BIRMINGHAM, UK — The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham hummed with a unique energy this weekend as over 6,000 passionate adventurers gathered for the largest RuneFest in the event’s history. Jagex, the stalwart developer behind one of the world’s most enduring massively multiplayer online gaming universes, used its flagship fan convention to pull back the curtain on a breathtaking slate of updates, expansions, and entirely new projects.
Celebrating a legacy that has spanned a quarter of a century, the studio didn’t just look back at its storied history; it painted a bold, ambitious picture of the future. From the rebranding of RuneScape 3 into RuneScape: Reignited and massive upcoming reworks for Old School RuneScape, to the surprise announcement of a fourth mainline MMO powered by Unreal Engine 5 and a Hollywood-grade animated series featuring internet icon Charlie White (MoistCr1TiKaL), RuneFest 2026 proved that the world of Gielinor is entering its most expansive chapter yet.
Main Facts: A Paradigm Shift for the Gielinor Franchise
The announcements coming out of RuneFest 2026 represent a fundamental shift in how Jagex approaches its intellectual property. Rather than maintaining the status quo, the developer is actively modernizing its ecosystem while honoring the nostalgic roots that keep millions of players logging in daily.
The headline announcements dominating the convention floor include:
- RuneScape: Reignited: RuneScape 3 is officially shedding its moniker and entering a new era of game design philosophy, backed by a robust 2027 roadmap.
- Old School RuneScape (OSRS): The beloved retro counterpart is receiving monumental skill reworks and significant content expansions to keep its passionate community engaged.
- RuneScape: Dragonwilds: Jagex’s newer spin-off title is slated to receive its very first major expansion pack, building upon its multi-platform success.
- The "RuneScape 4" Project: In a bombshell reveal, Jagex announced an entirely new, fourth MMORPG set in the RuneScape universe, currently being developed from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5.
- Hollywood Expansion: Gielinor is making the jump to television through a newly minted partnership with Los Angeles-based production company Lyrical Media and internet personality Charlie White (MoistCr1TiKaL).
Chronology: How RuneFest 2026 Unfolded
The Grand Overture
The convention kicked off with a breathtaking display of community and culture. The NEC auditorium fell silent before erupting into cheers as the Manchester Video Game Orchestra took the stage. Joined by beloved community figurehead Mod Ash, the orchestra delivered a sweeping, emotive medley of iconic RuneScape themes and tracks that have accompanied players through decades of virtual quests, boss fights, and skill grinds.
Setting the Vision
Following the musical tribute, Jagex executives and lead developers took the floor to outline the strategic vision for the franchise. The focus quickly shifted from celebration to revelation as the studio detailed how it plans to bridge the gap between classic MMORPG design and modern technological standards.
The chronological rollout of news moved swiftly from existing game roadmaps for 2027 to transmedia expansions, culminating in the jaw-dropping teaser for the Unreal Engine 5-powered fourth MMO. Attendees were treated to exclusive first-look trailers, developmental diaries, and live Q&A sessions with the development teams throughout the weekend.
Supporting Data: Platforms, Partnerships, and Project Breakdown
To understand the sheer scale of Jagex’s current operations, one must look at the diverse ecosystem the company now manages across multiple platforms:
| Game / Project | Current Platforms | Key 2026/2027 Updates |
|---|---|---|
| RuneScape: Reignited (Formerly RS3) | PC, Steam, iOS, Android (Cross-platform) | Rebranded design philosophy, 2027 content roadmap focused on modern player expectations. |
| Old School RuneScape | PC, Steam, iOS, Android (Cross-platform) | Major skill updates, new high-level content drops, community-driven polls. |
| RuneScape: Dragonwilds | PC (Steam, Epic, Jagex Launcher), Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S | First major post-launch expansion pack. |
| Untitled "RuneScape 4" | In Development (Unreal Engine 5) | Early development phase; built for a new generation of players. |
| Animated Series | Television / Streaming (TBD) | Developed in partnership with Lyrical Media and Charlie White (MoistCr1TiKaL). |
The multi-platform presence of the franchise has never been stronger. While classic experiences remain tethered to their accessible roots on PC and mobile devices via seamless cross-platform progression, newer entries like Dragonwilds have successfully bridged the gap to modern home consoles, including the Nintendo Switch 2 and current-generation PlayStation and Xbox hardware.
Official Responses and Creative Collaborations
The announcement of the animated adaptation caught many attendees by surprise, particularly due to the involvement of content creator Charlie White, widely known to millions of fans as MoistCr1TiKaL. Known for his deadpan humor, massive online following, and genuine passion for gaming culture, White’s involvement signals Jagex’s desire to infuse mainstream entertainment projects with authentic gaming voices.
In a statement released alongside the convention’s opening ceremonies, Jagex emphasized that the collaboration with Lyrical Media aims to translate the rich lore, deep mythology, and memorable characters of Gielinor into a prestige animated format.
"We are taking the foundational stories that players have lived through for 25 years and giving them a cinematic language," a Jagex representative noted during a panel. "Partnering with creators who truly understand the gaming zeitgeist, like Charlie White, ensures that the heart and soul of RuneScape remains intact while we explore new creative horizons."
Regarding the transition of RuneScape 3 into RuneScape: Reignited, developers stressed that the rebrand is more than skin-deep. It signifies a wholesale commitment to re-evaluating player feedback, streamlining accessibility, and introducing quality-of-life frameworks designed to meet the demands of modern MMORPG enthusiasts without alienating veterans.
Implications: What This Means for the Future of Jagex
The announcements at RuneFest 2026 carry profound implications for both Jagex as a studio and the broader MMORPG market. For years, the industry has debated whether classic MMOs can successfully sustain themselves while modernizing for younger generations accustomed to high-fidelity graphics and dynamic action combat.
By announcing a fourth MMO built in Unreal Engine 5 while simultaneously continuing to heavily invest in Old School RuneScape and RuneScape: Reignited, Jagex is effectively pursuing a multi-generational strategy. They are no longer relying on a single virtual world to carry the weight of the franchise; instead, they are creating a diversified portfolio of Gielinor-based experiences.
Catering to Divergent Player Psychographics
- The Nostalgia Purist: Served by Old School RuneScape, where community-polled updates ensure the game remains faithful to its 2007 aesthetic and gameplay loops.
- The Modern MMORPG Enthusiast: Addressed by RuneScape: Reignited, which modernizes systems, graphics, and progression pacing.
- The Multi-Platform Survival/Action Fan: Reached through Dragonwilds and its upcoming expansion, catering to console and PC gamers alike.
- The Next-Generation Gamer: Targeted by the secretive "RuneScape 4" project, which promises to leverage cutting-edge engine technology to redefine what a RuneScape world can look and feel like.
Expanding the Brand Beyond the Screen
Furthermore, the push into television and streaming media via Lyrical Media and MoistCr1TiKaL demonstrates that Jagex views RuneScape as a tier-one global entertainment property. If the animated series succeeds, it could introduce millions of casual viewers to the lore of Gielinor, driving a new wave of users back into the games.
As the dust settles on the NEC floor in Birmingham and the 6,000 attendees return to their keyboards and controllers, one thing is abundantly clear: the world of Gielinor is not just surviving its silver anniversary—it is boldly charging into a vibrant, high-tech future.
