Jagex denies RS4 replaces old Runescape games
Developer Jagex is gearing up for a massive new chapter in the long-standing fantasy world of Runescape, announcing the development of a fourth massive MMO set to expand the beloved Gielinor.
At RuneFest Birmingham this weekend, the studio unveiled their vision for what will become the next generation of the series, internally referred to as RS4. While the official name is still forthcoming, the reveal signaled a significant technological shift, with the new title poised to be built entirely on the powerful Unreal Engine.
The new adventure will transport players back to Gielinor, specifically into the Sixth Age, kicking off the story in the region of Ashenfall, years after the events of Runescape Dragonwilds. Jagex emphasized that this is not just a continuation of the story, but an opportunity to build upon a world players already know and love.
The ambition for RS4 is clearly to grow far beyond Ashenfall. Jagex stressed that the goal is to expand the narrative and introduce new locations and stories across the entirety of Gielinor over time.
Beyond the scope of the map, the development philosophy centers on deep community involvement. The studio stated that for 25 years, RuneScape has been shaped by its players, and they aim to bring the community into the development journey from the very beginning. This means actively sharing ideas, testing concepts, and listening to the community as they build the game.
Crucially, Jagex assured fans that this new MMO is not a replacement for any of the existing titles. Old School Runescape, Runescape, and Dragonwilds will continue to thrive, each maintaining their own dedicated teams, exciting roadmaps, and continued investment.
The development team reflected on the history of the franchise, noting that 25 years ago, a small team and community turned RuneScape into something immense. Now, they are excited to embark on another grand adventure together, continuing the legacy and fostering the creativity of the community that drives the series forward.
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