise of the Fallen, and business dealings involving ArcheAge.
OpenAI employee takes down ChatGPT-coded RuneScape clone following Jagex cease-and-desist
OpenAI employee Rohan Varma has taken down Elderwood, an AI-coded RuneScape clone, following community backlash and a cease-and-desist request from Jagex. Varma, who worked on OpenAI's Codex project, used the AI tool to build the game, which closely resembled Old School RuneScape. The clone was active for only a few days before being shut down due to copyright concerns.
ChatGPT employee’s vibecoded Old School RuneScape ripoff lived for three days before a legal takedown
A game called Elderwood, created by a ChatGPT employee, was taken down by Jagex after only three days of operation due to copyright infringement concerns. The game, which was an "AI vibecoded" ripoff of Old School RuneScape, was developed quickly and cheaply using AI tools. The swift shutdown was met with celebration by the RuneScape community.
"What in the vibe-coded s*** is this" - RuneScape players revolt as gen-AI copycat game appears and eventually attracts the eye of Jagex
An AI-generated clone of Old School RuneScape, named Elderwood and created by an OpenAI employee, has been shut down following a notice from Jagex. The clone sparked significant backlash from the RuneScape community due to its blatant copying and concerns about generative AI's impact on the game, particularly regarding bots. While the clone offered new areas and features, its operation was discontinued after community outcry and Jagex's intervention.
Humanity's best friend is coming to Old School RuneScape, and seeing a low-poly shiba has me temporally disoriented
Jagex has introduced a new members-only quest in Old School RuneScape called 'A Ruff Situation,' allowing players to adopt and raise puppies. These dogs can eventually assist in Treasure Trails by digging for steps. The update also includes a separate quest enabling players to talk to crabs.
Old School RuneScape adds a litter of new in-game dogs with its latest quest
Old School RuneScape has released a new quest called 'A Ruff Situation' which introduces 12 new dog breeds and allows players to raise puppies for assistance in treasure trails or as companions. The update also includes a quest involving talking crabs, adjustments to elemental amulets, and a preview of upcoming PvP challenges. Additionally, a video digest revealed plans to hold off on Bronzeman mode due to player polling and provided an update on the Fractured Archive raid.
Former Old School RuneScape developer sentenced to 150 hours community service for in-game gold theft
A former Jagex developer, Andrew Lakeman, has been sentenced to 150 hours of community service and a suspended prison sentence for stealing nearly $500,000 worth of in-game gold and items from Old School RuneScape players. The court found him guilty of theft, emphasizing that virtual theft is prosecutable. Separately, RuneScape is beta testing Vulkan rendering engine support.
8-year Old School RuneScape saga comes to a close with former dev sentenced for stealing $400K in gold and items from…
Former Jagex employee Andrew Lakeman has been sentenced to three years in prison, suspended for two years, for stealing over $400,000 worth of in-game gold and items from Old School RuneScape players. Lakeman used developer tools to access and sell player assets, a crime discovered by Jagex in 2018. The sentencing highlights the legal system's adaptation to virtual asset theft.
Former Old School Runescape dev sentenced for stealing from players to cash in over $400,000 in "black market" payouts
A former Old School RuneScape developer, Andrew Lakeman (also known as Jed Sanderson or 'Mod Jed'), has received a three-year suspended sentence for stealing in-game gold and items from players and selling them on the black market for approximately $490,000. Jagex fired Lakeman in 2018 after discovering his actions, which involved misusing his moderator privileges. The investigation by Cambridgeshire Police led to Lakeman pleading guilty and receiving a suspended sentence, community service, and a rehabilitation requirement, with efforts underway to recoup the stolen funds.
Court sentences disgraced Old School RuneScape dev who stole players' gold and "banked more than…
Former Old School RuneScape developer Andrew Lakeman has been sentenced to a three-year suspended sentence for stealing over £300,000 worth of in-game gold and items from player accounts. The court ruled that OSRS gold can legally be defined as 'property' subject to criminal theft, setting a potential precedent for virtual asset cases.
Old School RuneScape’s latest summer sweep-up features new amulets and other item-centric tweaks
Jagex has released a new patch for Old School RuneScape focused on item-centric changes and quality-of-life improvements. The update introduces new magic amulets and the Necklace of Fangs, alongside adjustments to items like surge potions and shark lures. It also includes tweaks for Deadman mode, bug fixes, and inventory locking for the seed vault.
The Big Question: What's your video game happy place?
Several Eurogamer staff members share their personal 'happy places' in video games, discussing titles that offer comfort, nostalgia, or a sense of accomplishment. These range from the expansive exploration of No Man's Sky and the challenging yet meditative worlds of FromSoftware games to the simple joys found in games like Super Mario 64 and Rollercoaster Tycoon Classic.
Old School RuneScape highlights PvP boot camp and LAN party, talks up its origins and writing
Old School RuneScape is highlighting community events including a PvP Bootcamp and a LAN party streamed event. The game's narrative designer discussed writing and quests, while the creative director shared the origins of the 2007 server that launched the game and its growth through player feedback.
Old School RuneScape began when a dev 'found the 2007 server in their desk drawer:' 13 years later, it's setting subscriber records for the long-lived MMO
Old School RuneScape, a 2013 fork of the original RuneScape, has achieved record subscriber numbers, surpassing even the original game's peak in 2007. Creative director Kieren Charles revealed that the 2007 server build was found in a desk drawer, and the game's development is now heavily community-driven through player votes. Jagex senior communications manager Danni Amos also contributed insights into the game's origins.
Massively Overthinking: How important is an auction house in MMORPGs?
MMORPG developers and players discuss the critical importance of auction houses and asynchronous trading systems. While some older MMORPGs succeeded without them, modern titles often rely on these features to facilitate player economies and trade, with their absence significantly impacting player experience and engagement.
Old School Runescape Officially Recognizes Player Who Reached Level 99 Fishing Catching Only Shrimp and Anchovies
The official Old School RuneScape X account has acknowledged a player who achieved level 99 in the Fishing skill by exclusively catching shrimp and anchovies. This marks a notable in-game accomplishment recognized by the developers.
Old School RuneScape continues to refine Agility as one player achieves 99 Fishing with shrimp
Old School RuneScape's latest patch introduces adjustments to the Agility skill, including new shortcuts and course tweaks. The update also features further modifications to the Chambers of Xeric loot pool and the Wyrmscraig location. Separately, a player named Bosby achieved the maximum level 99 in Fishing by exclusively catching shrimp and anchovies over two years.
