RuneScape CEO Claims Studio Aims to Overtake World of Warcraft as Top MMO

A Quarter-Century Legacy and a Bold New Vision

RuneScape has been a constant presence in the online gaming world for 25 years. Since its initial release, the browser-based MMORPG has evolved from a niche hobby into a sprawling franchise. The studio behind it, Jagex, recently marked the game’s 25th anniversary, highlighting how a simple multiplayer project grew into a massive ecosystem. Old School RuneScape alone maintains a robust player base, regularly hosting over 250,000 concurrent users. Despite this enduring popularity, the franchise has historically occupied the number two slot in the MMORPG hierarchy, trailing Blizzard Entertainment’s World of Warcraft.

That hierarchy may be the next target for change. In a recent interview with The Game Business YouTube channel, Jagex CEO Jon Bellamy declared that the studio’s ultimate ambition is to surpass World of Warcraft. “The dream is that we’re not the number two biggest MMO brand in the world; we’re number one,” Bellamy stated. He acknowledged the scale of the challenge, noting, “There’s a big old gap between us and number one, but if we get it right, we know we can make headway.” Bellamy emphasized that the studio is committed to setting high standards. “It’s lofty and ambitious, but if you’re going to set lofty and ambitious goals, why not swing for the top? So, that’s the number one goal,” he added.

Visual representation of the rivalry between RuneScape and World of Warcraft as the top MMOs.

Overhauling the Business Model and Expanding Platforms

Achieving this status requires more than just aspirational statements; it demands structural changes to how the game operates. Jagex is actively moving to remove friction points that have drawn criticism over the years. A primary focus is the elimination of unpopular microtransactions, specifically the Treasure Hunter perk. This system, which allows players to gamble for in-game items, has faced significant backlash for its resemblance to loot box mechanics. Bellamy confirmed that these removals are part of a broader effort to strip away “much of the clunkiness and pain within the game,” aiming to create a smoother, more player-friendly experience.

Expansion beyond PC is another critical component of the strategy. The studio is bringing RuneScape: Dragonwilds, a survival-focused spin-off, to Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. This move taps into the growing demand for cross-platform play and targets audiences who prefer console gaming. By diversifying the franchise across multiple devices, Jagex hopes to widen its reach and attract users who might not typically engage with PC MMOs.

A close-up shot of a modern gaming console controller next to a laptop displaying the RuneScape interface, symbolizing c — RuneScape's expansion to consoles aims to reach a broader audience beyond PC gamers.

The Competitive Landscape and World of Warcraft’s Current State

The path to the top of the MMO genre is notoriously difficult. Titles like Final Fantasy XIV and Star Wars: The Old Republic have made serious attempts to unseat World of Warcraft, yet the Blizzard franchise has maintained its dominance. Historically, shifts in the genre’s hierarchy have occurred during periods of instability for World of Warcraft. The 2021 launch of World of Warcraft: Shadowlands serves as a prime example; widespread criticism of the expansion’s design, combined with corporate controversies at Blizzard, triggered a mass migration of players to Final Fantasy XIV before many eventually returned with World of Warcraft: Dragonflight.

Currently, World of Warcraft is navigating its own set of challenges. The recent launch of World of Warcraft: Midnight has been marred by reports of technical issues and a rushed development cycle. Players have expressed frustration over the game’s monetization strategies, with some cosmetic items costing as much as an entire expansion pack. These pain points could create a window of opportunity for RuneScape to capture disaffected players, provided Jagex can deliver on its promises of quality and fair pricing.

What This Means for You

For the average gamer, the announcement signals a potential shift in the MMO landscape. If Jagex follows through on removing microtransactions and refining its game systems, RuneScape could become a more compelling alternative to World of Warcraft. The console release of Dragonwilds also provides a low-barrier entry point for players who want to experience the franchise without investing in PC hardware.

However, the road to number one remains steep. Blizzard has a proven track record of recovering from missteps, and the upcoming BlizzCon 2026 could introduce announcements that reinforce World of Warcraft’s market position. Players interested in following these developments should keep an eye on the October 3, 2026 RuneFest event, where Jagex plans to reveal major updates for the RuneScape franchise. The coming months will likely define whether RuneScape can successfully challenge the industry’s long-standing king.

Source: Latest from Windows Central

Over to you: Do you think RuneScape can realistically overtake World of Warcraft, or is Blizzard’s franchise too entrenched?