Old School RuneScape, the enduringly popular MMORPG, owes its existence to a serendipitous discovery. According to Kieren Charles, OSRS's creative director, the 2007 version of the game was chosen as the foundation for the new iteration because the developers couldn't locate a copy of the 2006 build that players initially requested. A Jagex employee reportedly found the 2007 server files in their desk drawer, leading to its subsequent revival.
This accidental origin story has paved the way for a remarkable resurgence for the 13-year-old game. Old School RuneScape has now surpassed even the original RuneScape's player counts from 2007, with Charles estimating that OSRS alone has upwards of one million active subscribers. The game is now older than RuneScape was when Old School first launched in 2013, highlighting its sustained longevity.
Charles, who was part of the game's original player base in his youth, explained that the choice of the 2007 version was based on what players considered a 'golden age' for the title. The development team's approach to Old School RuneScape is unique, blending official support with strong community influence. This is exemplified by the game's regular content updates, including expansions like the 2024 Varlamore, which are designed to maintain the authentic '06 or '07 feel.
Crucially, all proposed new content undergoes a community vote, requiring a minimum 70% approval rating to be implemented. This ensures that additions align with player expectations. "We are already running an MMO that's entirely decided by fans, but it's backed by a huge development team who could still do things that are at scale," Charles stated, contrasting it with fan-run servers that often lack the same level of support and player capacity.
While the community-driven approach means some ideas are rejected, a process Charles admits can be disheartening, the team prioritizes player satisfaction. They aim to avoid investing significant development time into features that the community ultimately dislikes. Charles sees his role and that of his colleagues as caretakers, responsible for nurturing and preserving the game according to the community's desires. Having been a player himself before joining Jagex, he emphasizes a commitment to looking after the game and its dedicated fanbase.