'Runescape Classic' will shut down after almost two decades

Tue Jan 31. 2023

Jagex, the developer of RuneScape, has announced that the original RuneScape's PC server will be permanently offline one year after revealing plans for porting both Old School Runescape and RuneScape to mobile and tablet. To be clear, this is Runescape Classic -- the 2001 version of Runescape -- so Old School Runescape servers will not be affected.

Fans of the browser-based MMORPG Runescape Classic (17 years old) will feel this as a loss. RuneScape was a pioneer in the online fantasy market, sitting alongside EverQuest and Asheron's Call. It dragged players into a medieval realm, allowed them to transform into an avatar of choice, and then launched a non-linear adventure that included questing, PvP combat and an enviable chatroom. Runescape Classic will disappear into the digital ether on August 6th, at 3AM ET. Jagex explained that Classic's tools are no longer compatible with Classic.

"It's been amazing to see such dedication from those of you who've kept playing RuneScape Classic for the past few years," Jagex's farewell message states, "But, it's more than just fun and games." Botting was a serious problem and it was becoming increasingly difficult to eradicate.

RuneScape was the preferred hangout for many gamers whose formative years coincided the dawning of the new millenium. It seems that old habits are hard to break. 2013 saw RuneScape reach a milestone of 2 million accounts. Although the game has evolved naturally since its original release, with major upgrades in 2013 and 2004, players still love the retro feel. Jagex's announcement of the restoration of old-school servers was based on a poll of 160,000 users.

The good news is that RuneScape Classic servers remain online at the moment, and Gielindor's doors are open for the next three-months.