RuneScape 4 Unveiled as the Series’ First MMO Built on Unreal Engine

RuneFest, the annual gathering dedicated to all things RuneScape, is happening this weekend in Birmingham, UK. The highlight of the event is the announcement that Jagex is developing RuneScape 4, a new MMO set in the RuneScape universe.

During a pre-RuneFest virtual briefing, Jesse America, the executive producer of RuneScape: Dragonwilds, shared that RuneScape 4 was initially intended as an expansion for Dragonwilds called Shadows of Ashenfall. However, player feedback indicated a desire for more social features in the survival game. In response, the team pivoted to make Dragonwilds align more with a “typical Jagex game,” incorporating elements like persistent servers, larger player counts, and player-to-player trading.

“The team embraced that challenge with a lot of creative ambition and enthusiasm,” America noted. “When we saw the very first prototypes and reviewed the designs, we realized that the direction pointed towards a completely different scope. It became clear that it would essentially be an MMO, deserving of its own title.”

America also disclosed that RuneScape 4 is being built using Unreal Engine. The trailer hints at a focus on dragons, which players will be able to both battle and ride. While Jagex operates with several teams, America emphasized that “this is something that the entire studio will work on, all of us together.”

Jagex has not yet clarified the future of its other titles: RuneScape (also known as RuneScape 3), Old School RuneScape, and RuneScape: Dragonwilds. America referred to RuneScape 4 as the studio’s fourth pillar, suggesting that the other three will continue to receive support. However, it’s easy to envision a scenario where RuneScape 3 loses a significant portion of its player base as they transition to the new installment.

Currently, RuneScape 4 is in the very early stages of development, with no details available regarding its release window, platforms, or gameplay.