How ‘RuneScape’ Studio Is Prepping a 25-Year-Old PC Franchise for Its First-Ever Console Release, Including Crossplay

New Delhi, India Jul 8, 2026 ALN: The release of the latest chapter in the "RuneScape" franchise is fast approaching with the September launch of "Dragonwilds," which will mark a turning point for the beloved PC franchise. Launched in 2001, "RuneScape" has been a staple in the MMORPG genre, captivating millions of players with its expansive world, rich lore, and engaging gameplay. The upcoming title is not just another addition to the series; it represents a significant evolution in the franchise's history, particularly as it ventures into the console market for the first time.

Currently available in Steam Early Access for PC players, "Dragonwilds" is particularly notable because it will mark the first-ever "RuneScape" game to come to console devices in the MMORPG’s 25-year history. This shift is emblematic of a broader trend in the gaming industry, where developers are increasingly recognizing the importance of multi-platform accessibility and the demand for crossplay functionality among gamers.

Transitioning to Console

As porting to new platforms has become much easier with Unreal Engine 5, which is what "RuneScape" maker Jagex is using to build the title, there are key aspects the team has had to pay attention to when it comes to making a game that has a good "feel" on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S consoles when it debuts on September 15, in addition to "RuneScape’s" longtime home on PCs. The use of Unreal Engine 5 allows developers to leverage advanced graphics and gameplay capabilities, which are crucial for creating an immersive gaming experience.

"The development’s been straightforward, but there’s a lot of work that we have to do on the UX, the user experience, because while we’ve been developing with controller in mind, there is an expectation from a console player around the experience on a controller," Jagex’s "RuneScape: Dragonwilds" creative director Rick Turek said during an interview at Summer Game Fest last month. This statement underscores the importance of user experience, particularly for a franchise that has historically been rooted in keyboard and mouse controls.

With the transition to console, Jagex faces unique challenges. Turek notes that there isn’t, to his knowledge, a best-in-class survival game on a controller that has really nailed it with the types of features that "RuneScape: Dragonwilds" will offer. This highlights the need for Jagex to not only adapt its existing gameplay mechanics but also to innovate in order to meet the expectations of console players who may be unfamiliar with the intricacies of the "RuneScape" universe.

Balancing User Experience

An example Turek gives is the Xbox-owned "Minecraft," which is "quite simple, in terms of its control features, and it doesn’t have a lot of overlapping systems because it’s quite organic." In comparison, the Jagex exec says "RuneScape: Dragonwilds" is "quite an interface-heavy game." This distinction is critical, as it reveals the complexity of adapting a game that has traditionally relied on a more detailed interface for PC users to a format that is comfortable and intuitive for console users.

"Which is really great for PC, but as soon as you start putting that on controller, a lot of the work has been less about trying to do the port to console, because we have Unreal — it’s more been about the user experience and how we make the controller feel great," Turek explained. This focus on user experience is vital, as it can determine whether new players feel welcomed into the "RuneScape" community or if they find the transition cumbersome and frustrating.

Furthermore, Turek emphasizes that "RuneScape," being traditionally PC, raises questions about what it means for console players. "What that means if I’m a console player and if I’m getting the same experience out of it." This inquiry points to the broader implications of cross-platform gaming, where players expect a level playing field regardless of the device they choose to play on.

Engagement and Strategy

According to Jagex, more than one million Early Access copies of "RuneScape: Dragonwilds" had been sold as of June. That engagement comes as Jagex has been promoting its "strategy to expand ‘RuneScape’ into a broader ecosystem of forever games and connected experiences, grounded in a renewed commitment to integrity and fair play," including "the reduction of monetization mechanics." This strategic pivot reflects Jagex's awareness of the changing landscape of gaming, where players are increasingly critical of aggressive monetization practices.

With this in mind, the U.K.-based developer Jagex is balancing courting longtime "RuneScape" players, as well as potential new fans with features like that feel-good controller aspect and promises of crossplay abilities. The notion of crossplay is particularly significant in the current gaming environment, where players expect to connect and compete with friends regardless of the platform they choose. This commitment to crossplay not only enhances the gaming experience but also fosters a sense of community among players.

"My general assumption is that there are lots of people who’ve touched ‘RuneScape’ in one way or another, but aren’t still playing the MMO," Jagex product director Robert Galassi-Fox said. This insight highlights the potential for growth in the player base, as Jagex seeks to re-engage former players while attracting new ones. "So a lot of when we kicked off it was talking to people in early research to see how many people preferred playing on the [retro game controller] sticks. It’s not a small amount of people. So it was very important for us to stick the landing and part of what we were doing even in Alpha was being quite specific, as Rick said, about it feeling good on the controller first."

Galassi-Fox added: "Us coming to PC made good sense in terms of the [Early Access] expression, but I’m more excited for this new audience and seeing what some of the expectations are. We want it to be equivalent, and the intent, and this hasn’t changed yet, is that there will be crossplay, so people will be able to play with each other." This statement encapsulates Jagex's vision for the future of "RuneScape: Dragonwilds," as it aims to create a game that resonates with both legacy players and newcomers alike.

The implications of this console release extend beyond just the technical aspects of gameplay. The introduction of "Dragonwilds" to consoles opens up new avenues for community building and engagement. It allows Jagex to tap into a larger audience, potentially introducing the rich lore and expansive world of "RuneScape" to players who may have never experienced it before. This strategic move could lead to a revitalization of the franchise, drawing in a new generation of players while also rekindling the interest of those who have drifted away from the game over the years.

As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, with increasing competition from both established franchises and new entrants, Jagex's efforts to adapt "RuneScape" for consoles and enhance user experience are crucial. The success of "Dragonwilds" could set a precedent for how legacy franchises can successfully transition into the modern gaming era, embracing new technologies and player expectations while maintaining the core elements that have made them beloved for decades.