[Each day, Worlds in Motion will be taking a closer look at individual virtual worlds. We'll start with a nuts-and-bolts overview, then move on to an in-depth tour, to be followed up with a conclusion-- all with the aim of bringing you all the essential info and details on each world in the rapidly-developing virtual landscape.]
Today we take our first glance at RuneScape, the fantasy MMO from Jagex.
Name: RuneScape
Company: Jagex Ltd., a UK-based game developer.
Overview: Set in the fantasy world of Gielinor, RuneScape lets users undertake quests, battle monsters, learn skills, collect items, and chat as they explore the realm.
How it Works: RuneScape runs in its own browser window, using Java. Navigate in-world by point-and-click, and adjust the camera angle with the arrow keys. There's also a simple side menu to adjust in-game settings and manage inventory-- and all of it's introduced in a friendly tutorial that appears when you begin. All in all, it plays a lot like an old-school PC adventure game, with the ability to interact with and examine people and objects by clicking on them.
Payment Model: RuneScape offers both a free mode and a subscription option-- members pay $5 monthly. The free mode has limited access to the expansive world map, and is only updated with limited frequency. Other members-only benefits include weekly updates, exclusive skills and items, the ability to build a home, and a considerably larger number of available quests. Jagex gets part of its revenue from memberships and the rest from an advertising agreement with WildTangent Games-- which also distributes RuneScape through its network. Using ad-blocking software in the free version is a violation of the rules.
Key Features:
-Music and ambient sound effects play continually, unique to each game area
-Option to run game with either hi or lo res graphics
-Fans share information via official forums
-Two moderator types: company employees and vested players
Useful Links:
Membership Benefits
RuneScape Knowledge Base
RuneScape Forums
RuneScape Reaches 1 Million Members
WildTangent Explores RuneScape
Brunel Study Claims RPGs are Good For Kids
