Jagex Officially Announces RuneScape 4 Built on Unreal Engine

Jagex has officially pulled back the curtain on RuneScape 4, a brand-new MMO entry in its 25-year-old franchise that will be built using Unreal Engine, according to Video Games Chronicle. The studio made the announcement at RuneFest in Birmingham, UK, and was quick to stress that the current title is a placeholder and the project remains years away from shipping.

What We Know About the Game

The teaser trailer shown at RuneFest confirmed that RuneScape 4 will be set in the world of Gielinor during the Sixth Age, with the story beginning in Ashenfal, a location that first appeared in Dragonwilds. The game takes place years after the events of Dragonwilds and the defeat of the Dragon Queen Kuldra. Jagex said it plans to expand the scope of the game over time, moving into both new regions and familiar locations that longtime fans will recognize, as reported by Video Games Chronicle.

Not a Replacement, a New Branch

Jagex was direct about where RuneScape 4 fits within its broader lineup. The game will not replace RuneScape, Old School RuneScape, or Dragonwilds, and it will have its own dedicated development team separate from those projects. The studio framed the new entry as a way to expand the RuneScape universe rather than consolidate it. “The ambition isn’t to replace the RuneScape games you love. It’s to make the RuneScape universe bigger,” Jagex said in its announcement. The company also suggested that players might move between multiple RuneScape experiences, or discover Gielinor for the very first time through the new title.

Why Announce So Early?

Jagex acknowledged that revealing a game this far from completion is an unusual move, but framed it as consistent with the studio’s philosophy of building alongside its community. “For 25 years, RuneScape has been shaped by its players. We’ve learned that our games are at their best when we build with you, not just for you,” the studio said. Jagex indicated it intends to share ideas, run tests, and gather player feedback throughout the development process rather than waiting for a more polished reveal closer to launch.