RuneScape CEO aims to beat WoW and become the biggest MMO

In the sprawling, competitive world of Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games, where titans vie for digital supremacy, there are established giants and ambitious challengers. At the heart of this rivalry sits World of Warcraft (WoW), an undisputed behemoth, but lurking in the background with a rich legacy is RuneScape (RS). This venerable title has spent years building a massive audience, celebrating its 25th anniversary, and carving out a unique space among gaming royalty.

Born from simple ideas to an expansive franchise, RuneScape has evolved far beyond its humble beginnings. With titles like Old School RuneScape alone boasting over 250,000 concurrent players, the game has demonstrated remarkable longevity and adaptability across different eras of gaming. It stands as a powerful testament to the enduring appeal of community-driven, deep gameplay.

Despite its massive player base, RuneScape has traditionally occupied the runner-up spot behind the juggernaut that is World of Warcraft. This dynamic has fueled an ambition within the studio, Jagex: The RuneScape Company, to change that narrative. Jon Bellamy, CEO of the company, has openly declared a lofty goal: to become the number one MMO brand in the world.

Bellamy suggests that while the gap between the two giants is considerable, setting ambitious goals is the first step toward making headway. The strategy outlined focuses not just on growth, but on refining the core experience. This involves trimming elements that players have found frustrating and streamlining gameplay to remove “clunkiness and pain,” aiming to deliver a smoother, more cohesive experience.

Jagex is actively implementing these changes by cutting out unpopular monetization schemes, such as the Treasure Hunter perk, while simultaneously polishing its mechanics. This approach suggests a focus on internal quality—making the game better for the players who already love it—rather than relying solely on external pressures to gain traction.

Beyond optimizing the existing formula, Jagex is preparing for major expansion across new platforms. The survival spin-off, RuneScape: Dragonwilds, is set to arrive on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, broadening the franchise’s reach into next-generation consoles.

Further exciting developments are slated for the future. Jagex plans to unveil major updates for the entire RuneScape franchise at RuneFest in October 2026, signaling a commitment to keeping the community engaged with fresh content and exciting reveals.

In the wider context of the MMO landscape, overtaking a titan like World of Warcraft is a monumental task. Other large-scale titles have struggled to usurp the throne. Yet, RuneScape might possess an advantage. By focusing on stability, player satisfaction, and avoiding the pitfalls associated with rushed updates or aggressive microtransaction practices that have occasionally plagued other major franchises, Jagex may find its own path to global leadership.

Ultimately, the race for the crown of the greatest MMO is far from over. Whether RuneScape or World of Warcraft claims the ultimate position will depend on how effectively each studio navigates the future—by delivering polished content and understanding what truly captivates the gaming world.