Jagex has announced RuneScape 4, a new installment in the long-running MMO franchise that will be developed using Unreal Engine. The game is currently in early development and is a considerable way off from release.
According to Jagex, the as-yet-unnamed title will bring the world of Gielinor to life with Unreal Engine technology, aiming to combine the depth and community focus of previous RuneScape games with modern design possibilities. This new entry is not intended to replace any existing RuneScape titles but rather to exist alongside them.
During a prebrief, Jesse America, Jagex's vice president of studios and next-gen development, revealed that the concept for RuneScape 4 originated from a planned expansion for the survival spin-off, RuneScape: Dragonwilds. This initial idea evolved into a full-fledged MMO that incorporates persistent servers and trade hubs.
The game will be set in Gielinor during the Sixth Age, beginning in Ashenfall, an area that was first introduced in RuneScape: Dragonwilds. Ashenfall is located northeast of Gielinor and serves as the starting point for the adventure. Jagex stated that the story will take place years after the events of Dragonwilds and the destruction of the Dragon Queen Kuldra, with time having passed and the world evolving.
"Our ambition is for this adventure to grow far beyond Ashenfall over time, moving into places you know and love, as well as opening up new places and stories across Gielinor," Jagex shared in a post introducing the game. The development team plans to leverage the technical advancements learned from the Dragonwilds project and the community co-development experience gained from RuneScape and Old School RuneScape.
Alongside the announcement of RuneScape 4, Jagex also revealed RuneScape Reignited, a new permanent character type set to debut on December 2nd. This feature will offer players a fresh start and a chance to experience the game's world through a revamped perspective.