Jagex has announced a fourth entry in the RuneScape line, and it is coming with a cartoon attached. The MMO developer revealed the news at RuneFest this weekend, showing off an animated teaser for a new mainline game built on Unreal Engine. The studio also signed popular streamer MoistCr1tikal to star in an animated adaptation of the game.
The announcement came during Jagex’s in-person festival in Birmingham. The new game is “still a few years away,” but the studio chose to show a peek of it on stage rather than keeping it under wraps.
The Fourth RuneScape
The new entry is the first mainline RuneScape game to use Unreal Engine. Previous mainline games have relied on Jagex’s own RuneTek engine, which gave the series its low-resolution charm.
Jagex’s statement said the game would draw on lessons from Dragonwilds, the spin-off that runs on Unreal Engine 5. The new project will also keep the studio’s community-driven development approach, which has shaped both RuneScape and its older sibling, Old School RuneScape.
“We could have kept it behind closed doors for much longer,” writes Jagex, “but ultimately, that didn’t feel very RuneScape, or very us. We want to build on the best of the tech development we’ve learned on Dragonwilds, and the best of the community co-development we’ve learned through RuneScape and Old School, and apply those principles to something new. And of course, as a RuneScape game, integrity and permanent progression will be central to our design principles.”
The Cartoon Deal
MoistCr1tikal, whose real name is Charlie White, is best known for his drama-focused YouTube channel. He will now bring Gielinor to life in an animated adaptation of the game.
The cartoon is being handled by Lyrical, the studio behind:
- How To Blow Up A Pipeline
- Onslaught
Lyrical is also working on the upcoming Bloodborne film.
Like Bloodborne, Lyrical will lean on YouTube energy for the project.
The Current Lineup
RuneScape has three active entries right now. The throwback Old School RuneScape, based on a 2007 build of the 2001 game, has taken most of the spotlight among the three.
The new game will run alongside its current siblings. That is a rare position for an online game, where most companies run one version at a time.
The Engine Question
It is not clear which version of Unreal Engine the new RuneScape will use. The announcement did not specify whether the game will run on Unreal 5 or the newer Unreal 6, which is slated to debut late next year.
The move marks a major upgrade for the series. For years, RuneScape has been known for its deliberately low-resolution look, a choice that has become part of its identity.
What Players Want
The bigger question is whether players want a modern-looking version of RuneScape. The series has built its appeal partly on its antiquity, and fans may be wary of a sharp visual shift.
Jagex is betting that the new engine can deliver a modern look without losing the game’s spirit. The studio has not yet confirmed which version of Unreal Engine the game will use.
The announcement was made at RuneFest, Jagex’s in-person festival. The studio chose to show the teaser in person rather than waiting for a quieter release.
The Schedule So Far
| Event | Date / Detail |
|---|---|
| RuneScape announcement at RuneFest | This weekend |
| Dragonwilds release | Earlier, on Unreal Engine 5 |
| New RuneScape release | Still a few years away |
| Unreal Engine 6 debut | Late next year, pending |
| Bloodborne film | Upcoming, via Lyrical |
The announcement is a two-pronged move. Jagex is upgrading its engine while dipping its toes into animation.
The cartoon is an interesting side bet. Lyrical’s work on How To Blow Up A Pipeline and Onslaught shows a studio with a strong sense of style, and the Bloodborne film connection adds a dash of prestige.
The question of whether players want a modern-looking version is the one to watch. The game’s identity has been built on its low-resolution charm, and trading that for a modern look is a gamble.
Jagex’s announcement at RuneFest is a signal of intent. The studio is moving forward with a new mainline game and a cartoon adaptation, both with the same aim: bringing more of Gielinor to players.
The new RuneScape is still a few years away. By revealing it now, Jagex is showing its hand and letting the community get used to the idea.
See the video the story is built around at Kotaku.
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