Jagex announced today that RuneScape 3 will launch on July 22, officially advancing Gielinor inhabitants into the series’ 6th Age. The release includes several technological updates to previous RuneScape games, including HTML 5 compatibility.

RuneScape 3’s transition to HTML 5 brings with it improved graphics, better draw distance, and superior audio. One of the most popular free-to-play franchises in the world, Jagex claims that this is its most significant update we’ve seen since its release 12 years ago.

You can watch RuneScape developers discuss the upcoming release here.

Our Take

While there is sure to be a certain degree of indifference towards the release of a new RuneScape iteration, it shouldn't be forgotten that Jagex mastered the immersive, addictive, free-to-play game model long ago. Another thing to keep in mind is that, as of last year, RuneScape has an estimated 200 million registered users, 10 of those million which are still active. In short, there is still a huge demand for free-to-play MMO's. Preliminary footage of the RuneScape 3 beta indeed shows significant graphical improvements, but we'll have to wait until its official release to really know how the public receives it.

Click to page two for the full press release.

Wednesday 3RD July 2013, Cambridge, UK - Jagex, the creators of the hugely popular Guinness World Record holding free-to-play adventure game, RuneScape, is excited to announce that the highly anticipated launch of RuneScape 3 will take place on 22 July.

The biggest upgrade in the game’s acclaimed 12 year history, RuneScape 3 brings next generation browser technology, new gameplay features and heralds in ground-breaking player-driven content.

RuneScape 3 will mark the massively multiplayer online game’s transition to the cutting-edge browser technology of HTML 5, enabling any player to embark on the world’s biggest adventure without the requirement for Java nor any other plugins. The use of the proprietary HTML 5 engine allows for significant enhancements to the player experience such as improved graphics, longer draw distances, an upgraded camera system and superior audio. The addition of seasonal high scores will allow all players in the community to compete on weekly and monthly leader boards.

The launch of RuneScape 3 will also see player decisions directly shaping the future of Gielinor, its inhabitants and scenery for the very first time. It will also marking the beginning of RuneScape’s inaugural community-focused world event, The Battle for Lumbridge. In addition to the technological leap RuneScape 3 sees the world of Gielinor enter the 6th Age, a significant new milestone in RuneScape’s vast heritage, as the gods of RuneScape return to re-exert their authority.

“We received fantastic praise from our passionate RuneScape community when we first revealed the development of RuneScape 3, so we’re thrilled to be able to confirm the 22 July launch date for the most significant update in the game’s history,” said Phil Mansell, Executive Producer of RuneScape 3. “Our pioneering use of HTML 5 technology continues to place us at the forefront of browser-based gaming innovation, and will result in a truly amazing gaming experience for players.”

“RuneScape continues to go from strength to strength, and with the launch of RuneScape 3 this year we will no doubt continue on that upward trajectory,” stated Mark Gerhard, CEO of Jagex. “We have a solid line up of the most ambitious innovative content and ground breaking technical innovations ever, all of which will be coming to fruition over the course of the next few months, it’s going to be an incredibly exciting time for the community both past and present.

Assets to accompany this release are available to download from the Jagex extranet: http://www.jagex-press.com.

About RuneScape

RuneScape is the world’s most popular free-to-play online adventure game (as consistently recognised by Guinness World Records) from award-winning independent British development studio Jagex.

Set in a vivid detailed medieval fantasy world, RuneScape’s universe and narrative proudly draws its inspiration from classic role-playing adventure games, delivering an innovative and original experience for millions of players worldwide every day. RuneScape is totally free-to-play, with a popular membership expansion offering even greater scale, variety and ambition, running directly within almost any computer’s browser.

Players are not limited by character classes like most games instead the skills they choose to train define who they become and with its truly open-world gameplay there are no limits to the type of hero players can evolve. Quests are accessible to all as is player-versus-player combat for the brave or daring.

RuneScape’s quintessential British witty tone, finely balanced gameplay, epic questing and completely open non-linear world combine to create a game that has earned its rightful place as the most popular free-to-play online adventure game of all time and continues to push the boundaries as the World’s Greatest Adventure

About Jagex

Jagex is a multi-award winning games developer based in Cambridge, England. Jagex specialises in the development of high quality browser-based games and is the largest independent games developer and publisher in the UK.

Jagex has a long-standing reputation for creating the world's best online games and for developing hugely popular, high quality, accessible, free-to-play games and for providing an unbeatable community experience for millions of players around the world. Jagex has developed and self-published over 40 online titles, including the world's most popular free multiplayer online game, RuneScape.com.