RuneScape is one persistent MMO. With over 12 years of history behind it, it ranks among some of the Internet's most long-lived communities.
In just a few short months, the game will be taking one more step in its development with an iteration that's being called "RuneScape 3." The new free-to-play, browser based game will feature a number of improvements on the last version, including an all new HTML5 engine.
Jagex, the developer on the game, has also announced that the third entry will have improved graphics, longer draw distances, all new audio, new gameplay features, and a "world-changing" content update. They're calling RuneScape 3 one of the "most significant" updates in its history.
There's no word yet on the compatibility of the game's current content with the new engine.
Jagex also announced that since its original inception in 2001, the RuneScape franchise has seen over 220 million players.
The fantasy MMO is one of the most successful browser based games in the history of the industry, and is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest free MMORPG, as well as the most updated game. The original version was released in 2001, before being redone and released as RuneScape 2 in 2004. The game features many of the elements commonly associated with MMOs including non-linear exploration, leveling systems, quests, and a player driven, in-game economy.
Currently, RuneScape 2 is generally referred to as RuneScape, while servers hosting the older version are known as RuneScape Classic servers. Jagex has yet to confirm if current servers will be upgraded to RuneScape 3, or if both versions will exist simultaneously.