Jagex marks RuneScape’s Silver Jubilee with record investment in US and UK

Backed by the largest annual investment into the games to date - figure unspecified - RS25 is a focus on those elements that matter most to players: from upgraded support systems, and modernised game infrastructure to bold new content releases, refreshed systems and a hugely exciting line up of live events in the US and UK.

“It’s incredible to think a quarter century has passed since RuneScape’s beginnings as a Java-based browser game,” said Jon Bellamy, CEO of Jagex, which is based at Cambridge Science Park. “Today we’re speaking to the largest and most active RuneScape community in our history and this milestone is as much theirs as it is ours.

“RS25 is more than a celebration of where we’ve come from, it’s a statement of where we’re going. We’re investing in our games, the player experience, our technology, and our teams to ensure RuneScape and its worlds continue to inspire and connect millions for decades to come. This is a year defined by investment, momentum, community obsession, and building the foundations of Jagex / RuneScape’s next great era.”

Creative Industries Minister Ian Murray said: “Jagex have been at the forefront of the video game industry for a quarter of a century, demonstrating how British studios can produce iconic, international hits like RuneScape.

“The Government is committed to ensuring the continued success of our world-class video game sector and I am excited to see how Jagex continues to innovate, inspire and build worlds alongside its global community."

As part of Jagex’s 2026 investment in live community driven experiences, the RuneScape world is coming to players like never before, with major events on both sides of the Atlantic. RuneFest also returns: Bigger, bolder, and more immersive than ever. RuneFest 2026 will take place October 3–4 at the Birmingham NEC, doubling in size from RuneFest 2025 to host 6,000 fans for the largest in-person celebration to date.

The event will feature two permanent stages of live reveals and developer sessions, immersive theming and activities, meet and greets with Jagex staff and creators, exclusive merch and unforgettable community moments. Tickets go on sale this spring at RuneFest.com.

For the first time in its 25-year history, Jagex will bring the thrill of an elite Deadman Mode competition to the United States with Deadman All-Stars Live at the Rosemont Theatre in Chicago on 20 June. Partnering with creator Solomission, this high energy event will see top content creators and competitors battle it out in front of a large theatre audience, as well as many more viewers via the livestream. Tickets on sale in February.

In another studio first, Old School RuneScape is gearing up for a major creator-led LAN event that fuses competition with real-world chaos. The high-energy experience will unite some of the community’s most recognisable creators for a live, high-energy showcase, streamed live to players at home. More details will be shared in the Spring.

RuneScape will this year enter a new chapter with a comprehensive rejuvenation rooted in integrity, visual renewal, and a renewed focus on what makes the game special. Alongside a long-requested Player Avatar refresh and meaningful visual upgrades, and major improvements to player support. all new features are designed to better serve the community at the heart of RuneScape.

This new era will also see the removal of RuneScape’s microtransaction system, Treasure Hunter, following the community vote in November 2025, marking a major step forward in player-first design and transparency.

Old School RuneScape will be revealing an ambitious 2026 Roadmap, building on the landmark launch of Sailing in Nov 2025, with a brand-new marquee OSRS Raid, a new Grandmaster quest, another blockbuster League and meaningful quality-of-life improvements shaped by the community.

Together, these updates reinforce OSRS’s position as a leading player-driven living world built to endure for decades to come. The Old School RuneScape Winter Summit will be streamed live on January 25th preceded directly by Deadman: Factions – Old School’s biggest ever creator event.

As part of the RS25 celebrations, Jagex unveils a new wave of premium collaborations and collectibles designed to let players take home a piece of Gielinor.

Jagex is today unveiling a refreshed corporate identity that more clearly aligns the studio with the RuneScape world at the heart of its past, present, and future, led by the new end line “Jagex: The RuneScape Company.” The evolution is supported by an updated digital presence, including a refreshed company website, alongside subtle new identity design elements such as a dragon silhouette inspired by RuneScape lore, symbolising legacy, strength, and transformation as the studio enters its next chapter.

Continued investment into enhanced live chat tools, faster response times, and strengthened anti-cheat systems will be introduced throughout the year.

“RuneScape has always been about building worlds together,” said Jon Bellamy. “Our Future Talent Pathway reflects that same belief, empowering aspiring local new creators and developers to push boundaries, learn from some of the best in the industry, and build the experiences that will define the future of online play. It’s our commitment to nurturing talent, elevating creativity, and ensuring Jagex continues to lead from the front for the next 25 years.”

Marc Allera, Chair of Jagex, added, “This 25th anniversary marks not only a celebration of Jagex’s legacy, but the start of an exciting new chapter. We’re entering a period of growth and innovation, expanding how we build, play, and connect with our global community.

“Backed by the largest ever investment in the RuneScape franchise, we’re committing record levels of funding into new content for RuneScape, Old School RuneScape and RuneScape: Dragonwilds, and into tooling and technologies to make the experience of being a RuneScape player better and more seamless than ever before. These investments will shape the next chapter around the community, while rewarding the players that brought us here – for us, the best of Jagex is still to come.”

Not all the planned 2026 initiatives can be mentioned here but Business Weekly will be carrying regular features in conjunction with Jagex as the anniversary year unfurls.