Jagex, devs of RuneScape, are testing how far they can push monetization without losing players. However, many long-time players are realizing they don’t want their paid game of 10+ years to turn into an ad-filled, pay-to-win nightmare.

Things that Jagex, RuneScape developer, hopes to add to the game:

  • Advertisements - an ad supported plan like Hulu, so you have ads hitting you in the face while you play
  • Paid account recovery - Pay more money to recover your account!
  • Character Name reservations
  • “special worlds” just for you! So VIP servers, paying EXTRA… for VIP servers, on a game you already pay to play
  • Pay to win features - longer AFK timer to stay in the game for longer. If you pay more, you ge a longer in-game access time
  • More membership price hikes - It’s likely the membership price will rise AGAIN. Keep in mind, Jagex profit AFTER ALL EXPENSES has surged over 35% over past 5 years. They are stealing from their players, robbing them blind

Example of their black-mirror inspired membership plans

The $32.49/month membership option for Old School RuneScape and RuneScape 3 includes:

  • Access to both games.
  • 2 member characters.
  • Additional member characters for $10.49 per month each.
  • Specialized Member Worlds.
  • Character Name Reservations.
  • Pre-Verified Account Recovery.
  • A complimentary bond.

You ready to be nickle and dimed like going to the carwash and getting that juicy tire shine for an extra $5?

Here’s a wonderful discussion post if you enjoy diving in and seeing some great points, and information: Membership Survey /r/2007scape

TL;DR: Jagex survey asking if players are ok paying an absurd amount more money for having access to customer service, ad-free gaming experience. Players went ballistic, and are finally wiseing up to how awful the company really has become.