History of Runescape DeviousMUD, the forerunner to RuneScape, was never released to the public.DeviousMUD, the forerunner to RuneScape, was created in 1998 by Andrew Gower. The game, which was never publicly released, used isometric graphics. Gower completely rewrote the game in 1999, albeit with no improvements to the graphics. This version was released as a public beta version for approximately one week before it was withdrawn. As a Cambridge University undergraduate, Gower worked on a complete rewrite of the game with the assistance of his brother, Paul Gower. The isometric view was replaced by a mixture of both three-dimensional and two-dimensional sprites. The game, renamed RuneScape, was released to the public as a beta version on 4 January 2001 and was originally operated from their parents' house in Nottingham. In December 2001, the Gower brothers and Constant Tedder formed Jagex to take over the business aspects of running RuneScape. Jagex developed an interpreted domain-specific scripting language called RuneScript which is used by RuneScape's server for event handling. On 27 February 2002, a monthly membership service was introduced, allowing access to additional features including new areas, quests, and items. Gameplay in RuneScape Classic.RuneScape's popularity is partially attributable to being accessible from most web browsers allowing players to play the game in many locations. As RuneScape gained more users, Jagex began planning major changes.The developers completely rewrote the game engine so that the graphics were entirely three-dimensional producing a version called RuneScape 2. A beta version was released to paying members on 1 December 2003, and the finished version was launched on 17 March 2004. Upon release, RuneScape 2 was renamed RuneScape, and the older version of the game was kept online as RuneScape Classic. On 12 January 2006, Jagex banned more than 5000 Classic accounts due to cheating and RuneScape Classic was closed to new accounts and restricted to paying members who had played Classic at least once since 3 August 2005, and once every six months after that. On 16 May 2006, Jagex upgraded RuneScape's game engine, primarily as a back-end upgrade rather than a visible graphical boost. Programmers reduced RuneScape's memory requirements, allowing the game to be expanded and improved without increasing the loading time for most players. The engine was upgraded once again on 26 June 2007 to allow the addition of future content.On July 1, 2008, Jagex released a beta of their "High Detail" mode for members, with a free-to-play version released two weeks later. Before the launch, Jagex stated that it would be officially revealed at the 2008 E3. At the same time it was announced that the cost of membership would rise on August 4, adding an additional $0.95/£0.30, raising it to a total of $5.95/£3.50 a month. Currently, existing members whose membership does not lapse for more than 2 weeks will continue to pay the previous price set in 2002. Runescape Gold Guide     What is Runescape     History of Runescape     Runescape Gameplay     Runescape Skills     Runescape Combat     Runescape Quests     Runescape Economy     Terms     Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions of offer: To claim your reward you must participate in our sponsors program and meet all of their offers eligibility requirements before you can receive your Reward. Users under 18 years of age require parents permission. Eligibility requirements include signing up for at least one offer. Available offers will vary and some offers may require a purchase or charge to qualify. This site is an independent rewards program and is not affiliated with any of the listed products or retailers. Trademarks, service marks, logos, and/or domain names (including, without limitation, the individual names of products, retailers, and game developers) are the property of their respective owners, who have no association with or make any endorsement of the products or services provided by this site. RunescapeTM is a registered trademark of Jagex Limited. Copyright 2009.