Jagex’s PR department released details on the upcoming RuneFest 2019 event earlier today. RuneFest is an annual event run by British developer Jagex to celebrate the history and culture of RuneScape. Dating way back to 2010, this convention has grown significantly since its humble beginnings.
RuneFest 2019 has been announced for October 4th and 5th. This year’s celebration will take place at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre. Tickets aren’t cheap. A standard ticket will set you back £150 (approximately $190). For that price, you get complete access to both RuneFest itself and the Golden Gnome Awards. The latter of which is an award ceremony where significant figures in the RuneScape community get awarded for various feats.
So what can you expect if you choose to go? An array of game events, cosplay, developer panels, event-exclusive merchandise and tonnes of food options. Jagex usually holds on to some big announcements especially for RuneFest too so fans can get hyped for some potentially huge additions.
Jagex Events Manager Josh Winward describes RuneFest as an “opportunity to bring more of our living game world of Gielinor to life than ever before.” Winward also stated that “there’s no better way to connect with the ever-expanding RuneScape community than by bringing everyone together.”
RuneScape itself is a game that has been through its fair share of turmoil over the years. Jagex has reverted several controversial changes including the removal of PvP and player trade limitations. Past efforts to prevent scamming arguably went too far but the British devs seem to be more in touch with their community now. Events like RuneFest as well as community-driven updates have helped bring back the culture that previously defined RuneScape.
It’s difficult to say if RuneScape will ever see its former glory but the release of mobile has at least helped bring in new players. The MMORPG market is not as healthy as it once was and Jagex will have to work hard to get RuneScape back to where it belongs.
I’m a passionate games critic who has been writing actively since 2015. I have a particular interest in both racing games and JRPGs as well as a love for Overwatch and its eSports scene. I consider gaming and writing my two big passions in life. So much so that I’m currently studying a one of a kind degree that covers both in one! My goal in life is simply to become a renowned critic who is respected for his opinions.
