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{{Infobox video game
| title = RuneScape
| image = [[File:Runescape-Logo.png|250px|RuneScape logo]]
| caption = RuneScape's Logo since 1 July 2008
| developer = [[Jagex|Jagex Ltd.]]
| designer = [[Andrew Gower]], Paul Gower
| publisher=Jagex Ltd.
| released = ''RuneScape Classic (beta)'': <br /> 4 January 2001<br />''RuneScape 2'': <br /> 17 March 2004<br />''RuneScape HD'': <br /> 14 July 2008
| engine = RuneTek 5 (proprietary engine)
| genre = [[Fantasy]] [[Massively multiplayer online role-playing game|MMORPG]]
| modes = [[Multiplayer video game|Multiplayer]]
| platforms = [[Java Platform]]
| media = Web interface ([[Java (software platform)#Platform|Java]])
| requirements = Minimum: 128 MB [[Random access memory|RAM]], 500&nbsp;MHz [[CPU]]<br />
High Detail: 256 MB RAM, 1.5&nbsp;GHz CPU, [[Nvidia]] [[GeForce 3 Series|GeForce3]] or equivalent [[graphics card]]<ref name="HDRequirements"/>
| input = [[Keyboard (computing)|Keyboard]], [[Mouse (computing)|Mouse]]
}}
'''''RuneScape''''' is a [[fantasy]] [[massively multiplayer online role-playing game]] (MMORPG) released in January 2001 by [[Andrew Gower|Andrew]] and Paul Gower,<ref name="ProquestGower"/> and developed by [[Jagex|Jagex Ltd.]] It is a [[graphical game|graphical]] [[browser game]] implemented on the [[client (computing)|client-side]] in [[Java (programming language)|Java]], and incorporates [[3D rendering]]. The game has approximately 10&nbsp;million active accounts, over 130&nbsp;million registered accounts,<ref name="TechRadar"/> and is recognised by the [[Guinness World Records]] as the world's most popular free MMORPG.<ref name="Guinness Records"/>

''RuneScape'' takes place in the world of Gielinor, a medieval fantasy realm divided into different kingdoms, regions, and cities.<ref name="GodLettersIssue16"/><ref name="WorldMap"/> Players can travel throughout Gielinor on foot, through use of [[magic (fantasy)|magical]] teleportation spells and devices, and via numerous other methods, such as charter ships.<ref name="Transportation"/> Each region offers different types of monsters, resources, and quests to challenge players. The game's [[fictional universe]] has also been explored through a [[tie-in]] video game on its maker's other website, ''[[FunOrb]]'', ''Armies of Gielinor'',<ref name="AOG"/> and a novel, ''Betrayal at Falador''.<ref name="BetrayalAtFalador"/>

Players are represented in the game with customisable [[avatar (computing)|avatars]]. ''RuneScape'' does not follow a [[linear gameplay|linear]] storyline; rather, players set their own goals and objectives. Players can choose to fight [[non-player character]] (NPC) monsters, complete [[quest (gaming)|quests]], or increase their [[Experience point|experience]] in the available skills.<ref name="WSJKnights"/> Players interact with each other through trading, [[conversation|chatting]], or by participating in [[mini-games]] and activities, some of which are competitive or combative in nature, while others require cooperative or collaborative play.

The first public version of ''RuneScape'' was released on 4 January 2001 in [[software release life cycle#Beta|beta]] form,<ref name="ProquestGower"/> and in December 2001, Jagex was formed to manage the game.<ref name="AboutJagex"/> As the game's popularity grew, the [[game engine]] was rewritten, and its beta was opened to paying players on 1 December 2003 under the name "RuneScape 2". It was renamed ''RuneScape'' upon its stable release on 29 March 2004.<ref name="RS2Launch"/>

==History and development==
[[Andrew Gower]] developed ''RuneScape'' with the assistance of his brother Paul Gower.<ref name="ProquestGower"/> It was originally conceived as a text-based [[MUD]], but graphics were incorporated early in development, adding it to the ranks of what were then known as "[[graphical MUD]]s".<ref name="runescapeqa"/><ref name="warcryrunescape"/> The first public version of the game utilised a mixture of [[3D computer graphics|three-dimensional]] and [[2D computer graphics|two-dimensional]] [[sprite (computer graphics)|sprites]]. It was released as a beta version on 4 January 2001, and originally operated out of their parents' house in [[Nottingham]].<ref name="ProquestGower"/> In December 2001, the Gower brothers, along with Constant Tedder, formed [[Jagex Games Studio|Jagex]] to take over the business aspects of running ''RuneScape''.<ref name="AboutJagex"/> Among its early innovations Jagex developed an [[interpreted language|interpreted]] [[Domain-specific language|domain-specific]] [[scripting language]] called RuneScript, which is used by ''RuneScape's'' server for [[event handling]].<ref name="IDGNews"/> On 27 February 2002, a monthly membership service was introduced, allowing access to additional features including new areas, quests, and items not available to free users.<ref name="AboutJagex"/>

As the game gained more users, Jagex began planning major changes.<ref name="BiggestUpdate"/> The developers rewrote the game engine, producing a new version of the game with entirely three-dimensional graphics called ''RuneScape 2''. A [[development stage|beta version]] of ''RuneScape 2'' was released to paying members for a testing period beginning on 1 December 2003, and ending on 29 March 2004.<ref name="RS2Launch"/> Upon its official release, ''RuneScape 2'' was renamed simply ''RuneScape'', while the older version of the game was kept online under the name ''RuneScape Classic''. On 12 January 2006, Jagex [[ban (law)#Banning in games and Internet Forums|banned]] more than 5000 ''Classic'' [[user account|accounts]] for cheating. To prevent further cheating, ''RuneScape Classic'' was closed to new accounts, and access was restricted to accounts who had played ''Classic'' at least once between 3 August 2005 and 12 January 2006.<ref name="classic restrict"/>

[[File:Runescapeclassic combat ranged.gif|thumb|left|Ranged combat in ''RuneScape Classic'']]
To support ''RuneScape's'' free content, [[Online advertising|advertisements]] appear on a [[Web banner|banner]] above the playing screen on the [[free-to-play]] servers. Since computer users may use [[ad filtering|advertisement blockers]], which may discourage advertisers, Jagex introduced a rule that prohibits players from blocking these advertisements.<ref name="RulesHonour"/> On 13 July 2006, Jagex signed an exclusive marketing and distribution contract with [[WildTangent]] Games,<ref name="wildtangent"/> which granted WildTangent the right to handle advertising in and around ''RuneScape'' in the United States, and to distribute ''RuneScape'' through the WildTangent Games Network,<ref name="wildtangent"/> reaching over 20&nbsp;million consumer PCs.<ref name="MediaBuyerPlanner"/>

On 16 May 2006, Jagex upgraded ''RuneScape's'' [[game engine]], improving the game's loading times and reducing its [[random-access memory|memory]] requirements.<ref name="EngineUpgrade2006"/> The engine was upgraded again on 26 June 2007 to allow the addition of future content.<ref name="EngineUpgrade2007"/> On 1 July 2008, Jagex released a beta of their "High Detail" mode for members, which was extended to free players two weeks later.<ref name="RuneScape High Detail Debut"/> Before the launch, Jagex stated that it would be officially revealed at the 2008 [[E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo)|E3 trade show]].<ref name="RuneScape High Detail Announcement"/>

In September 2009, it was announced that ''RuneScape Classic'' would be re-opened to the public, including a feature where players could rent and administer their own [[server emulator|server]], giving them the ability to allow or ban any player of their choice, as well as enabling or disabling [[cheat code]]s they want.<ref name="RetroRevival"/> The game was re-opened for two weeks on 11 November 2009, and again for two weeks on 1 June 2010, to paying ''RuneScape'' members, who were told they would be permitted to continue playing ''Classic'' after that time provided they had logged in during the two-week period.<ref name="ReOpened1"/><ref name="ReOpened2"/>

On 8 October 2009, ''RuneScape'' was launched in India through the gaming [[web portal|portal]] [[Zapak]], which is responsible for the game's marketing and distribution. Rob Smith, Jagex's [[chief operating officer]], described India as "an important market for [Jagex]."<ref name="RSIndia"/> On 27 May 2010, it was announced that ''RuneScape'' would be served in France and Germany through the gaming portal [[Bigpoint Games]], which Oliver Kern, Jagex's head of online strategy, described as "an excellent addition to [Bigpoint's] games portal."<ref name="Bigpoint"/>

===Servers===
[[File:RuneScape server locations.svg|thumb|300px|''RuneScape'' server locations]]
{{As of|August 2009}} there were 171 English ''RuneScape'' [[server (computing)|servers]] located throughout the world, which are numbered and referred to as ''worlds'' by players and by [[Jagex]]. They are located in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Australia, Sweden, Finland, Belgium, Ireland, Norway, Denmark, New Zealand, Mexico, France and India.<!-- Brazilian servers are located in Las Vegas, Nevada. The German servers are currently located in Sweden and the Netherlands; please do not add Germany or Brazil. --><ref name="countries"/><ref name="worldlist"/> The large number of servers scattered around the world provides the best connection for players in the most cost-effective manner. Servers are moved or added as the need arises.<ref name="ServerRelocated"/>

Each ''RuneScape'' server allows up to 2,000 players to log in simultaneously,<ref name="servercap"/> allowing a maximum capacity of more than 340,000 players. The servers are divided into free servers which are available for all players, and servers which are reserved for paying members. Some servers are given activity labels, allowing players performing tasks that require or desire group participation to group together.<ref name="themed servers"/> In addition to the ''RuneScape'' servers, there are three servers for ''RuneScape Classic''.<ref name="ClassicServers"/>

===Other languages===
On 14 February 2007, Jagex released a German open beta translation of ''RuneScape''.<ref name="GermanRelease"/> A French translation was introduced on 10 December 2008,<ref name="FrenchRelease"/> and a [[Brazilian Portuguese]] translation was released on 24 July 2009.<ref name="BrazilRelease"/> There are five German ''RuneScape'' servers,<ref name="GermanServers"/> two French servers,<ref name="FrenchServers"/> and five Brazilian Portuguese servers.<ref name="BrazilServers"/>

In an interview in May 2008, former Jagex CEO Geoff Iddison stated that, "We do plan to go East with it [RuneScape] to the Asian market and the Eastern European market too" [...] "''RuneScape'' is not for Japan, but it could work well in Malaysia for example. And where's India in all this? I think ''RuneScape'' is a game that would be adopted in the English-speaking Indian world and the local-speaking Indian world. We're looking at all those markets individually."<ref name="MMOWeekIddison"/> ''RuneScape'' later launched in India through the gaming portal Zapak in October 2009.<ref name="RSIndia"/>

==Gameplay==
[[File:Runescape HUD.PNG|thumb|right|A screenshot of the typical user interface in ''RuneScape'']]
Players begin in a secluded area, where they are taken through a [[tutorial]], a set path where they learn the most basic skills in ''RuneScape''.<ref name="getting_started"/> After the tutorial, players have access to tutors and advisors located in the towns they explore, who can give players appropriate information about their respective skills.<ref name="Tutors"/> When the tutorial was introduced on 24 September 2002, it was set on a secluded island, called "Tutorial Island".<ref name="TutorialIsland"/> A new tutorial was briefly introduced on 14 July 2008,<ref name="ThreeCheers"/> but the original tutorial was reinstated before being replaced again on 17 September 2009.<ref name="Advisors"/>

Players set their own goals and objectives as they play the game. They can train their in-game skills, engage [[non-player character]] (NPC) monsters and other players in combat and complete [[quest (gaming)|quests]] at their discretion.<ref name="WSJKnights"/> Players interact with each other through trading, [[conversation|chatting]], or by participating in [[mini-games]].

===Skills===
The 25 skills in ''RuneScape'' enable players to perform various activities within the game, allowing for interaction with NPCs, the environment and other players. Players gain [[experience point]]s in a skill when they utilise it. For example, [[mining]] an ore trains the mining skill, and when the player accumulates enough experience points in the skill, their character will "level up".<ref name="Statistics"/> As the skill level rises, the ability to retrieve better [[raw materials]] and produce better products increases, as does the experience awarded if the player utilises new abilities. The total skill level of a player partly symbolises the player's status in the game and the official ''RuneScape'' [[high score]] tables can be viewed by anyone. Upon reaching the highest available level in a skill, members may buy a special [[cape]] known as a "Cape of Accomplishment" or a "Skill Cape", to symbolise their achievement.<ref name="SkillCapes"/>

Some skills, such as [[woodcutting]] and [[fishing]], enable the player to collect raw materials that can be processed into usable items for other skills, such as [[fletching]] and [[cooking]] respectively. The items created can be used by the player or sold to shops and other players. Other skills allow players to kill certain NPCs, build their own houses, move around the map with greater ease, [[theft|steal]] from various NPCs, [[market stall]]s and chests located in-game, cook their own food, create their own [[potion]]s, [[crafting|craft]] runestones and [[weapons]], [[agriculture|plant]] their own plants, [[hunting|hunt]] NPC animals, [[raid (military)|raid]] [[dungeon]]s, and [[summoning|summon]] [[familiar spirit|familiars]] to assist in combat and training skills.<ref name="Skills"/>

===Combat===
''RuneScape'' features a [[real-time]] combat system. Combat is an important aspect of the game, allowing players to retrieve items or gold dropped by defeated creatures or players. Combat is also necessary to complete many quests. A combat level gives an indication of how powerful a player or NPC is in combat. For players, it is determined by applying a [[formula|mathematical formula]] to the eight combat skills.<ref name="FightingBasics"/> Players engage in combat by [[point-and-click|clicking]] on the enemy they want their character to attack. A player character will automatically continue fighting until they kill their opponent, die, or retreat from the fight. Most of the game's weapons are medieval or fantastical in nature, and feature different strengths and weaknesses. Players may also summon a familiar to assist with combat,<ref name="SummoningBasics"/> and use potions and the Prayer skill to boost their combat ability and defences.

Combat is subdivided into three main categories: [[Melee#Use in gaming|melee]], [[magic (gaming)|magic]] and [[ranging|ranged]]. Melee attacks are close range with or without weapons,<ref name="MeleeBasics"/> magic attacks focus on using runestones to cast spells,<ref name="MagicBasics"/> and ranged attacks use projectile weapons like [[arrow]]s, [[dart (missile)|darts]] or [[throwing knife|knives]].<ref name="RangedBasics"/> These combat types make up the "Combat Triangle"; melee attacks are effective against ranged opponents, ranged attacks are effective against magic opponents and magic attacks are effective against melee opponents.<ref name="CombatTriangle"/> The advantages and disadvantages of the combat triangle apply to both NPCs and player opponents. Unlike most games in the [[massively multiplayer online role-playing game|MMORPG]] genre, ''RuneScape'' does not require players to choose a [[character class]] nor are players bound to a specific category of combat. They may freely change between the three styles of combat by switching weapons and armour. Players can even carry the weapons and armour of more than one combat category in their inventories, and switch between or combine the styles.<ref name="CombatTriangle"/>

Players die when their [[health (gaming)|life points]] are reduced to zero. Lost life points can be recovered by eating food or drinking certain liquids. Players who die reappear at one of four [[spawning (computer gaming)|respawn points]] with their life points, and other reduced skill levels restored; however, they drop all but their three most valuable items.<ref name="FightingBasics"/> The items dropped form a [[gravestone]], and they can be retrieved if the player can return to the gravestone before it crumbles within a certain time limit. Players can purchase longer lasting gravestones, and fellow players can repair or bless a gravestone to make it last longer as well.<ref name="DeathInRS"/> However, there are situations in which all items will be lost upon death.<ref name="FightingBasics"/>

====Player versus player combat====
[[Player versus player]] combat (sometimes called PvP combat) can be performed in specific controlled mini-games and worlds. The ''Duel Arena'' offers limited [[gambling|staking]],<ref name="DuelArena"/> while other PvP games offer their own rewards. PvP worlds allow players to engage in combat almost anywhere in Gielinor.

Before December 2007, Player Killers were players that went to an area known as the Wilderness to fight other players within a certain combat level range, hoping to kill them and gain their items.<ref name="PKingSpots"/> In December 2007, the Wilderness was altered to prevent players from transferring in-game items for [[virtual economy|real-world currency]].<ref name="rwtdevdiary"/> PvP combat was removed from the Wilderness and temporarily restricted to new mini-games named ''Bounty Hunter'' and ''Clan Wars''.<ref name="BountyHunter1"/> ''Bounty Hunter'' was replaced by special ''Bounty Worlds'' on 6 May 2009.<ref name="BountyWorlds"/>

Players can engage each other in combat almost anywhere on ''PvP Worlds'',<ref name="PvPWorlds2"/> similar to ''RuneScape Classic'' where players could opt-in to PvP in most areas outside of Lumbridge.<ref name="PvPWorlds1"/> Players can fight almost anywhere in Gielinor, as long as their combat levels are within a certain range of each other. However, various "safe areas" prohibit combat. If a player dies on a PvP world, they will lose the items they are carrying. When a player kills an opponent, the victorious player can claim items as a reward. To prevent players from using these worlds to transfer in-game items for real currency, the reward given depends on, amongst other factors, the combat levels of the combatants, as well as the value of any items they carry.<ref name="PvPWorlds1"/><ref name="PvPWorlds3"/>

On special ''Bounty Worlds'', players are confined to the Wilderness; the rest of Gielinor is closed off. These worlds have the same conditions as other PvP worlds, but with the addition of a [[bounty hunting|bounty system]]. In addition to fighting anyone whose combat level falls within a certain range, players may also be assigned specific targets to kill, and will receive a greater reward than usual for killing these targets.<ref name="PvPWorlds3"/> In addition, some ''Bounty Worlds'' are marked as "+1 Worlds". If a player dies while logged into a +1 World, they will retain the most valuable item they are carrying.<ref name="PvPWorlds3"/>

===Quests===
[[Quest (gaming)|Quests]] are series of tasks with a storyline that players can choose to complete. These often have requirements including minimum levels in certain skills, combat levels, quest points and/or the completion of other quests. Some quests require players to work together, and many require players to kill particularly powerful [[monster]]s. Quests are grouped into categories based on requirements and difficulty.<ref name="BeginnersGuide"/> Once a player completes all quests in the game, an achievement cape, called the "quest point cape", can be purchased from an NPC.<ref name="SkillCapes"/> New quests are released periodically.

Players receive various rewards for completing a quest. Rewards depend on the quest's difficulty and include gold coins, unique items, access to new areas, increases in skill experience and/or quest points. Quests form the storyline of ''RuneScape'', and are part of a series of quests that become increasingly difficult. The longest and oldest of these is an incomplete eight-part series known as "Plague City," which was started in 2002. The storyline takes players through a [[conspiracy (political)|conspiracy]] and unlocks areas inhabited by [[Elf|elves]].<ref name="MultiPartQuest"/>

===Interaction===
NPCs populate the realm of Gielinor. Some NPCs, such as shopkeepers and characters in quests, are unavailable for combat. However, most NPCs can be attacked and these are generally referred to as monsters. Monsters range from common, low-level creatures, such as [[chicken]]s and [[goblin]]s, to unique and often much more powerful monsters, such as the King Black Dragon, Kalphite Queen, TzTok-Jad, or the Corporeal Beast.<ref name="UseBestiary"/>

Each type of monster has its own strengths and weaknesses. [[Demon]]s, for example, have a weak defence against magical attacks, while most [[dragon]]s have extremely high defence against magic. Monsters may either be [[aggressive]] or non-aggressive. Non-aggressive monsters ignore players unless attacked, while aggressive monsters may attack all players or may only attack players with combat levels below a specified level, depending on the circumstances or location. This can make certain areas throughout Gielinor dangerous or inconvenient to players with lower combat levels.<ref name="UseBestiary"/>

''RuneScape'' also features independent [[mini-game]]s, although most are only available to paying members. Mini-games take place in certain areas and normally involve specific in-game skills, and usually require players to cooperate or to compete with each other. Examples of these mini-games include ''Castle Wars'', which is similar to the real-life game [[Capture the Flag]], ''Pest Control'', a highly combat-focused mini-game, and ''Fist of Guthix'', where one player (the hunter) tries to stop another player (the hunted) from collecting charges into a magical stone.<ref name="mini-games"/>

===Random events===
[[File:Runescapehd randomevents drilldemon.gif|thumb|right|A player participates in the Drill Demon random event, designed to deter macros]]
Random events are short interludes that occur during the game, requiring player input.<ref name="random events"/> They were introduced to deter players from using automated programs, known as [[macro (computer science)|macros]] or [[computer game bot|bots]].<ref name="random sop"/>

When a player receives a random event, they will be teleported to a secluded area, and must complete the event before they are allowed to leave. The likelihood of a player receiving a random event is based on the player's total skill level, as well as their past success in dealing with random events.<ref name="RandomUpdate"/> Players are rewarded for responding correctly to random events.<ref name="random events"/>

On 25 February 2009, several random events were either altered or removed from the game.<ref name="RandomUpdate"/> Jagex had previously stated that it intended to reassess the random event system because "the threat of bots and macros has been largely removed."<ref name="random sop"/>

===Economy===
The main form of [[currency]] in ''RuneScape'' is gold coins.<ref name="Shops1"/> Players can trade items and gold coins with each other, either through a face-to-face trade,<ref name="ControlsTrading"/> or by using a large automated marketplace known as the Grand Exchange.<ref name="Grand Exchange"/> Players using the Grand Exchange can buy and sell items within a set price range, which is governed by an overall market price. This market price is adjusted based on the prices of exchanged items on the Grand Exchange.<ref name="Grand Exchange"/>

Shops in ''RuneScape'' will adjust the prices of their items based on stock levels; a shop with higher or lower stock levels will lower and raise the prices it charges for items respectively. To prevent players from buying items in shops and selling them on the Grand Exchange for profit, shop prices are also adjusted as the market price rises or falls.<ref name="Shops1"/>

===Chat system===
The chat system enables players to [[conversation|communicate]] with each other. Public Chat broadcasts text to players in the local area on one server, both by text appearing above the speaker's head and in the message box. Clan Chat broadcasts text in the message box to only those players logged in to a special virtual channel. Players in the channel can be on any ''RuneScape'' world. Each Clan Chat channel has an owner, who can assign different ranks to individual players; players' ranks dictate their ability to talk in the channel or to remove other players from the channel.<ref name="ClanChat"/> Private Chat allows for one-to-one communication through a player-controlled Friends List. Quick Chat allows players to choose from a list of prearranged messages to send as Public Chat, Clan Chat, or Private Chat.<ref name="GeneralChatControls"/>

Safeguards protect users from receiving verbal abuse; the most proactive of these safeguards is a [[word filter]], which replaces specific words and phrases with asterisks. Players also have access to a personal Ignore List, which prevents them from seeing messages from any player they add to the list.<ref name="GeneralChatControls"/>

Players found to have used inappropriate language in the game may be muted temporarily or permanently, either by a Jagex staff member or by a player who has been granted Player Moderator status. Muted players are unable to talk freely, but may still use the Quick Chat system.<ref name="GeneralChatControls"/>

Any player who admits to being under the age of 13 cannot talk freely within the game, and can only use Quick Chat until their 13th birthday, unless they have parental consent to do otherwise.<ref name="ParentsGuide"/> There are also special servers on which players can only use Quick Chat to communicate.<ref name="themed servers"/>

==Graphics and sound==
''RuneScape'' can be run with varying levels of graphical detail. High-detail graphics enhance texture and design, while low-detail graphics provide a cleaner look and can reduce lag on less powerful computers. The game's graphics have gone through two major overhauls, the first of which began on 22 February 2005, with graphical updates to two different towns.<ref name="FirstGraphicsChange"/> The second overhaul was released on 1 July 2008, with the release of "RuneScape HD".<ref name="RuneScape High Detail Debut"/>

''RuneScape'' features a character-customisation system. Unlike many [[massively multiplayer online role-playing game|MMORPGs]], [[player character|characters]] are always human; however, players may choose the gender, hairstyle, body type, facial features, skin colour, and clothing options.<ref name="getting_started"/> Appearance is further complemented by wearing or wielding items. Players can express [[emotion]]s through the use of specialised animations called emotes, some of which are standard and others earned through gameplay or released during holiday events.<ref name="ControlsOptions"/> Standard weapons of the same class, such as [[sword]]s, use the same set of animations in combat, while special weapons have their own, distinctive animations.

On 1 July 2008, Jagex released a beta version of a major graphical update for paying members, referred to as "RuneScape HD".<ref name="HDBetaRelease"/> Notable additions included a full-screen mode, new [[texture mapping|textures]] and shadows, and an increased level of detail.<ref name="NewLookRS"/> On 14 July, the HD version came out of beta and was made available to free players.<ref name="HDFullRelease"/> To avoid causing problems for players with lower-performance computers, the previous "Low Detail" and "High Detail" modes were combined into a default option called "RuneScape", alongside the new "RuneScape HD".<ref name="MMOWeekIddison"/> These options were later renamed as "Standard Detail" and "High Detail".<ref name="DetailRename"/>

''RuneScape'' uses a [[game engine|graphics engine]] called "RuneTek 5", which provides support for multiple graphics platforms such as DirectX, [[OpenGL]] and [[video game console]]s, as well as graphical effects such as [[skybox (video games)|sky boxes]], [[bloom (shader effect)|bloom lighting]]<ref name="RuneTek"/><ref name="RuneTek5Engine"/> and [[Z-buffering]].<ref name="ZBuffering"/> The high-detail version incorporates [[hardware acceleration]] and can be rendered using either [[Java OpenGL]]<ref name="OpenGLLicense"/> or [[DirectX]],<ref name="RSTrailer"/><ref name="DirectX"/> while Standard Detail can be run on computers running the [[Microsoft Windows|Windows operating system]].<ref name="SDUpdate"/>

''RuneScape'' has music, [[sound effect]]s, and ambient noises throughout Gielinor. The music is designed to define the underlying cultures of the various locations accessible. Sound effects, such as the "sploosh" heard when a lobster trap is submerged in water, are heard as players train their skills. Ambient noises, such as the cry of [[seagull]]s flying over the [[ocean]], occur in logical places.<ref name="RSAudioTeam"/> On 21 April 2010, [[voice acting]] was added to the game's tutorial.<ref name="Voices1"/><ref name="Voices2"/> On 18 October 2010, RuneScape's game engine was updated to allow "real world" sound effects, replacing the [[synthesiser|synthesised]] sounds used previously.<ref name="RealSounds"/>

==Community==
[[File:Runescape fanart.jpg|thumb|right|Artwork drawn by a fan in a setting based in ''RuneScape'']]
A set of official [[Internet forum|forums]] are provided by Jagex on the ''RuneScape'' website. On the forums, players are able to participate in game discussions, take part in player-made [[forum game]]s, arrange to buy or sell items, post suggestions for game improvements, vote in [[opinion poll|polls]], and otherwise interact with the community. Unlike many MMORPG official forums, the ''RuneScape'' forums have limited features. A user can set an avatar and have a separate display name,<ref name="DisplayNames"/><ref name="ForumAvatar"/> but cannot set an automatic [[signature]]. User profiles only display the number of posts a user has made along with the option to disable [[smiley]]s. Users cannot use text formatting, post links, nor display images.<ref name="salsforumguide"/> The privilege of posting on the forums is limited to paying members, as well as free players with a total level exceeding 500.<ref name="ForumPosting"/>

Beginning 24 September 2002, players could submit questions via [[e-mail]] to the ''RuneScape'' [[deity|gods]], which were published in the form of letters; the last edition of these letters was published on 9 December 2004.<ref name="SaradominEnlightens"/> On 26 September 2005, a new feature known as ''Postbag from the Hedge'' was introduced, where players can submit questions via e-mail to a [[non-player character]] in the game.<ref name="ReadersLetters"/> Players can also submit original ''RuneScape'' related artwork, some of which is displayed in a gallery on the ''RuneScape'' website. Media featured has included [[sculpture]]s, comics, drawings, and paintings.<ref name="PlayersGallery"/>

Each Easter, [[Thanksgiving]], [[Halloween]], and Christmas, Jagex hosts a holiday event in a specific location in Gielinor. Players who successfully complete the required tasks during the event receive a reward such as an item or an emote, allowing the player character to perform a gesture conveying an emotion.<ref name="holidayitems"/> Holiday items released after Christmas 2002 can be retrieved if lost. Earlier holiday items such as partyhats can be traded between players and sell for large amounts of gold on the player market.<ref name="WhitePartyhatPrice"/>

Various ''RuneScape'' [[fansite]]s have been established by players, which provide players with information about the game.<ref name="Fansites"/> In the early days of ''RuneScape'', the official website had a page which listed links to several fansites, but has since been removed.<ref name="runelinks"/> In order to provide players with an alternative, official site, to get the information they want or need, Jagex introduced the [[Knowledge Base]],<ref name="KnowledgeBase"/> which offers information on gameplay, the main ''RuneScape'' rules, and account security.<ref name="WelcomeToKB"/> For account security reasons, Jagex discourages the discussion of fansites within the game or the official forums – and a rule specifically prohibits sharing [[Uniform Resource Locator|web addresses]].<ref name="RulesSecurity"/> A major fansite has criticised Jagex for not recognising fansites' contributions to the development of its game.<ref name="WhoNeedsFansites"/> However, as a result of announcements made in 2009, Jagex has promised to increase communication with fansites.<ref name="FansitesTies"/>

===Rules and cheating===
Jagex has employed rules for player conduct, such as rules against offensive language, [[confidence trick|scamming]], and [[software bug|bug]] abuse.<ref name="RulesOfRuneScape"/> To enforce the rules, an in-game feature exists that allows a player to send a report to Jagex if they notice another player breaking a rule.<ref name="ReportingAbuse"/> ''RuneScape'' also uses three types of [[forum moderator|moderators]]: Jagex Moderators, who are actual Jagex employees; Player Moderators, who are trusted players that enforce the rules within the game; and Forum Moderators, who are trusted players who police the game forums.<ref name="Moderators"/> Players who repeatedly break the rules may be temporarily or permanently [[block (internet)|banned]] from playing the game.<ref name="ReportingAbuse"/>

There are also rules prohibiting the use of third-party software to play the game, known as macroing, and the sale of game items for real money through [[virtual economy|real-world trading]]. In an attempt to stop cheating, Jagex made direct interaction with the [[client (computing)|client]] difficult, and established rules against the practice.<ref name="RulesHonour"/> In response to continued [[gold farming]], Jagex issued a statement condemning real-world trading, stating that they were seizing billions of gold and banning thousands of accounts every week for cheating. Nevertheless, real-world trading and macroing activities continued.<ref name="AutoRune"/><ref name="BotsAndRWT"/>

From October 2007 to December 2007, Jagex began releasing a series of updates to restrict unbalanced trades. These updates established the Grand Exchange, limited the value of items staked in [[duel]]s, removed player-versus-player combat from the Wilderness, made valuable player drops invisible to other players, introduced gravestones for the items of dead players, and instituted the LootShare, CoinShare, and player-assist systems. Collectively, these changes were designed to make it extremely difficult for real-world traders to distribute gold and items to players.<ref name="rwtdevdiary"/>

==Press reception==
''[[PC Gamer|PC Gamer UK]]'' stated in December 2003, that while the "traditional [[Role-playing game|RPG]] values of [[quest (gaming)|questing]], slaying [[monster]]s and developing your character in a familiar [[Middle Ages|medieval]] setting" will not "have the big boys trembling in their +2 Boots of Subscriber Gathering," this is offset by the game's accessibility through a web browser, "compounded by a version of the game that allows free adventuring player the opportunity to upgrade to a members' account", describing the game as "an unsurprising success".<ref name="PCGamerUK"/>

The [[Yahoo!]] 2006 Buzz Log stated that, "while it may not be as easy on the eyes as some other popular online RPG games, like [[World of Warcraft]], [[City of Heroes]], or [[EverQuest]], RuneScape is still a lot better way to kill time than pushing around cells in a [[spreadsheet]]".<ref name="YahooBuzzLog"/> A 2007 JustRPG review summarised ''RuneScape'' as "a fun, addictive game, and while the graphics may not be perfect, for a game written in Java, they aren't bad. The skills are varied, the community is alright, and it'll eat up your time if you aren't careful", giving it a score of 83%.<ref name="JustRPG"/>

In its 2008 [[intellectual property]] profile of the game, Developmag.com stated that whilst Jagex's changes to curtail real world trading resulted in "a wave of user criticism... growth is understood to have resumed since". Its analysis stated that "RuneScape’s [[mass marketing|mass-market]] appeal lies in its simplicity and accessibility (both financial and technical). It has tapped into the vast market of games players unwilling or unable to spend premium prices on PCs capable of playing the latest, expensive, [[central processing unit|processor]]-intensive games. Its core gameplay concepts are very similar to its retail-distributed RPG and MMORPG analogues."<ref name="develop"/> In August 2008, ''RuneScape'' was recognised by the [[Guinness World Records]] as the world's most popular free MMORPG. Jagex was presented with a certificate to commemorate the achievement at the 2008 [[Games Convention|Leipzig Games Convention]].<ref name="Guinness Records"/> A 2009 [[EuroGamer]] article criticised ''RuneScape's'' in-game community for being unfriendly to newcomers, although they have stated that the Fan-Forum community is more approachable.<ref name="EuroGamer"/>

===Player reception===
In December 2007, updates by Jagex removed free player-versus-player combat and unbalanced trading in order to rid the game of activities involving real currency being traded for virtual goods.<ref name="BountyHunter1"/><ref name="BalancedTrade"/> The updates also affected legitimate players, resulting in many of them actively complaining on the forums<ref name="ComplainForums"/> and in-game via "riots"—virtual protests in which disgruntled players congregated in cities, [[spam (electronic)#Online game messaging|spamming]] the chat system with objections to the changes.{{Citation needed|date=June 2009}} Jagex issued a [[Technical support|Customer Support]] [[Article (publishing)|News article]] admitting the updates may not have been an ideal replacement for what was removed, requesting patience and promising to remedy potential problems with updates in the future.<ref name="WordAboutUpdates"/> During the changes, subscription numbers fell by 60,000.<ref name="times growth"/> No figures were given as to how many of those subscriptions belonged to legitimate players and how many to gold farmers.

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<ref name="countries">[http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=664 "Game-world locations renamed"], [http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=596 "11 new worlds online"], [http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=560 "5 new worlds in Stockholm, Sweden"], [http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=527 "6 new Australian servers online!"], [http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=517 "8 new worlds in Miami"], and [http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=405 "New London servers"]. ''RuneScape News''. Published by Jagex Ltd (26 April 2005 through 20 November 2006). Retrieved on 13 April 2007.</ref><ref name="worldlist">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/slu.ws?order=WMLPA|title=Runescape World List|publisher=Jagex Ltd|accessdate=2009-06-20}}</ref><ref name="ServerRelocated">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=116|title=Singapore server relocated|accessdate=2007-07-31|publisher=Jagex Ltd|work=RuneScape News|date=2003-08-25}}</ref><ref name="servercap">{{Cite web|url=http://gigaom.com/2008/07/14/runescape-moves-to-come-out-of-the-shadows/|title=RuneScape Moves to Come Out of the Shadows|accessdate=2008-07-14|publisher=GigaOM|date=2008-07-14|author=Wagner, James Au}}</ref><ref name="themed servers">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=887|title=Themed Worlds|accessdate=2007-09-14|date=2007-08-13|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex Ltd}}</ref><ref name="ClassicServers">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/classicapplet/playclassic.ws|title=RuneScape Classic|publisher=Jagex Ltd|accessdate=2009-08-31}}</ref><ref name="GermanRelease">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=713|title=RuneScape: German Language Beta Launch|work=RuneScape News|accessdate=2007-02-14|date=2007-02-14|publisher=Jagex Ltd}}</ref><ref name="FrenchRelease">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=1547|title=RuneScape France|publisher=Jagex Ltd|work=RuneScape News|date=2008-11-12|accessdate=2008-11-12}}</ref><ref name="BrazilRelease">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=2063|title=RuneScape: Brazil|publisher=Jagex Ltd|work=RuneScape News|date=2009-07-24|accessdate=2009-07-25}}</ref><ref name="GermanServers">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/l=1/slu.ws?order=WMLPA|title=German World List|publisher=Jagex Ltd|language=German|accessdate=2009-08-31}}</ref><ref name="FrenchServers">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/l=2/slu.ws?order=WMLPA|title=French World List|publisher=Jagex Ltd|language=French|accessdate=2009-08-31}}</ref><ref name="BrazilServers">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/l=3/slu.ws?order=WMLPA|title=Brazilian Portuguese World List|publisher=Jagex Ltd|language=Brazilian Portuguese|accessdate=2009-08-31}}</ref><ref name="MMOWeekIddison">{{Cite web|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/mmo-week-jagex-s-geoff-iddison|title=MMO Week: Jagex's Geoff Iddison|accessdate=2008-06-15|publisher=GamesIndustry.biz|date=2008-05-09|author=Martin, Matt}}{{registration required}}</ref><ref name="getting_started">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/how_do_i_get_started0|title=How do I get started?|accessdate=2007-01-28|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex Ltd}}</ref><ref name="Tutors">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/advisors_and_tutors|title=Advisors and Tutors|accessdate=2009-09-17|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex Ltd}}</ref><ref name="TutorialIsland">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=27 |title=Tutorial island|accessdate=2008-11-09|date=2002-09-24|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex Ltd}}</ref><ref name="ThreeCheers">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=1307|title=Three Cheers for Lumbridge!|accessdate=2008-11-04|date=2008-07-14|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex Ltd}}</ref><ref name="Advisors">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=2221|title=Advisors and Objectives|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex Ltd|date=2009-09-17|accessdate=2009-09-17}}</ref><ref name="Statistics">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/controls_statistics#experience|title=Controls – Statistics|accessdate=2009-06-20|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex Ltd}}</ref><ref name="SkillCapes">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/capes_of_accomplishment_members|title=Capes of Accomplishment|publisher=Jagex Ltd|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref><ref name="Skills">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/skills|title=Skills|accessdate=2006-10-14|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex Ltd}}</ref><ref name="FightingBasics">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/fighting_the_basics|title=Fighting – The Basics|accessdate=2006-10-09|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex Ltd}}</ref><ref name="SummoningBasics">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/sym_summoning_the_basics#familiars_and_combat|title=Summoning – The Basics|accessdate=2009-06-20|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex Ltd}}</ref><ref name="MeleeBasics">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/melee_the_basics|title=Melee – The Basics|accessdate=2006-10-14|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex Ltd}}</ref><ref name="MagicBasics">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/magic_the_basics|title=Magic – The Basics |accessdate=2006-10-14|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex Ltd}}</ref><ref name="RangedBasics">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/ranged_the_basics|title=Ranged – The Basics|accessdate=2006-10-14|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex Ltd}}</ref><ref name="CombatTriangle">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/combat_triangle_and_tactics|title=Combat Triangle and Tactics|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex Ltd|accessdate=2009-09-21}}</ref><ref name="DeathInRS">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/death_in_runescape#Can_I_get_my_items_back|title=Death in RuneScape|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex Ltd|accessdate=2009-04-26}}</ref><ref name="DuelArena">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/combat_duelling|title=The Duel Arena|publisher=Jagex Ltd|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|accessdate=2007-11-29}}</ref><ref name="PKingSpots">{{Cite web|url=http://runescape.salmoneus.net/pking_spots.html|title=PKing Spots|author=Mr. Bubbles|accessdate=2009-05-07|publisher=Sal's Realm of RuneScape}}</ref><ref name="PvPWorlds1">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=1370|title=Future PvP Updates|accessdate=2008-08-15|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex Ltd|date=2008-08-15}}</ref><ref name="rwtdevdiary">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/diary06|title=RuneScape vs. Real-world Trading|accessdate=2008-06-29|work=RuneScape Development Diaries|publisher=Jagex Ltd}}</ref><ref name="BountyHunter1">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=1006|title=Wilderness Changes, Bounty Hunter and Clan Wars!|accessdate=2009-06-20|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex Ltd|date=2007-12-10}}</ref><ref name="BountyWorlds">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=1813|title=Bounty Hunter Wilderness-only PvP|accessdate=2009-06-20|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex Ltd|date=2009-05-06}}</ref><ref name="PvPWorlds2">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=1442|title=News Item: PvP Worlds|accessdate=2008-10-15|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex Ltd|date=2008-10-15}}</ref><ref name="PvPWorlds3">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/pvp_worlds|title=PvP Worlds|accessdate=2008-12-19|publisher=Jagex Ltd|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base}}</ref><ref name="BeginnersGuide">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/beginners_guide#quests|title=Beginners' Guide|publisher=Jagex Ltd|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref><ref name="MultiPartQuest">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=29|title=Multi-part quest|accessdate=2007-03-18|date=2002-08-27|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex Ltd}}</ref><ref name="UseBestiary">{{Cite web|url=http://tip.it/runescape/index.php?page=how_to_bestiary.htm|title=How to use the Bestiary|accessdate=2007-02-22|publisher=Rune Tips}}</ref><ref name="mini-games">{{Cite web|url=http://www.tip.it/runescape/?page=activities.htm|title=Activities and Mini Quests|accessdate=2010-10-12|publisher=Rune Tips}}</ref><ref name="random events">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/random_events|title=Random Events|accessdate=2008-07-04|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex Ltd}}</ref><ref name="random sop">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=1146|title=The State of Play|work=RuneScape News|accessdate=2008-07-03|date=2008-03-27|publisher=Jagex Ltd}}</ref><ref name="RandomUpdate">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=1658|title=Random Event Update and more|accessdate=2009-02-25|date=2009-02-25|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex Ltd}}</ref><ref name="Shops1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/controls_shops|title=Controls – Shops|accessdate=2009-04-15|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex Ltd}}</ref><ref name="ControlsTrading">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/controls_trading|title=Controls – Trading|accessdate=2009-04-12|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex Ltd}}</ref><ref name="Grand Exchange">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/controls_the_grand_exchange|title=Controls – The Grand Exchange|accessdate=2009-04-12|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex Ltd}}</ref><ref name="ClanChat">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/controls_clan_chat|title=Controls – Clan Chat|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex Ltd|accessdate=2008-10-23}}</ref><ref name="GeneralChatControls">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/controls_chat|title=Controls – Chat|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex Ltd|accessdate=2008-10-23}}</ref><ref name="ParentsGuide">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/parents.ws|title=Parents' Guide|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex Ltd|accessdate=2008-10-24}}</ref><ref name="FirstGraphicsChange">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=363|title=Wilderness Capes, and Changes|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex Ltd|date=2005-02-22|accessdate=2009-10-14}}</ref><ref name="HDBetaRelease">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=1290|title=RuneScape HD – Members-Only Beta Launch|accessdate=2009-04-27|work=RuneScape News|date=2008-07-01|publisher=Jagex Ltd}}</ref><ref name="NewLookRS">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/diary08b|title=A New Look RuneScape – Part 2|accessdate=2009-04-05|work=RuneScape Development Diaries|publisher=Jagex Ltd}}</ref><ref name="HDFullRelease">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=1311|title=RuneScape HD Full Release – Now for Free Players!|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex Ltd|date=2008-07-14|accessdate=2009-04-29}}</ref><ref name="DetailRename">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=1446|title=Improvements to the game log-in process|date=2008-10-15|publisher=Jagex Ltd|work=RuneScape News|accessdate=2010-02-12}}</ref><ref name="RSTrailer">{{Cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/trailer-runescape/35739|title=Runescape Trailer|accessdate=2008-07-04|publisher=Gametrailers.com|year=2008|author=Jagex Ltd}}</ref><ref name="OpenGLLicense">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/terms/jogl.ws|title=Java OpenGL license on RuneScape website|accessdate=2008-07-09|year=2008|publisher=Jagex Ltd}}{{Dead link|date=May 2010}}</ref><ref name="DirectX">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=2930|title=DirectX Support and Graphics Options|publisher=Jagex Ltd|work=RuneScape News|date=2010-05-13|accessdate=2010-05-13}}</ref><ref name="RuneTek">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=devblog/view_post.ws?post_id=27|title=Game Engine – RuneTek 5|work=RuneScape Developers' Blogs|date=2009-08-26|accessdate=2009-08-29|publisher=Jagex Ltd}}</ref><ref name="RuneTek5Engine">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=2171|title=RuneTek 5 Game Engine|publisher=Jagex Ltd|work=RuneScape News|date=2009-09-02|accessdate=2009-09-02}}</ref><ref name="ZBuffering">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/z-buffering|title=Z-buffering|publisher=Jagex Ltd|work=RuneScape News|date=2010-9-15|accessdate=2010-9-24}}</ref><ref name="SDUpdate">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=2617|title=Standard Detail and Safe Mode|date=2010-02-08|publisher=Jagex Ltd|work=RuneScape News|accessdate=2010-02-12}}</ref><ref name="ControlsOptions">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/controls_options#emotes|title=Controls – Options|publisher=Jagex Ltd|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|accessdate=2007-05-06}}</ref><ref name="RSAudioTeam">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/diary03|title=Audio Team – Music, Sound Effects and the Sound Bank|publisher=Jagex Ltd|work=RuneScape Development Diaries|accessdate=2009-09-12}}</ref><ref name="Voices1">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=2866|title=Slayer Challenges|publisher=Jagex Ltd|work=RuneScape News|date=2010-04-21|accessdate=2010-05-01}}</ref><ref name="Voices2">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=devblog/view_post.ws?post_id=93|title=Look Who's Talking|publisher=Jagex Ltd|work=RuneScape Developers' Blogs|date=2010-04-29|accessdate=2010-05-01}}</ref><ref name="RealSounds">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/new-combat-sound-effects|title=New Combat Sound Effects|author=Mod Bono|publisher=Jagex Ltd|work=RuneScape News|date=2010-10-18|accessdate=2010-10-18}}</ref><ref name="DisplayNames">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=2270|title=Display Names|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex Ltd|date=2009-10-01|accessdate=2009-10-13}}</ref><ref name="ForumAvatar">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/controls_photobooth#forum_avatars|title=Controls – Photo Booth|publisher=Jagex Ltd|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|accessdate=2009-10-07}}</ref><ref name="salsforumguide">{{Cite web|url=http://runescape.salmoneus.net/rs_forums.html|title=Guide to the Official RuneScape Forums|last=Rzk2|coauthors=Danny-, Queen Skilla, Stuud, M__a__t__t_2, Big Tree, Thomas154321, and Ghostfoot, Ambo100|publisher=Sal's Realm of RuneScape|accessdate=2009-04-10}}</ref><ref name="ForumPosting">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/forums#qualifying_free_player|title=Customer Support - Forums|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex Ltd|accessdate=2010-10-07}}</ref><ref name="SaradominEnlightens">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=337|title=Saradomin Enlightens|publisher=Jagex Ltd|work=RuneScape News|accessdate=2009-02-27|date=2004-12-09}}</ref><ref name="ReadersLetters">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=490|title=New readers letters|accessdate=2009-04-07|date=2005-09-26|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex Ltd}}</ref><ref name="PlayersGallery">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/gallery|title=Players' Gallery|accessdate=2009-02-27|publisher=Jagex Ltd}}</ref><ref name="holidayitems">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/holiday_items_guide|title=Holiday Items Guide|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|publisher=Jagex Ltd|accessdate=2009-04-10}}</ref><ref name="WhitePartyhatPrice">{{Cite web|url=http://itemdb-rs.runescape.com/viewitem.ws?obj=1048|title=Price of White Partyhat|work=RuneScape Grand Exchange|publisher=Jagex Ltd|accessdate=2009-02-27}}</ref><ref name="Fansites">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/fansites|title=Fansites|publisher=Jagex Ltd|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|accessdate=2010-06-07}}</ref><ref name="runelinks">{{Cite web|url=http://server1.runescape.com/runelinks.html |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20011024045004/http://server1.runescape.com/runelinks.html|archivedate=2001-10-24|title=RuneScape Links Page|accessdate=2001-08-24|publisher=Jagex Ltd|year=2001}}</ref><ref name="KnowledgeBase">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=556|title=New Improved Game Guide Released|accessdate=2009-05-08|date=2006-03-13|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex Ltd}}</ref><ref name="WelcomeToKB">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/manual|title=Welcome to the RuneScape Knowledge Base|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|accessdate=2009-05-08|publisher=Jagex Ltd}}</ref><ref name="RulesSecurity">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/rules_of_conduct#security|title=Rules of RuneScape – Security|publisher=Jagex Ltd|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|accessdate=2009-05-12}}</ref><ref name="WhoNeedsFansites">{{Cite web|url=http://tip.it/runescape/index.php?times=78|title=So Who Needs Fansites Anyway?|accessdate=2009-05-08|date=2007-01-26|publisher=Rune Tips}}</ref><ref name="FansitesTies">{{Cite web|url=http://www.tip.it/runescape/index.php?times=210|title=Re: The Future of RuneScape|accessdate=2009-05-08|date=2009-02-15|publisher=Rune Tips}}</ref><ref name="RulesOfRuneScape">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/rules_of_conduct|title=Rules of RuneScape|publisher=Jagex Ltd|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|accessdate=2009-05-12}}</ref><ref name="ReportingAbuse">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/how_do_i_report_abuse|title=Reporting Abuse|publisher=Jagex Ltd|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|accessdate=2009-01-18}}</ref><ref name="Moderators">{{Cite web|url=http://www.runescape.com/kbase/guid/moderators|title=Moderators|publisher=Jagex Ltd|work=RuneScape Knowledge Base|accessdate=2009-05-16}}</ref><ref name="getting_started"/><ref name="AutoRune">{{Cite web|url=http://games.infoseka.lt/autorune.html|title=AutoRune history|publisher=Xx Jut Xx's RuneScape site|accessdate=2007-05-30}}</ref><ref name="BotsAndRWT">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=785|title=Bots and real-world trading|publisher=Jagex Ltd|work=RuneScape News|accessdate=2007-05-30|date=2007-05-01}}</ref><ref name="PCGamerUK">{{Cite news|author=Sutherns, Mark|title=RuneScape 2: browser-based Goblin basher goes 3D|work=[[PC Gamer]] UK, issue 129|page=145|publisher=[[Future Publishing]]|date=2003-12}}</ref><ref name="YahooBuzzLog">{{Cite web|url=http://buzz.yahoo.com/buzzlog/9096/the-rundown-o-runescape|title=The Rundown on RuneScape|author=Hurd, Gordon|publisher=[[Yahoo!|Yahoo Buzz Log]]|date=2006-05-08|accessdate=2006-08-08}}</ref><ref name="JustRPG">{{Cite web|url=http://just-rpg.com/default.asp?pid=1209|title=Reviews: RuneScape|author=Gasperazzo, Wendy|publisher=Just RPG|accessdate=2007-04-30}}</ref><ref name="develop">{{Cite web|url=http://www.develop-online.net/features/203/IP-profile-RuneScape|title=IP profile: RuneScape|author=Gibson, Nick|publisher=Develop|date=2008-05-19|accessdate=2008-05-20}}</ref><ref name="EuroGamer">{{Cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/runescape-article|title=RuneScape|author=Blyth, Jon|publisher=[[EuroGamer]]|date=2009-02-09|accessdate=2009-02-20}}</ref><ref name="WordAboutUpdates">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=1019|title=A Word About Our Updates|work=RuneScape News|publisher=Jagex Ltd|date=2007-12-13|accessdate=2009-04-09}}</ref>
<ref name="ComplainForums">{{Cite web|url=http://www.tip.it/runescape/index.php?times=123|title=What the heck was THAT?|author=Armadyllo|publisher=Rune Tips|date=2007-12-10|accessdate=2010-06-07}}</ref>
<ref name="BalancedTrade">{{Cite web|url=http://services.runescape.com/m=news/newsitem.ws?id=1007|title=Trade and Drop Changes|publisher=Jagex Ltd|work=RuneScape News|date=2007-12-10|accessdate=2010-04-18}}</ref><ref name="times growth">{{Cite web|url=http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/media/article3285256.ece|title=Online games group aims for growth the Nintendo way|author=Sabbagh, Dan|quote=Now only people can trade items of similar value...and the clean-up cost RuneScape 60,000 subscribers.|work=The Times |location=UK|date=2008-02-01|accessdate=2008-07-10}}</ref>
}}

==External links==
{{Portal|Java}}
; Official sites
* {{Official website|http://www.runescape.com/title.ws}}
; Wiki
* [[wikiasite:runescape|RuneScape Wiki]]
; Major fansites
* [http://www.runehq.com/ RuneHQ]
* [http://www.tip.it/runescape/ RuneTips]
* [http://www.zybez.net/ Zybez RuneScape Help]

<!-- PLEASE do not add more fansites to this list without further discussion on the talk page. These are the most popular by Alexa ranking, and none of the others are close, so the current consensus is to keep ONLY these here. There are others that are fairly large, but not close to these – so unless the consensus changes, these are the only ones on here. Comments below explain why.

Per Wikipedia policy, ***only*** the highest-traffic fan site should be linked. As RuneHQ, Rune Tips and Zybez are the most popular (per Alexa ranking), and they are too close to each other to make a call as to which is most popular, they have been added but ***no more*** links may be added. Please see the talk page before changing these links. If you need more information on RuneScape, a Google search should suffice.

Per [[WP:NOT]], the 1-fansite rule is usually applicable if there is a serious issue with ELs in the article. This does not seem to be the problem with this article, so if we are able to keep control over the links, we can have 3 fansite links if we wish. RuneHQ, Rune Tips, and Zybez are the three top sites, and no others are close, so I think this can safely conclude previous issues/conflicts with the fansite links.

DO NOT add more sites! -->
{{RuneScape}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2010}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2010}}

[[Category:RuneScape|*]]
[[Category:2001 video games]]
[[Category:Browser-based multiplayer online games]]
[[Category:Crafting video games]]
[[Category:Graphical MUDs]]
[[Category:Java platform games]]
[[Category:Massively multiplayer online role-playing games]]
[[Category:Miniclip games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer browser-based games in 3d gameworld]]
[[Category:Virtual economy]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom]]

[[als:RuneScape]]
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[[he:רונסקייפ]]
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[[ms:RuneScape]]
[[nl:RuneScape]]
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[[fi:RuneScape]]
[[sv:Runescape]]
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[[vi:RuneScape]]
[[vls:RuneScape]]
[[zh-yue:RuneScape]]
[[bat-smg:RuneScape]]
[[zh:RuneScape]]

Revision as of 12:40, 20 October 2010

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