Jagex announced a fourth RuneScape MMO in early development and a new animated series at RuneFest in Birmingham, England, on Saturday, Oct. 3. The unnamed MMO will use Unreal Engine and target “a new generation of players,” while the animated adaptation will feature YouTuber and gaming creator Charlie “MoistCr1TiKaL” White in partnership with LA-based production company Lyrical Media.
The Fourth RuneScape MMO Revealed in Early Development
According to IGN, the as-yet-untitled fourth RuneScape MMO will use Unreal Engine to bring the world of Gielinor, the setting of the RuneScape games, to life. For more on the game’s announcement, see our RuneScape 4 coverage. In its official description, Jagex stated that the project aims to merge “the depth, freedom and community-led spirit that have defined RuneScape for 25 years with the technology and game design possibilities of today.”
The studio currently operates three RuneScape titles: RuneScape, Old School RuneScape, and RuneScape: Dragonwilds. The new project is in early development. Jagex has not announced an official name, release date, platforms or gameplay details. While the game is sometimes referred to informally as RuneScape 4, Jagex has made no such official announcement.
The Animated Series: Partnership With MoistCr1TiKaL
Jagex also revealed plans for a RuneScape animated adaptation. The project is produced by Lyrical Animation, a division of independent film company Lyrical Media, in partnership with White. A Jagex representative told Polygon that White is “a maxed-out player and is a big fan of our games,” and described the project as “a passion project for everyone involved.”
White’s exact role in the series has not been confirmed. He does have entertainment experience beyond gaming. His credits include an extra role in “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1” and voice work in dubbed anime shows and video games. He is also already collaborating with Lyrical Animation on an animated film adaptation of his graphic novel series, “Godslap.”
What Remains Unknown
For the new MMO, Jagex has not disclosed platforms, release windows, or gameplay specifics. Details on the animated series also remain unconfirmed, including its length, release date, and the extent of White’s involvement beyond partnership. Both projects are in early stages of development.
The Franchise Expansion
RuneScape has created over 300 million player accounts in its 25 years, making it one of the longest-running video games in the world. Jagex’s announcements signal a strategy to expand the franchise beyond games into animation and new gaming experiences, testing whether the RuneScape universe can reach audiences beyond its core MMO player base.
Reporting from IGN and Polygon contributed to this story.
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