What's Happening?
Old School Runescape, a 2013 MMORPG based on the 2007 version of Runescape, has reached a new peak in popularity by breaking its concurrent-user record with 241,016 players on August 3. This milestone was confirmed by developer Jagex, although they did not provide their own data. The game, which is free-to-play with an optional subscription, has been gaining traction due to recent updates, including the Varlamore: The Final Dawn update and the upcoming addition of a new skill, Sailing. The game has also seen increased interest from the World of Warcraft content-creator community, who are drawn to its more permanent progression system compared to WoW Classic.
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Why It's Important?
The resurgence of Old School Runescape highlights the enduring appeal of classic MMORPGs and the importance of community-driven content updates. The game's ability to attract players from other popular MMORPGs like World of Warcraft suggests a shift in player preferences towards games that offer lasting progression and community involvement. This trend could influence the development strategies of other MMORPGs, as they may seek to incorporate similar features to retain and grow their player bases. Additionally, the game's success underscores the potential for older games to find new life through strategic updates and community engagement.
What's Next?
With the upcoming introduction of the new skill, Sailing, and continued updates, Old School Runescape is likely to maintain its momentum and possibly attract even more players. The game's developers, Jagex, may continue to leverage community feedback to guide future updates, ensuring the game remains relevant and engaging. The increased interest from content creators could also lead to more visibility and growth for the game, potentially influencing other developers to explore similar collaborations with influencers to boost their own games.
