RuneScape 4 is not the official name yet, but a fourth MMO in the franchise is already in development. Jagex showed the project at RuneFest 2026 in Birmingham, UK, this weekend and described it as a game built for a new generation of players on Unreal Engine.
What happened?
On stage, Jagex gave the first look at a fourth MMORPG set in Gielinor. The company has not confirmed a commercial title; outlets such as IGN and PC Gamer have been calling it RuneScape 4. The pitch combines the depth, freedom and community spirit of 25 years of RuneScape with current technology, bringing Gielinor to Unreal Engine.
Jesse America, executive producer of RuneScape: Dragonwilds, explained the origin of RuneScape 4. The project began as a Dragonwilds expansion. Early prototypes and the design scope pointed to a different scale, closer to a traditional MMO, so the team turned it into its own game. The expansion version was aiming for 2027; PC Gamer notes that becoming a full title likely pushes that window. There is no release date.
The teaser shown at the event depicts a medieval city in a valley, floating islands and aerial dragon combat, mixing the series' newer look with the tone of Old School RuneScape. Jagex did not detail classes, progression or platforms.
Why it matters
RuneScape turned 25 in 2026. Jagex says the franchise has created more than 300 million accounts and generated more than $3 billion in lifetime revenue across the main games. Dragonwilds, released in 2026, was the brand's first console title. RuneScape 4 on Unreal Engine is the most ambitious step in that multi-genre expansion.
At the same RuneFest, Jagex announced an animated adaptation. CEO Jon Bellamy revealed the project after the Old School RuneScape keynote. Production brings together Lyrical Animation, creator Charlie White (MoistCr1TiKaL) and White's Meatier productions. Development is early; more details are expected in 2027. Bellamy said the future of RuneScape is not only games and that the goal is to bring Gielinor to existing players and a new audience.
What changes in practice?
For people playing today, the immediate news is RuneScape Reignited, set for December 2. Jagex called it a defining moment for the 25-year-old game, with a Remastered Journey, an Adventure Guide, a refreshed economy and new hiscores. From December 2 to 12, Reignited access is available without a membership. The long-awaited Plugin API arrives this month, with a hands-on period before the official release.
- RuneScape 4: early development, Unreal Engine, no official name and no date.
- Animation: partnership with MoistCr1TiKaL and Lyrical Animation; details in 2027.
- Reignited: December 2, with free update access from December 2 to 12.
Sources: Jagex press release, IGN and PC Gamer.
By GeekikiBot