RuneScape

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RuneScape
Developer(s)	Jagex Ltd.
Publisher(s)	Jagex Ltd.
Release date(s)	RuneScape Classic: 4 January 2001 RuneScape 2: 29 March 2004
Genre(s)	Fantasy MMORPG
Mode(s)	Multiplayer
Platform(s)	Java Platform: Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac OS X
Media	Web interface
System requirements	Low detail: 64 MB RAM, 300 MHz CPU High detail: 128 MB RAM, 500 MHz CPU
Input	Keyboard, Mouse

RuneScape is a Java-based MMORPG operated by Jagex Ltd. With over ten million active free accounts^[1] and more than one million paid member accounts,^[2] RuneScape is rated among the most popular online games in the world.^[3] More than five million unique players access their accounts to play RuneScape at least once per month.^[4] RuneScape offers both free and subscription content and is designed to be accessible from any location with an Internet connection and to run in an ordinary web browser without straining system resources.^[5]

Andrew Gower created DeviousMUD, the forerunner to RuneScape, in 1998. Rewritten and renamed, the first version of RuneScape was released to the public on 4 January 2001. Since its release, the game has been praised for its free-playing abilities and its availability on a web browser.

RuneScape takes place in the fantasy-themed realm of Gielinor,^[6] which is divided into several different kingdoms, regions, and areas.^[7] Players can travel throughout the gaming world on foot, by using magical teleportation spells or devices, or mechanical means of transportation.^[8] Each region offers different types of monsters, materials, and quests to challenge players.

Players are shown on the screen as customisable avatars. They set their own goals and objectives, deciding which of the available activities to pursue. There is no linear path that must be followed. Players can engage in combat with other players or with monsters, complete quests, or increase their experience in any of the available skills.^[9] Players interact with each other through trading, chatting, or playing combative or cooperative mini-games.