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Jagex Aims to Make RuneScape the World’s No. 1 MMO

Jagex removed a lucrative Treasure Hunter microtransaction to rebuild player trust ahead of an October RuneFest reveal meant to bring lapsed players back.

Overview

  • CEO Jon Bellamy publicly set the goal of overtaking World of Warcraft as the top MMO on July 21, 2026.
  • Jagex scrapped the Treasure Hunter system, a paid loot-style feature that boosted XP and gold, and Bellamy says revenue is now “down quite a large chunk” while membership levels have stabilized.
  • The studio has spent the past year fixing in-game friction and reducing daily FOMO under long-serving leadership to improve player experience.
  • Jagex says it will make a major announcement at RuneFest on October 3 designed to actively win back lapsed players, but it has not disclosed what the new content or features will be.
  • RuneScape’s 25-year legacy gives Jagex a loyal base, but the company acknowledges that lasting growth will require new, compelling content to convert restored trust into more players and revenue.